Do you have any questions about Residence, visa or asylum?

Migration, residence and integration in Switzerland are often complex and emotionally stressful. Whether you want to apply for a visa, a residence permit or a permanent residence permit, want to defend yourself against a negative decision or are facing challenges with family reunification — we are at your side.

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We won't leave you alone. We create Clarity in migration law.

Swiss migration and immigration law is characterized by federal law, bilateral agreements and cantonal rules. Decisions on entry, residence, work and asylum have far-reaching consequences — which is why legal support is important.

We listen, analyse your situation and show you options for action — with legal experience and the aim of enforcing your rights. Whether it's a residence application, a dismissive asylum decision or securing your status — we are here for you.

Migration law often raises difficult and urgent questions. We'll show you what options you have — and which mistakes you should avoid. For example, for the following issues:

Contest a visa or permit decision

Enable family reunification

Secure settlement and residence status

Accompanying asylum procedures

Review expulsions and immigration measures

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We can help with that

Immigration & visa

Advice, preparation and representation before authorities when planning a trip to Switzerland.

Residence & Establishment

Assistance with residence permits, extensions and status changes.

Family reunification

Legal support for applications and clarifications relating to spousal and child reunification.

Asylum & Refugee Law

Representation in asylum proceedings and expulsions.

Withdrawal & measures

Appeals against revoked permits, expulsions and other measures under immigration law.

Representation before courts and authorities

Representation before migration authorities, SEM and courts.

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Here's how to go about it.

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Request a free initial consultation

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Describe case

Tell us about your concerns in your own words. Your information is kept strictly confidential.

3

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Start working with the lawyer of your choice as part of an attorney-client relationship.

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Our migration law experts.

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Pascal Sonntag
Lawyer
Danilo Unternährer
Lawyer
Pascal Sonntag
solicitor
Danilo Unternährer
solicitor
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Frequently asked Questions and answers.

Typical questions in migration law may include:

What types of residence permits are there in Switzerland?

The Immigration and Integration Act (AIG) regulates in particular the entry and departure, residence and family reunification of foreign nationals in Switzerland.

For people from the EU/EFTA, the following residence permits are differentiated: short stay permit, residence permit, residence permit with employment, cross-border commuter permit. Persons from third countries have additional residence permits, such as permits for asylum seekers or for temporarily admitted foreign nationals.

In addition to your nationality (EU/EFTA citizens benefit from free movement agreements), your rights depend on your purpose of stay (work, study, family reunification) and your personal integration situation.

What is the difference between residence permit and permanent residence permit?

A residence permit (permit B) is usually issued for temporary stays, for example in a work or study context. A permanent residence permit (C permit) grants permanent residence status with further rights, such as more freedom when changing place of residence or job. The requirements and duration vary depending on origin and life situation.

Can I defend myself against a negative decision?

Government decisions in the area of migration law — whether on entry, a residence or asylum issue — are subject to clear appeal deadlines and procedural rules. Within the applicable time limits, an admissible appeal, such as an appeal or appeal, may be brought to have the decision reviewed by the same or higher authority. Which appeal is eligible and how it is to be brought depends on the specific initial situation.

How does family reunification work?

Family reunification makes it possible to catch up with close relatives such as spouses and minor children in Switzerland. The requirements differ depending on the residence status and country of origin of the person moving in. If you want to join someone, you must have sufficient living space and financial resources, among other things. Integration criteria (e.g. language skills) may also play a role. There are time limits for family reunification and a corresponding application must be submitted to the competent authority. Whether reunification is possible and which conditions must be met always depends on the individual case.

What does a revocation or an expulsion mean?

Withdrawal of a permit or expulsion can have far-reaching consequences. Authorities can revoke a permit if legal requirements, such as delinquency, are no longer met. If, for example, an asylum application is rejected, this may result in an expulsion from Switzerland, which must be carried out. Here too, time limits for appeals are decisive.

What are the integration requirements in Switzerland?

When issuing, extending and revoking residence or settlement permits, the cantonal migration authorities take into account not only public interests and personal circumstances, but also the integration of those affected. Integration criteria include language skills, participation in business or in the acquisition of education, and respect for the legal system.