Immigration and Relocation Intake
A comprehensive intake form for Swiss immigration and relocation law practices. Covers current permit, nationality, family situation, employment history, and canton of residence. Aligned with Swiss AIG, VZAE, and nFADP.
About this template
The Immigration and Relocation Intake Form is designed for Swiss law firms and immigration specialists advising foreign nationals on Swiss residence permits, visa applications, family reunification, naturalisation, and relocation planning. It collects the essential information an advisor needs to assess the client's current status, identify the applicable legal pathway, and prepare a structured first consultation. The form is aligned with the Federal Act on Foreign Nationals and Integration (AIG) and the Ordinance on Admission, Residence and Employment (VZAE).
What this form collects
- Client's personal details, nationality, and date of birth
- Current country of residence and immigration status
- Current Swiss permit type and expiry date (if applicable)
- Employment situation and employer details
- Family situation: spouse, registered partner, children
- Family members already in Switzerland
- Purpose and timeline of the planned move
- Previous immigration history and any refusals
- Specific legal question or desired outcome
Data protection in immigration matters
Immigration applications require the disclosure of sensitive personal data including nationality, family status, and employment history. All information submitted through this form is protected by attorney-client privilege under Art. 13 BGFA and processed in accordance with the Swiss nFADP. Data will not be shared with third parties — including immigration authorities — without the client's explicit consent.
How to use this template
Use this template
Click 'Use template' to create a copy in your dashboard.
Adapt for your practice areas
Add or remove fields depending on whether your practice focuses on employee transfers, family reunification, naturalisation, or asylum.
Send to the client before the consultation
Share the form link so the client can gather documents and passport details before the first appointment.
Prepare a legal assessment
Use the responses to identify the applicable permit category, assess eligibility criteria, and flag any complications.
Swiss immigration law: a practical overview for foreign nationals
Switzerland has one of the most complex immigration systems in the world, reflecting its unique position outside the European Union, its strong labour market, and its tradition of multilingualism and federalism. Immigration to Switzerland is governed primarily by the Federal Act on Foreign Nationals and Integration (AIG, Auslaender- und Integrationsgesetz) and the bilateral Agreements on the Free Movement of Persons (AFMP, Freizuegigkeitsabkommen) with the European Union and EFTA states.
The two-tier system: EU/EFTA and third-country nationals
Swiss immigration law draws a fundamental distinction between EU and EFTA nationals, who benefit from the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons, and third-country nationals (Drittstaatler), who are subject to the stricter admission regime of the AIG. EU/EFTA nationals can generally take up employment or self-employment in Switzerland without requiring a work permit and have a right to residence upon taking up work or demonstrating sufficient financial means. Third-country nationals must first secure a job offer and satisfy the admissibility criteria under the AIG, which include the priority of Swiss and EU/EFTA workers and the availability of a quota.
Swiss permit categories
The main Swiss residence permits are: the L permit (short-term residence, up to one year), the B permit (residence, renewable annually initially), the C permit (settlement permit, permanent residence after five or ten years depending on nationality), the Ci permit (residence with gainful employment for spouses of certain permit holders), and the G permit (cross-border commuters). Each permit has different eligibility criteria, rights, and pathways to renewal or upgrading.
Family reunification
Swiss law provides for family reunification under Art. 42-52 AIG. Swiss citizens have a broad right to bring their foreign spouse and minor children to Switzerland. Permit holders may apply for family reunification subject to requirements including adequate housing, financial independence, and in some cases language integration requirements. The rules differ significantly between EU/EFTA nationals (governed by the AFMP) and third-country nationals.
Naturalisation in Switzerland
Swiss naturalisation (Einbuergerung) is governed by the Citizenship Act (BueG). Ordinary naturalisation requires a minimum of ten years of residence in Switzerland (with years spent in Switzerland between ages 8 and 18 counting double), integration criteria including language proficiency and civic knowledge, and approval at the municipal, cantonal, and federal levels. Simplified naturalisation is available for foreign spouses of Swiss citizens.
Frequently asked questions
Can I work in Switzerland with a tourist visa?
No. A tourist visa does not authorise employment in Switzerland. Working without a valid work permit is a criminal offence and can result in deportation and a ban on re-entry.
How long does it take to get a B permit in Switzerland?
Processing times vary by canton and circumstances. For EU/EFTA nationals taking up employment, registration is typically straightforward and can be completed within days. For third-country nationals, processing times depend on the quota availability and cantonal workload, typically ranging from six to twelve weeks or longer.