Quick answer
The Swiss Family Reunification Visa (National Visa D) allows family members of Swiss residents, EU/EEA nationals, or foreigners with Swiss residency to join them for stays over 90 days. Application must be made in person [1], typically via appointment through VFS Global [2]. Required documents include a valid passport (issued within last 10 years, at least 3 months validity after return, 2 blank pages) [3], 4 passport photos [5], 3 completed and signed application forms [7], a cover letter [10], an invitation letter from the host in Switzerland [11], original marriage certificate (if applicable) legalized by relevant authorities [12], Police Clearance Certificate [13], and original birth certificate for children [14]. Processing takes 6-12 weeks (India) [15] or up to 3 months (Vietnam) . Once approved, the entry visa is issued [17][18]; holders must register with local authorities within 14 days of arrival [19]. Fees: EUR 80 for adults, EUR 40 for children 6-12, free for spouses of Swiss/EU-EEA nationals and children under 6 [15]. Language competency A1 may be required .
Key facts
| Visa type | National Visa D (Family Reunification)[1] |
| Processing time | 6-12 weeks (India) [15] to up to 3 months (Vietnam) [15] |
| Fee | Adults EUR 80; children 6-12 EUR 40; free for spouses of Swiss/EU-EEA nationals and children under 6 [15][15] |
| Validity of entry visa | Allows travel through Schengen and entry to Switzerland during its validity; must be used before expiry [18][18] |
| Registration upon arrival | Within 14 days at local Residents Registration Office [19][19] |
Requirements
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Requirements in detail
Passport issued within last 10 years, at least 3 months validity after scheduled return, at least two blank pages. Handwritten passports not accepted.
4 photos, white background, not older than 6 months, size 35-40mm width. 3 pasted on forms, 4th clipped to passport.
Three completed and signed forms. If minor, signed by legal guardian. Download from SEM website.
If any previous passports exist, submit them bound together with a rubber band (not stapled).
Two cover letters (one original, one copy) from the applicant explaining the purpose.
Two invitation letters (original + copy) from the host in Switzerland with name, address, email, phone.
Two photocopies each of host's passport (first and last page) and residence/work permit in Switzerland (if applicable).
Must be issued by Registrar of Marriages, legalized by State Home Ministry and Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi. No marriage deed accepted. Original returned after submission.
Marriage certificate must be legalized by the competent State Home Ministry.
Further legalization by Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi is required.
Original + one copy issued by local police station nearest to residence or passport office.
Original birth certificate for each child accompanying applicant, legalized by State Home Ministry and Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi.
Birth certificate must be legalized by State Home Ministry and Ministry of External Affairs.
Documents you'll need
Passport
Photos
Forms
- 3 completed and signed national visa D application forms [7]
Supporting letters
Host documents
- Copy of host’s passport (bio page) and residence/work permit (if non-Swiss) [12]
Relationship proof
- Original marriage certificate (legalized by State Home Ministry and MEA for India; notarized translation if needed) [12]
Background checks
- Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) from local police or passport office [13]
Children
- Original birth certificate for accompanying children (legalized; 2 copies) [14]
Language
- Proof of language competency A1 (for Hong Kong and possibly other posts)
Minors
- For minors: visa form signed by legal guardian; proof of custody if applicable; consent from non-applying parent [8]
Fee
- Visa fee (cash or card; exemptions as per eligibility) [15]
This list adjusts automatically based on your nationality and category.
How to apply
- 1
Collect all required documents as listed in the official checklist for your jurisdiction (India [1], Hong Kong , Vietnam ). Ensure originals and copies are prepared.
- 2
Book an appointment online via VFS Global (or direct with consulate for spouses of Swiss citizens in Hong Kong) [2].
- 3
Submit the application in person at the designated embassy, consulate, or VFS center on the appointed date [1]. Do not fax or email documents [15].
- 4
Pay the visa fee (cash or credit card) at the time of submission .
- 5
Wait for the processing decision. The application is forwarded to the competent cantonal migration office in Switzerland, taking 6-12 weeks (India) [15] or up to 3 months (Vietnam) .
- 6
Once authorization is granted (Form 'Ermächtigung zur Visumerteilung'), the passport and authorization may be submitted to VFS Global (or consulate) for visa issuance [17].
- 7
Collect the passport with the entry visa. The visa allows travel to Switzerland via Schengen [18].
- 8
Upon arrival in Switzerland, register at the Residents Registration Office within 14 days (Einwohnerkontrolle) [19]. The residence permit will be issued after registration.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to provide a notarized translation of documents?
Yes, if documents are not in English or a Swiss official language (German, French, Italian). Translations must be notarized and not older than 6 months .
Can I submit the application by mail or email?
No, applications must be submitted in person at the embassy or consulate (or via VFS). Fax or email submissions are not accepted [1][15].
Is the visa fee refundable?
No, the visa fee is non-refundable even if the visa is refused .
What if I hold a Certificate of Identity (CoI) or Identity Certificate (IC)?
You must additionally provide a valid Residence Certificate (RC) and a Return Visa. The Return Visa can be submitted once the authorization is received .
Can my family members (spouse/children) apply together?
Yes, but each family member must submit a separate application with required documents. Children under 6 are exempt from visa fee [15].
What should I do if my documents need legalization?
Depending on your country, documents like marriage and birth certificates must be legalized by competent authorities (e.g., State Home Ministry and MEA in India [12]; Vietnamese MFA ). You may also request voluntary verification by the Swiss embassy (3-4 months, CHF 1,000) .
How long is the entry visa valid?
The visa is valid for a single entry to travel through Schengen and enter Switzerland within its validity period. You must register within 14 days of arrival [18][19].
Can I work in Switzerland immediately after arrival?
No, the family reunification visa only allows entry. The residence permit (issued after registration) will define your rights . Work authorization depends on the permit.
Related visas
Sources
One numbered entry per specific claim — several entries may point to the same underlying document, each with its own locator.
- [1]
Personal appearance required for application submission
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [2]
Online appointment booking via VFS Global
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [3]
Passport validity and blank pages requirement
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [5]
Number of application forms required
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [6]
Cover letter and invitation letter
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [7]
Marriage certificate legalization
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [8]
Police Clearance Certificate requirement
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [9]
Birth certificate for children
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [10]
Visa fee structure and exemptions
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [11]
Processing time 6-12 weeks for India post
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Verified — deep-linkedC15 mentions the application is forwarded to canton for decision (6-12 weeks)
- [12]
Entry visa validity and registration within 14 days
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [13]
Voluntary document verification option
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [14]
Hong Kong appointment process and fee
National Family Reunion Visa D · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [15]
Language competency A1 requirement for Hong Kong
National Family Reunion Visa D · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [17]
Vietnam application requirements and documents
National Visa for Family Reunion in Switzerland · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Verified — deep-linkedConsolidated set of requirements for Vietnam post
- [18]
Possible additional documents and interview
National Visa for Family Reunion in Switzerland · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [19]
Processing time up to 3 months for Vietnam
National Visa for Family Reunion in Switzerland · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Verified — deep-linked
This page reflects Switzerland's officially published requirements as of the dates above. It is not legal advice, and final approval is solely at the discretion of Switzerland's immigration authorities. For a case-specific compliance check against your own documents, try VisaBook free.