With a posting or a move to Switzerland, family reunification is rarely the most difficult legal question — but it is one that goes considerably more smoothly when planned early than when dealt with afterwards.
Deadlines under Art. 47 AIG
Different deadlines apply to spouses and children, within which family reunification is possible without additional hurdles: five years for spouses and children up to 12 years, twelve months for children over 12 years. If this deadline is missed, reunification is possible only where there are important family reasons — the requirements for the justification then rise noticeably. We therefore recommend planning family reunification from the start of the posting or move, not only after arriving in Switzerland.
Proof of sufficient financial means
For executives and wealthy individuals, proof of sufficient financial means for family reunification is generally unproblematic, but it must be documented formally correctly — in particular with more complex income or asset structures (shareholdings, trusts, several sources of income in different countries).
Practical points that are additionally relevant for this group
- International schools: A place at an international school is not required by the authorities, but it is usually decisive for the practical planning of the move — the application deadlines of good international schools in Zurich, Geneva or Zug are often well before the permit is actually granted.
- Unregistered partnerships and blended families: Not every family situation corresponds to the classic married-couple-with-children model — we assess in each individual case which evidence and lines of argument are viable.
- Domestic staff and childcare: Separate and usually stricter residence law requirements apply to domestic staff who accompany the family, and these must be examined separately.
How we support you
We coordinate family reunification in parallel with the main permit (posting, taking up residence or business formation), so that all family members can move as far as possible at the same time and without unnecessary delay.
Planning to move to Switzerland with your family?
We clarify early which deadlines apply to your family and what should be prepared now.
Request a confidential initial consultation