Quick answer
To apply for a Swiss National Visa (Type D) for family reunion, you must submit the required documents as listed in the official leaflets [1]. The application is subject to approval by the competent cantonal authorities , and the visa is issued only after their approval . Processing time is approximate and may vary . During the procedure, the Swiss representation does not provide information; contact the cantonal migration authority instead .
Key facts
| Visa type | National Visa (Type D) – Family Reunion[1] |
Am I eligible?
Family Reunion
- 3x national (type D) visa application forms
- Passport valid at least three months after leaving Switzerland and with at least two blank visa pages
- Subject to the authorisation of the competent cantonal authorities
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Requirements in detail
Passport must be valid at least three months after leaving Switzerland and have at least two blank pages.
Three national (type D) visa application forms, duly completed and signed.
Four identical passport photos in colour, size 35x45 mm.
Marriage certificate or birth certificate proving the family relationship.
Additional documents or information may be requested by the authorities.
Documents you'll need
- 3 national (visa D) application forms, duly completed and signed
- 4 identical passport photos (35x45 mm) in colour
- Proof of family relationship (marriage certificate/birth certificate)
- Additional documents may be requested by the competent authorities
This list adjusts automatically based on your nationality and category.
How to apply
- 1
Refer to the official leaflets for the list of required documents .
- 2
Submit the completed application to the Swiss representation .
- 3
The application will be forwarded to the competent cantonal authorities for decision .
- 4
Wait for the approval; the visa is issued only after approval .
- 5
During the procedure, contact the cantonal migration authority for status updates .
Frequently asked questions
What documents are required for a family reunion visa?
You need to submit 3x national (type D) visa application forms, a passport valid at least three months after leaving Switzerland with at least two blank visa pages, and the application is subject to the authorisation of the competent cantonal authorities.
Related visas
Sources
One numbered entry per specific claim — several entries may point to the same underlying document, each with its own locator.
- [1]
[English – German](https://www.sem.admin.ch/dam/data/sem/einreise/visumantragsformulare/visumantrag-visumd-en-de.pdf "External Link") [French – English](https://www.sem.admin.ch/dam/data/sem/einreise/
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 16, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [2]
[List of cantonal authorities](https://www.sem.admin.ch/sem/en/home/sem/kontakt/kantonale_behoerden/adressen_kantone_und.html "External Link") Any stay beyond 90 days (work, study or family reunion) r
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 16, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [3]
The total processing time is approximately 8-12 weeks
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 16, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [4]
+41 58 465 33 33 365 days a year – around the clock ### [Helpline FDFA](/eda/en/home/das_eda/organisation_deseda/direktionen-abteilungen/kd/zentrum_fuer_buergerservice/helpline_eda.html) Matters relat
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 16, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [5]
+41 58 465 33 33 365 days a year – around the clock ### News ### Representations ### Travel advice ### Living & working in China ### Services ### Visa & entry to Switzerland ### Switzerland and China
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 16, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [6]
--- ## Visa requirements for entry into Switzerland Source URL: https://www.eda.admin.ch/en/visa-requirements-for-entry-into-switzerland National visa, also known as type D: for longer term stays in S
Welcome to Switzerland National Family Reunion Visa D · Last verified: Aug 16, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [7]
Schengen visa for a stay of up to 90 days (type C)
Welcome to Switzerland National Family Reunion Visa D · Last verified: Aug 16, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [8]
--- ## Visa – Entry to and residence in Switzerland Source URL: https://www.eda.admin.ch/countries/usa/en/home/visa/entry-ch.html For persons wishing to enter Switzerland for a stay of more than 90 da
Welcome to Switzerland National Family Reunion Visa D · Last verified: Aug 16, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [9]
--- ## Family reunion long-stay (more than 90 days) - Visa ..
Welcome to Switzerland National Family Reunion Visa D · Last verified: Aug 16, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [10]
Source URL: https://www.eda.admin.ch/countries/china/en/home/visa/entry-ch/more-90-days/documents-national.html Any stay beyond 90 days (work, study or family reunion) requires a residence permit issu
Welcome to Switzerland National Family Reunion Visa D · Last verified: Aug 16, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [11]
[...] English – German French – English Other languages: SEM – Visa Application Form Visa Application Form Any stay beyond 90 days (work, study or family reunion) requires a residence permit issued by
Welcome to Switzerland National Family Reunion Visa D · Last verified: Aug 16, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [12]
Required documents for national visa application
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 16, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [13]
Family reunion visa requires 3 application forms and 4 photos
Welcome to Switzerland National Family Reunion Visa D · Last verified: Aug 16, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [14]
Proof of family relationship required
Welcome to Switzerland National Family Reunion Visa D · Last verified: Aug 16, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [15]
Additional documents may be requested
Welcome to Switzerland National Family Reunion Visa D · Last verified: Aug 16, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [16]
Visa D authorization by cantons
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 16, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [17]
Cantonal authority may request additional documents
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 16, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [18]
Applications submitted to Swiss representation and forwarded
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 16, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [19]
Visa issued only after approval
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 16, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [20]
Processing time approximate
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 16, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [21]
Representation does not provide information during procedure
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 16, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [22]
Family reunion visa requirements
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 16, 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.