Applying for a residence permit for my family (family reunification)
7. Residence permit for non-EU/EFTA cohabiting partner
For whom
A non-EU/EFTA foreign national who wishes to live un Geneva with his Swiss or foreign cohabiting partner who holds a valid B or C permit may obtain a residence permit if certain conditions are met.
Terms
Cohabiting couple without children:
The relationship must be stable and of a certain duration.
The intensity of the relationship can be confirmed (e.g. cohabitation agreement).
Security and public order were not violated.
The couple will share a common household in Geneva.
The couple has sufficient financial means not to seek social assistance.
Cohabiting couple with child(ren):
Parents and children live together.
Parents take care of the children together and look after them.
Security and public order were not violated.
The couple will share common household in Geneva.
The couple has sufficient financial means not to seek social assistance.
Entry to Switzerland
Persons subject to visa must apply for a visa at the Swiss representation in their place of residence abroad. They have to wait abroad for the decision.
Third-country nationals who have a long-stay visa or a valid residence permit issued by a Schengen State do not need to apply for a visa.
For further information, please refer to the information provided by the State Secretariat for Migration: Entry to Switzerland.
Attachments
- application for personal entry to the Swiss representation abroad (visa application)
- colour copy of a valid passport
- 1 passport-sized photo with full names on the back
- proof of financial means
- copy of the rent lease of the cohabiting partner if she or he is already in Geneva
- colour copy of the passport and/or residence permit of the spouse in Geneva
- letter of motivation demonstrating the need for the stay with the spouse
- cohabitation agreement (cohabitation agreement or PACS-type partnership contract concluded abroad) if existing
- proof of the stable and lasting relationship such as: photos, letters from family or friends, lease at common rent, common bank account, ...
Price
Payment is made by invoice.
Processing times
Processing times can be consulted on this page: Délais de traitement moyens des demandes déposées à l'OCPM | ge.ch
Your application must be sent by postal mail.