Best Dependent Visa Lawyers in Arlesheim

About Dependent Visa Law in Arlesheim, Switzerland

A dependent visa in Switzerland is commonly referred to as family reunification. It allows certain family members of a Swiss citizen or a lawful resident to join them and live in Switzerland. In Arlesheim, which is in the canton of Basel-Landschaft, applications are examined under Swiss federal law and processed by the cantonal migration authority. Typically, family members who receive approval abroad are issued a national D visa to enter Switzerland, then obtain a residence permit card after registering locally in Arlesheim. The federal legal basis is primarily the Foreign Nationals and Integration Act and its ordinances for third-country nationals, and the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons for EU or EFTA nationals and their family members.

Local administration and practical steps matter. After arrival, family members must register at the Arlesheim residents office within statutory deadlines, complete biometric data capture when instructed by the canton, take out mandatory health insurance, and comply with integration requirements such as German language learning. Rights and conditions can differ depending on whether the sponsor is Swiss, EU or EFTA, or a third-country national holding a B, C, or L permit.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Family reunification is rules-driven and document-heavy. A lawyer can help assess eligibility, plan timing, and prepare a complete file that meets both federal and cantonal expectations. Legal support is especially useful if you have non-standard situations such as prior visa refusals or overstays, a criminal record, prior reliance on social assistance, complex custody for step-children, adoption or guardianship issues, or a marriage concluded abroad that needs recognition and legalization.

Lawyers also assist with income and housing proofs, German language requirements and possible waivers, name discrepancies across documents, legalization and translation strategy, and the choice between applying under EU or third-country rules for mixed-nationality families. If you face delays, requests for additional documents, or a refusal, counsel can correspond with the authorities, file a reasoned response, and submit an appeal within the strict cantonal deadlines. If a relationship breaks down, a lawyer can advise on retaining residence rights, especially in cases involving domestic violence, long cohabitation, or strong integration in Switzerland.

Local Laws Overview

Federal framework. The Foreign Nationals and Integration Act sets family reunification conditions for Swiss citizens and for non-EU or non-EFTA residents. The Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons and related ordinances govern EU or EFTA citizens and their family members. Key criteria include a genuine family relationship, suitable accommodation, adequate financial means, no threat to public order, and compliance with integration obligations.

Who can reunify. Spouses and registered partners, and unmarried children under 18, are eligible in most cases. For EU or EFTA sponsors, the category of eligible family members can be broader and may include dependent ascendants and descendants, and sometimes unmarried partners with a durable relationship proven by documentation. For third-country sponsors, rules are stricter and usually limited to spouses or registered partners and minor children.

Entry and permits. Many third-country family members need a national D visa before entering Switzerland for long-term residence. After arrival and registration, the canton issues a residence permit card, often a B permit for longer stays or an L permit for short-duration circumstances. EU or EFTA family members benefit from facilitated procedures and do not always need a D visa, but they must still register and obtain a residence document.

Integration and language. Basel-Landschaft is a German-speaking canton. Depending on the route, an integration agreement can be required. Third-country spouses are commonly asked to show at least A1 level oral German or proof of enrollment in a course. The canton may set deadlines to reach higher levels for renewals. EU or EFTA family members generally have fewer initial language requirements but are still expected to integrate.

Work rights. Spouses and registered partners who reunify normally receive access to the labor market. Children of working age may take up apprenticeships or employment subject to standard youth employment rules. The exact permission appears on the residence permit and in the cantonal authorization.

Registration and deadlines. After arrival in Arlesheim, registration must occur within the time stated on the entry visa or notification, typically within 14 days and before starting work or school. Health insurance must be arranged within three months of taking up residence. Housing must be adequate for the family size. Any change of address, employer, or civil status must be reported promptly.

Duration and renewal. Processing often takes several weeks to a few months. Initial permits are commonly issued for one year and renewed if conditions remain met. Transition to a C permit is possible after a qualifying period, often five to ten years depending on nationality, integration, and legal route. Early C permits can be considered for well-integrated applicants in some cases.

Separation and protection. If a marriage or partnership ends, continued residence may be possible based on the duration of the union in Switzerland, successful integration, important personal reasons such as domestic violence, or the best interests of a child. Each case is assessed individually by the canton.

Authorities. The Migrationsamt Basel-Landschaft handles authorizations. The Arlesheim residents office manages local registration. The State Secretariat for Migration provides federal oversight. Appeals against cantonal decisions typically go to the designated cantonal authority within short deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a dependent visa in Switzerland and how does it work in Arlesheim

It is the family reunification process that lets eligible family members of a Swiss or legally resident person live in Switzerland. For many third-country family members, a national D visa is issued for entry after the canton pre-approves the application. Upon arrival in Arlesheim, you register locally, give biometrics when instructed, and receive a residence permit card. EU or EFTA cases follow a facilitated registration-based route but still require a residence document.

