Attorney at law specializing in immigration and aliens law
Our lawyers specializing in immigration and foreigners’ rights in Switzerland can help you with all your legal needs, from residence permits to naturalization, asylum and family reunification. Our Swiss law firm Legal XII Tables Avocats assists both private individuals and companies in matters relating to the entry and residence of foreign nationals in Switzerland.
Comprehensive expertise in Swiss immigration law
Immigration law in Switzerland is a constantly evolving field of law, involving essential aspects such as entry, residence, settlement and citizenship. Our firm assists both private individuals and companies in the following areas administrative and legal issues, guaranteeing a tailor-made service.
Residence permits and visas
The process of obtaining or renewing a residence permit or visa in Switzerland can be complex. Our specialized lawyers will help you every step of the way to maximize your chances of success.
Service
Assistance in obtaining residence permits
Description
Legal advice and management of the administrative procedures involved in obtaining a residence permit (L, B, CI, C, G, F, N ).
Advantage
Ensure a smooth process that meets the requirements of the Swiss authorities
Family reunification and family rights
Family reunification is an important step for immigrant families in Switzerland. We help families understand their rights and reunite their loved ones legally.
Service
Assistance with family reunification
Description
Assistance in preparing files and representation before municipal and cantonal authorities for family reunification applications.
Advantage
Guarantee fast, hassle-free family reunification.
Service
Advice on the rights of foreign families
Description
Analysis and protection of the rights of foreign families living in Switzerland.
Advantage
Protect the rights of your loved ones in the face of complex regulations.
Naturalization and acquisition of Swiss citizenship
Acquiring Swiss nationality is a demanding and often intimidating process. Our lawyers will support you every step of the way.
Service
Support in the ordinary or facilitated naturalization process.
Description
Legal advice and preparation of documents required for naturalization applications.
Advantage
Accelerate and simplify your access to Swiss citizenship
Service
Resolving refusals or obstacles to naturalization
Description
Opposition procedures with the relevant cantonal population and migration offices, and appeals to the competent cantonal or federal authorities (Federal Administrative Court and Federal Supreme Court).
Advantage
Maximize your chances of success with the right strategy.
Defending asylum seekers
We represent asylum seekers throughout the administrative and legal process, including appeals and initial rejections.
Service
Assistance with asylum applications
Description
Advice and legal support for applying for asylum in Switzerland.
Advantage
Increase your chances of acceptance with a well-prepared application.
Service
Defense in the event of rejection of an asylum application
Description
Management of appeals to the relevant courts following rejection.
Advantage
Get a second chance with effective, expert defense.
Work permits for foreign employees
Swiss companies taking on foreign workers have to comply with strict requirements. We support employers in this process.
Individual assistance and naturalization Switzerland
Swiss companies taking on foreign workers have to comply with strict requirements. We support employers in this process.
Service
Obtaining a residence permit
Description
Full support in preparing, submitting and monitoring your residence permit application.
Advantage
Simplified process and increased chances of success.
Service
Swiss naturalization
Description
Preparation and support to become a Swiss citizen.
Advantage
Get your citizenship with personalized support.
Your solutions for immigration law and the rights of foreign nationals in Switzerland
Our lawyers specializing in immigration and foreigners’ rights in Switzerland can help you with all your legal needs, from residence permits to naturalization, asylum and family reunification. Our Swiss law firm Legal XII Tables Avocats assists both private individuals and companies in matters relating to the entry and residence of foreign nationals in Switzerland.
Main legal expertise
Our expertise includes
- Entry, stay and residence
- Residence permit (Permis B) and settlement permit (Permis C)
- Swiss nationality
- National and international mobility for companies and their employees, work permits
- Tax packages
Your main questions about immigration and aliens law in Switzerland
Legal XII Tables Avocats frequently deals with the following issues:
- Entry visa for Switzerland
- Work permits
- Residence permit B in Switzerland
- Family reunification in Switzerland
- Asylum
- Application for an early or ordinary settlement permit (residence permit C)
- Swiss naturalization (Facilitated naturalization / Reintegration ;
- Ordinary naturalization; Cantonal naturalization (Naturalization of Confederates))
- Droit de cité municipale / Droit de bourgeoisie
- Residence permit in Switzerland for self-employment or administration of own company
- Residence permit for annuitants
- Procedure for applying for hardship cases
- Opposition procedures with the relevant cantonal population and migration offices, and appeals to the competent cantonal or federal authorities (Federal Administrative Court and Federal Supreme Court).
Our firm, Legal XII Tables Avocats, has many years’ experience in these fields.
As a result, we have acquired in-depth knowledge of a wide range of issues relating to migration law for EU/EFTA nationals, non-EU/EFTA nationals, asylum law and ordinary and facilitated naturalization, etc.
Whether advising companies on the hiring of highly qualified foreign nationals, handling cases of regularization of undocumented migrants, or drafting appeals to the cantonal courts (Zurich, Bern, Vaud, Geneva, Fribourg and Valais) or federal courts (Federal Administrative Court and Federal Tribunal), our lawyers will always be able to answer your specific questions and needs.
Frequently asked questions about immigration and aliens law in Switzerland.
How do I obtain a residence permit in Switzerland?
If you need to obtain a residence permit, we advise you to contact the cantonal migration or employment authorities in your place of residence. The criteria to be met depend on your nationality, and the length and purpose of your stay.
How do I renew my residence permit in Switzerland?
You must submit your application to your local commune. If you live in the canton of Geneva, you need to contact the authorities there.
What documents do I need to renew my residence permit in Switzerland?
Please include the following items with your application:
- Your residence permit
- A valid national identity card or passport (for non-EU/EFTA citizens, please ensure that your passport is valid for at least three months beyond the expiry date of your residence permit).
- A notice of expiry of your residence permit, if you have received one from the cantonal migration authority.
You can apply to renew your residence permit between three months and two weeks before it expires.
Lost or stolen residence permit?
It is important to report the loss of your residence permit to the police, who will issue you with a notice of loss. You can go to any police station to do this.
Then go to your local residents’ registration office (or cantonal migration authority) with your passport, passport photo and notice of loss. The cost of obtaining a duplicate or a new residence permit is your responsibility and may vary. S f the residence permit you reported as lost is found, you must cancel it with your local residents’ registration office.
Is it possible to stay in Switzerland after separation, divorce or death?
If you have a residence permit obtained through family reunification, report the separation or death to the cantonal migration authority.
Conditions:
- EU/EFTA citizens: Apply for a permit in your own name if you are working or have sufficient resources.
- Non-EU/EFTA citizens: Extend your permit if :
- You have been married and cohabiting for at least three years.
- You are well integrated (good behavior, language skills, employment or training).
- You have major personal reasons for staying (difficult reintegration, domestic violence).
Consult the authorities or our lawyers for more information.