Family re-unification for a non-EU PhD student

Visas, Permits, Passports and Naturalization
1
Hi All,

I am a non-EU PhD student anticipated to start my phd studies with University of Basel in September 2020. I wish to bring my wife too.

I was wondering, what are the conditions/ requirement for her to obtain visa and join me in Basel? Do I need to show that I have certain level of income (CHF/month) or apartment of certain size in order to bring her to Basel? I checked immigration's website but did not get clear information.

Also, if my wife joins me in Basel then is she allowed to work?

Any information will be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks.

Kind regards,

Mahesh

2

Welcome to the forum.

You have no automatic right to bring your dependents with you; it’s up to the canton you’re going to live/study/work in whether they’ll allow it or not. And yes, salary and accommodation will be looked at in making the decision. Whether she’d need a language certificate or be enrolled in a Swiss language course I don’t know; you’d have to check that with the Swiss embassy/consulate/cantonal authorities.

https://www.ch.ch/en/family-reunification

3
Hi Medea,

Thanks a lot for the information.

regards-Mahesh

4
Hi Mahesh

Yes they look at various things e.g. salary, apartment etc. As far as I know if you are not yet in Switzerland then getting an apartment is next to impossible. You can also make a reservation at hotel or airbnb and provide it. As far as I remember there is no need to provide permanent apartment contract but check with local Swiss embassy. You can apply visa together with your wife so that you don't have to wait too long to be reunited. Normally PHD student get a B-permit and spouse get dependent B-permit which allows them to work.

5
Hi Mahesh,

I'm in the same boat as you.

Normally, you can apply for your academic work permit and the national D visa at the Swiss Embassy and your wife can apply for the dependent visa together. Your visa requirements should not be too complicated and you probably won't need to show accommodation since you're applying together.

However, I am told that it can be different per country/embassy rule so I would suggest you email them and ask for more specifics.

Here is a sample list of requirements for your wife: https://www.eda.admin.ch/dam/countri...-permit_EN.pdf

Take note that that list is from the Swiss Embassy in London as my husband and I are currently living in Ireland. It might be different from where you are from.

As for the salary, I was told by the Migration Office in Neuchatel that they are looking for at least 20,000 CHF per person so if your salary covers for both, it will be okay. If not, you will need to open a Swiss Bank account (they said Deutsche Bank, UBS, Citibank is fine too) and have the amount deposited.

Let me know if you have more questions!

6

Thanks a lot with your reply.

Hi!

First of all many thanks for your reply and the pdf file. When you mentioned 20,000 CHF, I guess you meant minimal bank balance in my bank account? I was also wondering if they mentioned any minimal monthly income that one must have to get one's spouse as dependent?

Thanks again.

Kind regards,

Mahesh

7
Hi Mahesh,

No, I suppose it doesn't mean minimal bank balance but rather, your salary. When I was in touch with the Neuchatel Migration Office directly, they informed me that you might not need to present additional financial proof if the salary is commensurate for two. Moreover, their website states a minimum of 20,000 CHF living cost per person. However, this could be very different per canton.

I guess my best advice would be to contact Basel's Migration Office directly and ask for advice? In my experience, they have been surprisingly helpful and considerate. Also, you can also directly ask the Swiss Embassy in your country. Both the Swiss Embassy and the cantonal migration office have been very helpful.

8
Ok, great. Thanks a lot!