EUN03 - The Swiss family permit

This is internal guidance for use by entry clearance staff on the handling of applications made outside the United Kingdom (UK). It is a live document under constant review and is for information only.

EUN3.1 What is the Swiss family permit?

On 1 June 2002 the Agreement between the EC and its Member States and the Swiss Confederation on the Free Movement of Persons came into force. In general terms, the Agreement confers on Swiss nationals and their family members the same rights as those enjoyed by EEA nationals and their family members.

The Agreement does not mean that Switzerland is part of the EEA, or that Swiss nationals are EEA nationals. Swiss family permits should be assessed under the same criteria as EEA family permits. (See EUN02 EEA family permits).

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EUN3.2 Validity and endorsement for Swiss family permits

The endorsement should read:

D:'FAMILY MEMBER OF A SWISS NATIONAL' [TO ACC 'NAME OF SWISS NATIONAL']

or

D:'FAMILY MEMBER OF A SWISS NATIONAL' [TO JOIN 'NAME OF SWISS NATIONAL']

A Swiss family permit should be made valid for 6 months from date of issue and should carry the name of the Swiss national in the 'add endorsement' field. You should also indicate whether the non-EEA / Swiss national will be accompanying or joining the Swiss National in the UK.

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