Getting Married in Switzerland: A Step-by-Step Guide for Swiss Citizens and Foreign Fiancés

For Swiss citizens and their foreign fiancés, planning a civil marriage in Switzerland involves more than just choosing a venue and setting a date. Swiss marriage law requires careful attention to visa requirements, administrative procedures, and residence planning - particularly if the foreign partner wishes to settle in Switzerland following the wedding.

This guide provides a step-by-step overview of how to get married in Switzerland as a mixed-nationality couple. It includes practical guidance on the Swiss marriage visa process, registry office procedures, and post-marriage residence applications.

Step 1: Check Eligibility to Marry in Switzerland

Under Swiss law, both parties must be over the age of 18 and have legal capacity to marry. Foreign nationals must also provide evidence that they are free to marry - usually in the form of a certificate of no impediment or equivalent documentation from their home country. Previous marriages must be legally dissolved before a new marriage can take place.

Importantly, marriage in Switzerland is a civil act. Religious ceremonies may follow, but they have no legal effect unless preceded by a civil marriage conducted by the Swiss authorities.

Step 2: Decide Where in Switzerland to Marry

The civil marriage must take place at a Swiss civil registry office (Zivilstandsamt / office de l’état civil / ufficio dello stato civile) located in the commune (municipality) where one of the fiancés resides or holds residence rights. If neither party resides in Switzerland, special permission must be requested to marry in a selected commune. In practice, foreigners often choose to marry in the commune where the Swiss partner lives.

Each canton in Switzerland has its own procedures and slight variations in documentation requirements. It is advisable to check early with the relevant cantonal civil status authority to understand local expectations.

Step 3: Submit the Pre-Marriage Dossier (Einleitung des Ehevorbereitungsverfahrens)

Before a civil wedding can take place, couples must initiate a formal marriage preparation procedure (Ehevorbereitungsverfahren). This includes submitting a detailed application to the civil registry office, along with supporting documents.

Typical documents include:

• Valid passports or national ID cards

• Full birth certificates

• Proof of domicile

• Certificate of marital status (or certificate of no impediment)

• For divorced or widowed individuals: divorce decree or death certificate of former spouse

• Confirmation of lawful immigration status in Switzerland (if applicable)

Foreign documents may need to be legalised or apostilled and translated into a Swiss national language (German, French, or Italian). The registry office will check the authenticity of foreign documents and may consult the cantonal migration authority if needed.

Once the documentation is in order, the registry will issue an authorisation confirming that there is no legal obstacle to the marriage.

Step 4: Obtain a Swiss Marriage Visa (D Visa) for the Foreign Fiancé(e)

If the foreign partner resides outside Switzerland, they must apply for a Swiss marriage visa (national type D visa) in order to travel to Switzerland for the wedding. This visa is specifically issued for the purpose of marriage and is valid for a limited period.

The visa application must be submitted to the Swiss consulate or embassy in the foreign partner’s country of residence. It must be supported by:

• A formal invitation and personal undertaking (declaration of support) from the Swiss fiancé(e)

• Confirmation of acceptance of the marriage preparation application by the Swiss registry office

• Proof of the relationship and intention to marry

• Passport and photos

• Payment of visa fees

Processing times for the marriage visa vary but can take several weeks or more. Couples should plan accordingly to avoid delays to their desired wedding date.

Step 5: Celebrate the Civil Wedding in Switzerland

Once the civil status authority completes the marriage preparation and grants approval, the couple can set a wedding date. The marriage must take place within three months of the approval being granted.

The ceremony is conducted in the local registry office, in the presence of at least two witnesses. Interpreters can be arranged if either party is not fluent in the local language.

After the ceremony, the couple receives an official Swiss marriage certificate, and the marriage is registered in the Swiss civil records system.

Step 6: Apply for Residence in Switzerland After Marriage

Following the wedding, the foreign spouse may apply for a Swiss residence permit for family reunification under Article 42 or 43 of the Federal Act on Foreign Nationals and Integration (FNIA). The process differs depending on whether the Swiss spouse is a Swiss citizen or a foreigner already lawfully residing in Switzerland.

If the spouse is Swiss:

• The foreign spouse can apply for a B residence permit on the basis of marriage to a Swiss national.

• The application is made to the cantonal migration authority in the place of residence.

• The couple must live together in a genuine marital relationship and intend to reside in Switzerland long-term.

• Applicants must demonstrate basic language skills and integration potential, although exceptions may apply.

If the spouse is a foreigner with residence rights in Switzerland:

• The foreign spouse may be granted a residence permit under family reunification rules if the sponsor holds a B or C permit.

• The requirements depend on the status of the sponsor and canton of residence.

In both cases, the foreign spouse will be permitted to live and work in Switzerland, subject to cantonal immigration rules and national integration conditions.

Step 7: Considerations for Long-Term Stay and Swiss Citizenship

After marriage and lawful residence in Switzerland, foreign spouses may be eligible for facilitated naturalisation after five years of residence in Switzerland, provided they have been married to the Swiss citizen for at least three years and are well integrated.

If both spouses are foreigners, the foreign spouse may apply for ordinary naturalisation after ten years of lawful residence (or under any applicable canton-specific accelerated schemes).

It is crucial to comply with local integration and language requirements, maintain the marital relationship, and avoid criminal convictions, which can affect both residence and naturalisation applications.

Legal Assistance for Swiss Marriage Visas and Post-Marriage Immigration

Navigating the Swiss marriage and immigration system can be complex - particularly when documents must be legalised, translations arranged, and immigration authorities involved. At Richmond Chambers Switzerland, our lawyers assist with:

• Preparing and filing Swiss marriage visa applications

• Advising on civil marriage requirements for foreign nationals

• Liaising with Swiss registry offices and cantonal authorities

• Supporting post-marriage residence permit and citizenship applications

We ensure that your legal paperwork is complete and compliant—giving you peace of mind as you take your next step together.

Final Thoughts: Marrying in Switzerland as a Swiss-Foreign Couple

Getting married in Switzerland is a legally structured process that protects the rights of both parties and ensures the authenticity of international marriages. From obtaining the correct marriage visa to securing post-marriage residence rights, careful planning is key.

By understanding the legal process and acting early, Swiss citizens and their foreign partners can celebrate their marriage with confidence—and start their life together in Switzerland on a firm legal foundation.