How to Get Married in Switzerland: A Guide for Swiss and Foreign Nationals

Switzerland offers a clear and structured legal framework for couples who wish to marry, including Swiss citizens, foreign nationals, and individuals residing abroad. With its scenic landscapes and efficient administrative systems, Switzerland is not only a picturesque setting for a wedding, but also a jurisdiction where civil marriage is governed by precise legal procedures.

For couples planning a wedding in Switzerland, particularly those where one or both parties are foreign nationals, it is essential to understand the eligibility criteria, documentation requirements, visa implications, and the steps necessary to ensure legal recognition.

Civil Marriage in Switzerland: The Legal Basis

In Switzerland, marriage is exclusively a civil act. The only legally recognised form of marriage is one conducted before a civil registrar. While couples may choose to have a religious or symbolic ceremony after the civil marriage, such ceremonies have no legal effect unless preceded by the civil wedding.

The process begins with a mandatory procedure known as the marriage preparation process, or Ehevorbereitungsverfahren in German. This process must be completed before the civil ceremony can take place. The competent authority for the preparation depends on where the couple resides. If at least one of the engaged persons resides in Switzerland, the marriage preparation is handled by the civil registry office (Zivilstandsamt) at their place of residence. If both individuals live abroad, the civil registry office where the ceremony is to be held takes responsibility for the preparation. In such cases, the couple may initiate the process through the Swiss embassy or consulate in their country of residence.

Legal Eligibility to Marry in Switzerland

Under Swiss law, individuals must meet specific legal requirements in order to be eligible to marry. Both parties must be at least 18 years of age and have the legal capacity to consent to marriage. They must not be married to another person or in a registered partnership at the time of application. Marriages between close relatives, including siblings and half-siblings, are strictly prohibited.

Foreign nationals who do not reside in Switzerland are subject to additional requirements. In particular, they must obtain a marriage permit from the cantonal supervisory authority for civil status in the canton where the marriage is scheduled to take place. Furthermore, they must have lawful status in Switzerland during the entire marriage procedure. This includes holding the correct entry visa, where applicable.

The Marriage Preparation Process

Once the legal eligibility requirements are met, the engaged couple must formally notify the civil registry office of their intention to marry. This begins with the completion of a marriage application form. The office will then confirm the documentation required based on the nationality and residence of the parties involved.

During the marriage preparation process, both parties must appear in person either before the civil registrar in Switzerland or at a Swiss consulate abroad. They must each declare that they meet all legal conditions for marriage under Swiss law. If all requirements are fulfilled, the registry office will issue a marriage authorisation, valid for a period of three months. The civil wedding must take place within this time frame.

Required Documentation for Marriage in Switzerland

The documentation required to marry in Switzerland varies depending on whether the individual is a Swiss citizen or a foreign national, and whether their personal data is recorded in Switzerland’s civil status register, known as Infostar.

Foreign nationals whose details are not yet registered must provide original documents that confirm their identity and civil status. These include evidence of full name, date and place of birth, nationality, ancestry, and both current and previous marital status. A valid passport or national identity card, as well as proof of residence, are also required. In addition, foreign nationals who are not resident in Switzerland must present a certificate of capacity to marry or an equivalent document issued by their home country, confirming that they are legally entitled to marry under that country’s law.

If the couple already shares a child, they will need to provide the child’s birth certificate along with documents establishing paternity, such as a certificate of recognition, a court order, or an adoption ruling.

All documents must be originals, issued within the previous six months. Foreign documents must be legalised or apostilled and, if not written in German, French or Italian, officially translated into one of these official Swiss languages. The Swiss embassy or consulate in the issuing country can provide guidance on legalisation and translation requirements.

The Civil Wedding Ceremony in Switzerland

Once the marriage preparation process has been completed and the licence issued, the couple may proceed to the civil wedding ceremony. This may take place at the civil registry office in their place of residence, or at any other registry office in Switzerland.

