Switzerland has local language requirements for residence permits of spouses of permit B, L and C permit holders. This requirement does not apply to nationals who are beneficiaries of the AFMP, nor for spouses of Swiss and EU / EFTA nationals. Language skills are one of the integration criteria that foreign residents are required to fulfil.

To obtain a resident permit under the family reunion, the spouse must submit a proof that he/she has enrolled in a local language course, which is spoken in the place they will live. An online course is also accepted by the authorities.  After living in Switzerland for one-year, an A1 local language certificate is required in order to be able to extend the Swiss permit.

Recognised certificates:

German: Telc, Goethe, ÖSD, SDS, TestDaF, KDE, and Fide.

French: Cantonal exam, Fide, TCF, TEF, and Delf.

Italian: Fide, and CELI.

Please don’t hesitate to contact International HR Services Ltd. for further questions.