UK MARRIAGE OR CIVIL PARTNERSHIP VISA FOR RESIDENTS OF SWITZERLAND

The UK Marriage or Civil Partnership Visit Visa is available to residents of Switzerland who would like to visit the UK to marry, form a civil partnership, or give notice of their intention to do so.

This visa does not lead to UK settlement, and each visitor must apply separately, even if traveling as part of a group.

Do Swiss (Or EU) Citizens Need a UK Marriage or Civil Partnership Visit Visa?

Swiss (and EU) citizens who wish to enter the UK to marry or enter into a civil partnership, or give notice of intention to marry or form a civil partnership, must normally apply for and be granted a Marriage or Civil Partnership Visit Visa prior to travel.

An exception is made for Swiss (or EU) citizens who have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme or who applied to the EU Settlement Scheme before 1 July 2021 and are currently waiting for a decision on an application. If this exception applies then you do not need to apply for a UK Marriage or Civil Partnership Visit Visa in advance of travelling. You can marry, form a civil partnership, or give notice in the UK without prior entry clearance.

Do Other Residents of Switzerland Need a UK Marriage or Civil Partnership Visit Visa?

With the exception of British and Irish citizens, all other visa nationals and non-visa nationals residing in Switzerland must apply for and be granted a UK Marriage or Civil Partnership Visit Visa prior to travelling to the UK for the purpose of a marriage or civil partnership.

Non-visa nationals entering the UK to marry under non-UK law or convert a civil partnership to a marriage do not need this visa but can apply for a Standard Visitor Visa.

Requirements for a Marriage or Civil Partnership Visit Visa from Switzerland

To qualify for a Marriage or Civil Partnership Visit Visa from Switzerland, you must satisfy UK Visas & Immigration that:

• Age: You are at least 18 years old.

• Intention: You intend to give notice or marry/form a civil partnership in the UK within six months of arrival.

• Relationship: You are in a genuine relationship, not a sham.

• Purpose: You seek entry to the UK for a permitted purpose under visitor routes.

• No Prohibited Activities: You will not engage in prohibited activities.

• Financial Capability: You have sufficient funds for your visit (including travel, maintenance, and accommodation) without working or accessing public funds.

• Exit the UK: You will stay in the UK for less than six months and leave at the end of your visit.

• Temporary Stay: You will not live in the UK for extended periods through frequent or successive visits or make the UK your main home.

• General Grounds: Your application does not fall under general grounds for refusal.

The specific requirements may vary based on individual circumstances. For expert advice, consider consulting an immigration lawyer.

Permitted Activities for Swiss Residents

As a UK Marriage or Civil Partnership Visit Visa holder from Switzerland, you can:

• Marry or form a civil partnership.

• Give notice of marriage or civil partnership.

You may also engage in other activities allowed under visitor routes but are not permitted to study.

Genuine Intention Requirement

You must prove your genuine intention to marry, form a civil partnership, or give notice in the UK. Evidence such as an appointment card or email confirmation for giving notice, or a booking confirmation for the marriage/civil partnership, may be required.

The Home Office will scrutinise the evidence, your relationship, future plans, and living arrangements to ensure the marriage or civil partnership is genuine.

Intention to Leave the UK and Return to Switzerland

You must demonstrate your intention to leave the UK and return to Switzerland at the end of your visit and not live in the UK through frequent or successive visits. The Home Office will consider:

• Your immigration history.

• Financial circumstances and family, social, and economic background.

• Personal and economic ties to your country of residence.

Factors such as few ties to your home country or having several family members in the UK may lead to doubts about your genuine visitor status.

Financial Requirement for Residents of Switzerland

You need sufficient funds to cover all visit costs (travel, maintenance, accommodation) without working or accessing public funds. These funds must be in a permitted financial institution.

A third party can meet your costs if they have a genuine relationship with you, comply with immigration laws, and can support you during your stay.

English Language Requirement for Swiss Residents

There is no English language requirement for the Marriage or Civil Partnership Visit Visa.

Validity Period of a UK Marriage or Civil Partnership Visit Visa

The visa is valid for up to six months. You can enter and leave the UK multiple times within this period, unless endorsed for single or dual entry. Each visit must not exceed six months.

Right to Work

Marriage or Civil Partnership Visit Visa holders cannot work or receive payment from UK sources, except for remote work not being the primary visit purpose. They can seek employment and attend job interviews but must leave the UK to apply for the appropriate entry clearance if offered a job.

UK Visit Visa Application Fees in Switzerland

The Home Office fee for a Marriage or Civil Partnership Visit Visa for up to six months is £115.

Giving Notice of Intention

To marry or form a civil partnership in the UK, you must give notice at a register office, having lived in the registration district for the past seven days. The notice period is 28 days, after which the ceremony can take place.

Marriage/Civil Partnership Visit Visa vs. Fiance/Proposed Civil Partner Visa

The Marriage or Civil Partnership Visit Visa is suitable if you do not plan to settle in the UK post-marriage/civil partnership. For those intending to remain in the UK, a Fiance Visa or Proposed Civil Partner Visa is more appropriate.

How Our UK Immigration Lawyers in Switzerland Can Help

Through the Swiss office of our UK immigration law firm, we are delighted to offer a comprehensive range of UK immigration legal services to Swiss citizens (and non-Swiss citizens) residing in Switzerland.

Our UK visa and immigration services encompass expert guidance on all UK visa routes for Swiss residents, along with a fully-managed UK visa application preparation service tailored for Swiss citizens (and non-Swiss citizens) in Switzerland.

Our experienced UK immigration lawyers assist individuals in Switzerland to secure visas for marrying or forming civil partnerships in the UK. Whether you need advice on the visa application process, assistance with preparing your application, or legal representation to challenge a refusal, we can help.

We are dedicated to providing clear, reliable immigration advice to individual throughout Switzerland as part of a professional and friendly service.

Contact our British visa specialists on +41 21 588 07 70 or complete our enquiry form below.