Hi all,
Can anyone please help me because I am stuck with my family EU-17 B permit with Migrationsamt. The fact is when I landed in Zurich in Nov 2007, my friend help my family (my wife and son) using his name to rent a one-bedroom apartment for us to start-up in swiss (of course. without notifying the verwaltung). The lease printed only one person is allowed to stay and I present the lease contract (from my friend) to register with Gemeinda & Migrationsamt.

Now I have a job and working contract of a non-specify ending date, everything goes smooth when dealing with Migrationamt (ie work contract, saving in bank, marriage certificate - cause my wife is an aussie....). But in May 2008, I've received letter from Migrationamt quoted: "Schriftliche Bestatigung der Liegenschaftenverwaltungm, dass Sie mit IHrer Eehfrau and dem 14-jahrigen Sohn in der Einzimmerwohnung von XXX (friend's name) wohnen durfen.
I've wrote to Migrationamt saying that without a valid permit, it is not possible for me to rent an apartment in Zurich (2.5 bedroom or more!), and also a consent letter from my friend to support my argument. However, Migrationamt replied me that they still need the approval from Liegenschaftenverwaltung, and the consent from my friend is irrelevant. So can anyone could help and suggest me :
1. How to deal with Migrationamt in this issue because "No permit, no apartment" and it is even more difficult for a family to find a "big-enough" apartment without showing the landlord the permit.
2. Is it under the new rules applies to EU-17 nation that I need to rent my own apartment for me and my family before I can get my permit.
3. Migrationamt requires me to reply within a month! From last week onwards, I am starting to look up the apartment from homegate.com and arrange visit to get the formula, however, I don't think I could successfully rent a place prior to the reply date (June 20). If under this circumstances, what will Migrationamt react (eg cancel my application, throw me out....etc).

Appreciate anyone could help me out in this "Chicken or Egg first" situation. Thanks!

Just for a complete picture, you give your nationality as Hong Kong. Do you have dual nationality? On what basis are you applying for an EU type residence permit?

Yeah, you are right... dual nationality. For me and my son are holding Portugal passport (except my wife). So when we registered with the Migrationamt, our identity categorised into EU-17 group.
So thats why I am really doubt that whether the Migrationamt could hold up my application under the "Wohnung" reason.
BTW, the formula to the Verwaltung required a copy of the applicant's Ausweise (C/B/L). Currently I could only forward them my passport copy and told them my B-permit is under process... otherwise... what can I do??

Unfortunately they can and are doing. Put simply, in order for your wife and child to live with you, you must provide suitable accomodation. A studio apartment is not considered suitable.

The best way forward, imo, is to ask your geminde for a written statement that your B permit is in process and use that to apply for apartments. Also, not all renters will ask to see a copy of your permit (private renters for example).

It's tough, but not impossible.

Thanks for your advice Swissbob, I'll visit my Geminde tomorrow and request the written statment you suggested (also the Betreibungsauskunft).

Thanks a million!