UK Visa Options for Swiss Citizens to Get Married in the UK

If you’re a Swiss citizen (or non-Swiss citizen) resident of Switzerland planning to get married in the UK, understanding the relevant immigration options is essential to ensure a smooth and successful process. Properly navigating these requirements can prevent costly mistakes and delays that could impact your special day. While organising your wedding might seem more exciting than dealing with visas, getting this part right is crucial to avoid potential issues.

Marriage Visitor Visa for Swiss Passport Holders

Every year, many Swiss citizens and residents of Switzerland choose to marry in the UK, sometimes without intending to stay permanently. However, it’s important to note that if you enter the UK as a Standard Visitor, you cannot use this visa to get married, form a civil partnership, or give notice of such intentions. The UK Immigration Rules specify that only those on a Marriage Visitor Visa are allowed to marry or give notice of marriage while in the UK.

The Marriage Visitor Visa is specifically for Swiss passport holders and citizens of Switzerland who wish to get married or form a civil partnership in the UK. This visa permits you to stay in the UK for up to six months, but you must leave the UK at the end of your stay and cannot switch to another visa category from within the UK. It’s crucial to apply for this visa if you plan to marry, even if you are a non-visa national, as the Entry Clearance Officer will assess the authenticity of your relationship to prevent sham marriages.

Fiancé(e) Visa for Swiss Citizens

If your partner is British or holds Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK, and you, as a Swiss national, intend to marry and remain in the UK, you should apply for a Fiancé(e) Visa under Appendix FM.

This visa allows you to enter the UK for six months to get married. If you are unable to marry within that period, the visa can be extended. After marriage, you can switch to the Spouse Visa category without leaving the UK. Unlike the Marriage Visitor Visa, you do not need to prove that you will leave the UK at the end of your stay. Instead, you must demonstrate your intention to settle permanently with your partner in the UK. Financial requirements are stricter, typically requiring proof of an income of at least £29,000 or savings of £88,500.

Spouse Visa for Swiss Passport Holders

If you are already married and wish to move to the UK, applying for a Spouse Visa might be more cost-effective than making two separate visa applications. By marrying outside the UK and applying for the Spouse Visa, you can avoid additional costs and complexities associated with multiple visa applications. The Spouse Visa requires proof of a genuine and subsisting relationship and an intention to live together permanently in the UK. There is no need to marry within six months, which provides more flexibility in planning your wedding. However, you cannot have your legal wedding ceremony in the UK with this visa, though you can still hold a wedding celebration there.

Partners of Points-Based System Migrants and European Nationals

Swiss nationals and residents of Switzerland who are partners of Points-Based System migrants or European nationals may need to explore alternative visa options, as there are no specific provisions for Fiancé(e)s in these categories. This might involve marrying outside the UK or applying for a Marriage Visitor Visa.

Contact Our UK Immigration Lawyers

For personalised advice on the appropriate visa category for Swiss citizens or residents of Switzerland planning to get married in the UK, or for assistance with visa applications and appeals, contact our experienced UK immigration lawyers. Call us on +41 21 588 07 70 or get in touch via our contact form. Our specialists can provide expert guidance to ensure that your wedding plans align seamlessly with UK immigration rules.