Who is considered a family member for reunification

Spouses and registered partners and unmarried children under 18 qualify under most routes. Swiss and third-country routes are narrower, while EU or EFTA routes can cover a wider circle, such as dependent children over 18 or dependent parents in limited cases. Unmarried partners can be considered under EU or EFTA rules if the relationship is durable and well documented, but this is not guaranteed under third-country rules.

Do we need a national D visa to enter Switzerland for reunification

Most third-country family members must obtain a D visa before entering for long-term residence, even if they are otherwise visa-exempt for short stays. After cantonal pre-approval, the D visa is collected from the Swiss representation abroad. EU or EFTA family members may not need a D visa for entry but must still register in Arlesheim and obtain their residence document.

What financial and housing requirements apply

The sponsor typically must show sufficient, regular income to support the family without social assistance and provide suitable accommodation for the family size. Evidence can include employment contracts, salary statements, tax assessments, and a rental agreement. The canton evaluates adequacy and can request more documentation.

Are there language or integration requirements

In Basel-Landschaft, integration obligations often include German language learning. Third-country spouses commonly need to show A1 level oral German or enrollment in a course, with progress expected for renewals. The canton may set individualized integration goals. EU or EFTA family members usually have lighter initial requirements but are still expected to integrate.

Can my spouse or children work or study in Arlesheim

Spouses and registered partners reunited with Swiss citizens or foreign residents usually receive access to the labor market and can work without a separate labor market test. Teenagers can take apprenticeships or work in accordance with youth employment regulations. School-age children attend local schools like other residents.

How long does the process take and how long is the permit valid

Processing times vary from several weeks to a few months, depending on the case, season, and whether additional documents are requested. Initial residence permits are often valid for one year and are renewable if conditions remain satisfied. With a valid Swiss residence permit, short trips within the Schengen area are generally possible for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, but you must carry your passport and permit card when traveling.

Which documents should we prepare

Expect to provide passports, marriage or registered partnership certificates, birth certificates for children, proof of custody for step-children, legalization or apostille and certified translations into German where required, rental agreement, proof of income and employment, health insurance arrangements, and passport photos. The canton may ask for additional items such as criminal record extracts or proof of language study. Names and dates must match across documents to avoid delays.

What if our relationship ends or there is domestic violence

Separation or divorce does not always mean loss of status. Continued residence may be granted if the marriage or partnership lasted for a significant period in Switzerland, if you are well integrated, if there are important personal reasons such as domestic violence, or if the best interests of a child require residence. Seek legal advice promptly and gather evidence like police reports, medical notes, and counseling records if applicable.

What are my options if the canton refuses my application

You can usually appeal within a short set deadline stated on the decision letter. The appeal must be reasoned and supported by evidence. A lawyer can analyze the refusal, address each point raised by the authority, submit additional documentation, and represent you before the competent cantonal appeal body and, if necessary, higher courts.

Additional Resources

State Secretariat for Migration SEM for federal policy and guidelines.

Migrationsamt Basel-Landschaft for cantonal authorization, permits, and biometrics scheduling.

Einwohnerdienste Arlesheim for local registration, address changes, and municipal queries.

Fachstelle Integration Kanton Basel-Landschaft for information on German courses and integration support.

Swiss representations abroad such as embassies and consulates for D visa issuance after pre-approval.

Cantonal legal advisory services and recognized migrant support organizations for low-cost or initial guidance.

Next Steps

Clarify your route based on the sponsor’s status and nationality, since rules differ for Swiss, EU or EFTA, and third-country sponsors. Check timeframes and decide on the best filing sequence for your family.

Collect civil status documents early and verify whether they need legalization or an apostille and certified German translations. Align names and dates exactly across all documents to reduce queries.

Prepare proofs of income, employment, and housing that meet cantonal expectations. Plan for health insurance enrollment immediately after arrival.

Keep copies of everything you submit and log communications with authorities. Do not travel to Switzerland for long-term residence without the required D visa if your nationality and route require it.

If you need legal help, consult a lawyer who practices Swiss immigration law in Basel-Landschaft. Ask for an assessment of eligibility, a document checklist tailored to your case, expected timelines, and an appeal strategy if risks are identified. Bring your passports, civil documents, rental contract, pay slips, and any previous immigration correspondence to the first meeting.

Once approved, register promptly in Arlesheim, attend biometrics as scheduled, and monitor permit renewal dates. Continue meeting integration obligations, including German language learning, to keep your permit in good standing and to position yourself for future upgrades such as a C permit.