The ceremony must be witnessed by two persons who are at least 18 years of age and legally competent. At the conclusion of the ceremony, the couple will receive an official marriage certificate. This document confirms the names of the spouses before and after the marriage, as well as the date and place of the ceremony.

Couples who wish to celebrate their union with a religious or symbolic ceremony may do so after the civil wedding. However, such ceremonies have no legal effect unless the civil procedure has first been completed.

Swiss Visa Requirements for Foreign Nationals Entering Switzerland to Marry

Foreign nationals who require a Swiss visa to enter Switzerland in order to marry must apply in advance through the relevant Swiss consulate or embassy. The diplomatic mission will forward the application to the cantonal migration authority, which reviews the request in conjunction with the Federal Office for Migration.

Whether or not a visa is required depends on the nationality of the applicant and the purpose and duration of their stay in Switzerland. It is essential for non-resident foreign nationals to confirm the applicable entry requirements before finalising any travel or marriage plans.

Marriage Equality and Same-Sex Marriage in Switzerland

Since 1 July 2022, same-sex couples have had the legal right to marry in Switzerland under the same conditions and procedures as opposite-sex couples. This change followed the national referendum approving the “Marriage for All” initiative.

Same-sex couples who entered into a registered partnership prior to this date may continue that status or choose to convert their partnership into a marriage. The conversion process involves both partners submitting a joint declaration of conversion before a Swiss civil registrar or, where applicable, at a Swiss diplomatic mission abroad. Once completed, the couple will be legally recognised as married. Those wishing to hold a formal ceremony in Switzerland may do so; however, consulates abroad do not offer this option.

After the Wedding: Reporting and Updating Civil Status

Once married, the couple’s new civil status must be reported to various Swiss authorities and institutions. These include the communal registration office, cantonal tax office, social insurance institutions, and their employers. Notification should also be provided to banks, pension funds, insurance providers, and the postal service.

If either spouse changes their name as a result of marriage, they must update their official identity documents, including their passport, identity card, driving licence, and banking records.

Recognition of a Swiss Marriage Abroad

A marriage conducted in Switzerland is not automatically reported to foreign authorities. Therefore, it is the couple’s responsibility to notify their home country of the marriage, particularly where legal recognition is necessary for immigration, tax, or inheritance purposes.

While Switzerland has agreements with a limited number of countries, such as Germany, Austria, and Italy, which allow for automatic registration, most other countries require couples to file for recognition of their marriage manually. This process is typically handled through the relevant foreign embassy or consulate within Switzerland.

Marriage and Swiss Citizenship

Marriage to a Swiss national does not automatically confer Swiss citizenship. However, it may entitle the foreign spouse to apply for Swiss nationality through the simplified naturalisation procedure. This process is subject to certain residency and integration requirements, including proof of language ability and knowledge of Swiss customs and legal systems.

Couples are encouraged to seek legal advice if they are considering applying for citizenship through marriage, particularly if they reside abroad or have complex immigration histories.

Costs of Getting Married in Switzerland

The cost of a civil marriage in Switzerland typically ranges from CHF 300 to CHF 400. Additional fees may be charged for services such as legalisation, translation of foreign documents, or weddings held on weekends or outside standard hours. The precise cost may vary depending on the canton and the administrative workload of the registry office.

For those planning a religious ceremony, fees will vary according to the religious community and should be discussed directly with the relevant institution.

Legal Support for Getting Married in Switzerland

The legal and administrative procedures involved in marrying in Switzerland can be complex, particularly for foreign nationals or couples residing abroad. Seeking timely legal advice is strongly recommended to ensure compliance with Swiss law, avoid delays, and ensure that the marriage will be recognised both in Switzerland and in the couple’s home countries.

An experienced immigration advisor can assist with verifying foreign documents, securing a visa, obtaining a marriage permit, and advising on the implications of marriage for residence rights and future citizenship.

If you are planning to get married in Switzerland and would like tailored legal guidance on your circumstances, contact our immigration lawyers in Switzerland on +41 21 588 07 70, by email to info@richmondchambers.ch or by completing our online enquiry form.