Bringing your family to Switzerland (family reunification)

You would like your family to join you? Here you see the basic rules and who helps you.

Family reunification (Familiennachzug) means: your spouse or your children move to you in Switzerland. The rules depend on your permit.

This entry is not legal advice. If you are unsure, ask a counselling centre.

Who decides?

In Kanton Luzern the Amt für Migration decides. You submit the application there. The office has a form for this on the internet: migration.lu.ch/Familiennachzug.

The most important rules

The rules are different for every permit (B, C, F, EU/EFTA). Usually the following applies:

  • You have a suitable flat for the whole family.
  • You have enough money for the family. You do not need social assistance (Sozialhilfe).
  • You live together after the reunification.
  • Your spouse registers for a German course.

Children under 18 do not need a language certificate.

There are deadlines for the reunification. They depend on your permit. Do not wait too long. Ask early.

What you can do now

  1. Look at your permit: B, C, F or EU/EFTA?
  2. Get advice: FABIA, SRK Kanton Luzern or HEKS. The counselling at FABIA is free.
  3. Collect documents: rental contract, pay slips, passports of the family.
  4. Submit the application to the Amt für Migration Luzern.

Staatssekretariat für Migration SEM, FAQ Aufenthalt und Integrationskriterien (2026-09-21)

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