Thai Wife To Switzerland

[Prakanong2005]

The Standard 1 year Permit (B Permit): For a specific job, valid for a limited period, usually one year, and renewable -to be exact.

Just when I thought it was pretty certain I was going to Singapore for my next move another opportunity may have come up.

A company in Switzerland want to interview me next week about a permie position paying up to 3 times the Singapore job so I have to talk to them. Its also a very interesting position that will be a step up in my career as will Singapore but in a different direction and I am not getting any younger so cash at bank is getting important.

So the question is - how easy is it to get my Thai wife to accompany me to Switzerland on the above Visa as a non-Swiss national (British) given this is a permanent position?

I seem to remember somebody on a different board was British and had a Thai wife with him.

[the scouser]

Off the top of my head, it shouldn't be too onerous as, although Switzerland is in neither the EU nor the EFTA, there are various reciprocal agreements in place.

I think your wife could well benefit from a type of Swiss family permit upon satisfying the authorities that you are married etc.

Scouse.

[Prakanong2005]

Thanks for the answer Scouse

I read the Swiss Embassy website but could not find anything but I seem to remember a guy from the Thai-Uk board living in Switzerland with his Thai wife.

Visa's as a whole to Switzerland do not seem as onerous as many other countries for Thai girls either - I am told there is a largish Thai community in Basel which is where the job is.

I will search for other info before accepting the info to make sure 100% as if its going to be a hassle then Singapore it is and I will not waste the air fare down there from for the interview Brussels which is being quoted at circa 700 Euro's!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[vinny]

See Swiss residence for EU citizens : FAQ, in particular, Can I bring my family with me?

Also see Subsequent immigration of families

Edited May 20, 2006 by vinny

[Axel]

Prakanong2005do you read German? If so, this might help, which I could not find in English:

http://www.bfm.admin.ch/index.php?id=617#4516

Basically, Switzerland follows two points:

-protection of family life

-free movement agreements

Your B-permit is limited to the company that employs you and under these two points spouse should get a permit to stay with you. This, however, is too complicated, talking about two nationals living in a third country.

Feel you should make a trip to the Swiss embassy to disuss this in detail. But, as said, under 'protection of family life' it should work. Your job-income will show that you are able to support the wife and gt a place to live.

Sorry, not an accurate answer but my two 'rappen'. As said, needs a trip to the embassy.

[Prakanong2005]

Thanks for that answer Axel and you are correct I need to check with the Embassy to be sure as it will be a show stopper for this job if its going to take a long time or be a massive hassle when Singapore is straight forward.

It will be the same company I am with now in Singapore but on a local contract meaning a complete start over but they will arrange any employment pass and dependents pass.

Switzerland would be a completely new company - I will also tell the recruitment agent as well as contact the Embassy the situation. If I get the job I wil say I need the dependants pass or whatever its called as well - if they want me they will do it (I can always hope!)

Once again thanks for the input - its appreciated.

[Prakanong2005]

Hmmm it might not be as straightforward as she has not been in an EC counbtry with me

"Persons entitled to be joined by their families

The right to a subsequent immigration of the family is only granted on the strength of the original residence permit issued to the EC/EFTA national in accordance with the provisions of the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons. The family members' right constitutes a derived right, which on principle is only applicable as long as the original right applies.

The object of the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons is limited to the free movement of persons between the contracting states. It does not govern the rights of third-country nationals who are family members of EC/EFTA nationals with regard to access to Swiss territory. Family members of nationals of an EC/EFTA country who originate from third countries may only invoke the right to subsequent immigration if they have already been lawful permanent residents in an EC/EFTA member country before they submit their application.

If at the time of the submission of the application, a third-country national's place of residence is in a third country, or if this national only holds a temporary residence permit in an EC/EFTA country, the national admission provisions for the subsequent immigration of the family will be applicable. Thus in Switzerland, it will be the provisions of the Federal Law on Foreign Nationals' Residence and Settlement (ANAG) and the Regulation concerning the Limitation of the Number of Foreigners (BVO) that will be applicable."