SETTLEMENT FOR PARTNERS AND FAMILY MEMBERS FROM SWITZERLAND

The UK provides several pathways to settlement for Swiss (and non-Swiss) partners and family members of British citizens and settled persons, including the Spouse or Civil Partner, Unmarried Partner, Adult Dependent Relative, and Child immigration routes.

Main Eligibility Requirements for Settlement as a Partner or Family Member from Switzerland

Spouses, Civil Partners, and Unmarried Partners from Switzerland:

• Residency Requirement: You must have spent 5 years (60 months) in the UK as the partner of a British citizen or settled person.

• Financial Requirement: You must meet the financial requirements set out in Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules.

• English Language and Life in the UK Test: Unless exempt, you must meet the higher English language requirement and pass the Life in the UK test.

Adult Dependent Relatives and Children from Switzerland:

• Maintenance and Accommodation: You must show that you will be adequately maintained, accommodated, and cared for without recourse to public funds.

• Exemptions: There is no English language requirement, nor is it necessary to pass the Life in the UK test.

Each category has additional specific criteria, summarised below.

Additional Information on Settlement for Partners and Family Members from Switzerland

• Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR): Grants you the right to stay in the UK without time restrictions.

• Absence from the UK: Your settled status will lapse if you are absent from the UK for more than 2 years. If this happens, you may need to apply for a Returning Resident visa.

• Path to Citizenship: Achieving permanent residency is essential for qualifying for a British passport, as naturalisation requires settled status in the UK.

• Exemptions: You do not need to satisfy the English language requirement or pass the Life in the UK test if you are under 18 or over 65. The Home Office may waive these requirements due to mental or physical conditions or other applicable exemptions.

How Our UK Immigration Lawyers In Switzerland Can Help

Through the Swiss office of our UK immigration law firm, we are delighted to offer a comprehensive range of UK immigration legal services to Swiss citizens (and non-Swiss citizens) residing in Switzerland.

Our UK visa and immigration services for Swiss nationals (and non-Swiss nationals) residing in Switzerland encompass expert guidance on all UK visa routes for Swiss residents, along with a fully-managed UK visa application preparation service tailored for Swiss citizens (and non-Swiss citizens) in Switzerland.

Our UK immigration lawyers specialise in assisting Swiss (and non-Swiss) family members from Switzerland to settle in the UK with their British citizen and settled partners. We provide:

• Expert Advice: Guidance on the requirements of the Immigration Rules.

• Independent Assessment: Evaluation of your prospects of qualifying for settlement.

• Professional Assistance: Help with preparing applications for indefinite leave to enter or remain.

We are committed to being approachable and proactive, understanding and meeting our Swiss resident clients’ needs with a professional and friendly service. Contact our immigration lawyers in Switzerland for reliable advice on settlement for Swiss partners and family members.