topics
tools
Expatica countries
editor's choice

How to assimilate

Crime and the legal system in Switzerland

Major museums in Switzerland

Culture and social etiquette in Switzerland

How to open a Swiss bank account

Index Last Var.(%)
BEL 20 2119.44 0.28
DAX 6339.94 0.38
IBEX 30 6543 0.13
CAC 40 3047.94 0.32
FTSE 100 5351.53 0.03
AEX 292.76 0.23
DJIA 12454.83 -0.60
Nasdaq 2837.53 -0.07
FTSE MIB 13154.8 0.36
TSX Composite 11576.47 0.09
ASX 4081.2 -0.61
Hang seng 18713.41 0.25
Straits Times 2772.75 -0.24
ISEQ 20 500.94 1.55
You are here: Home Moving to Getting Started Relocating the family to Switzerland

Getting Started

archive
Enlarge font Decrease font Text size


23/11/2011Relocating the family to Switzerland

Relocating the family to Switzerland How to bring families with you to Switzerland, plus information on day-care centres in Switzerland and the child benefit programme.

Bringing the family

EU citizens

EU citizens are allowed to bring family members to Switzerland. This includes children younger than 21 years old, as well as financially dependent parents and grandparents. Girlfriends and boyfriends can relocate if you have lived together for at least four years.

 

Non-EU citizens

As a tourist in Switzerland, your partner can stay in the country for six months a year, with a maximum of three months’ duration per visit. Your partner will not have the right to work. Your partner can obtain a residence permit if he or she enrols at a college or university.

Swiss cantons do not recognise unmarried couples regarding residency permits. Unlike EU citizens, a special permit is required for financially-dependent parents and grandparents to join you. To relocate your au pair, he or she must apply for a work permit, which can be a complicated procedure.

Family fun

Day-care centres
Children younger than four years of age can be cared for at home, in nurseries or in kindergartens. Nurseries are open on weekdays from 7h00 to 18h30. The cost is calculated on the basis of the parents’ income, and typically ranges from 9-12 percent of their salary.

Family nurseries or crèches familiales organise day care at the home of a certified nurse assistant.

Haltes-garderies are short-term nurseries, used by parents when they want to go shopping, for example. Parents can make use of them for a maximum of three hours a day, three days per week.

Child benefit
The child benefit is regulated on a cantonal basis in Switzerland. The benefit can vary between CHF 150 and CHF 400 per child, depending on the canton. At least one parent must be gainfully employed or drawing daily benefits from the unemployment insurance fund to be entitled to the child benefit. Part-time workers may receive only a partial child benefit or none at all. In some cantons, self-employed individuals can claim child benefit. 

The Family Compensation Fund requires registering your family and your child’s birth certificate in order to receive the benefit. 

EU citizens are entitled to the full child benefit. Non-EU citizens must adhere to certain regulations. Some cantons pay the child benefit only if your home country has entered a social insurance agreement with Switzerland. Benefits to children living abroad are only paid to asylum seekers after a fixed residence status has been obtained in Switzerland.


0 reactions to this article

Be the first person to add a comment

General rating: Not rated yet

Rate article:    Add my rating



0 reactions to this article

Be the first person to add a comment

Looking for a job?

Browse all jobs

Search for a home?

Browse all houses
Discussion Forums

Finding your way in Switzerland

Trekking and Backpacking

Community Noticeboard Switzerland

Let's coach..Saturday.Free.In English.

Finding your way in Switzerland

Chinese Nanny (Ayi) wanted

Finding your way in Switzerland

Need Househelp who prepares Thai food

Student forum Switzerland

@SAP Business Objects Online Training in Netherlands by SAP BOSS

participate in the forums

Moving to essentials
Moving to expert Q&A
ask your question
Inside Expatica
Residence and work permits in Switzerland

Residence and work permits in Switzerland

How to apply for a residency or work permit in Switzerland for you and your family.

How to rent and buy a house in Switzerland

How to rent and buy a house in Switzerland

Information about renting property and obtaining a mortgage in Switzerland.

Switzerland's healthcare system

Switzerland's healthcare system

Information about the Swiss healthcare system, health insurance, pharmacies and emergency numbers.

Banking in Switzerland

Banking in Switzerland

Explaining Swiss currency, banknotes, credit cards and bureaux de change.