Proving a legal stay to get married in Switzerland
Since 2011, a foreign partner must prove that their stay in Switzerland is legal throughout the procedure and until the wedding. Without this proof, the civil registry will refuse to celebrate the marriage.
Who does this apply to?
Any partner who is not Swiss. A B, C or L permit or a legitimation card is sufficient. A person staying irregularly cannot marry until their situation has been regularised.
The foreign partner lives abroad
They must enter Switzerland with a visa or under a visa-free stay, for a period that covers the end of the procedure and the ceremony. The procedure can be opened from abroad through the Swiss representation.
The residence permit for the purpose of marriage
It is not a right: the canton decides. In the canton of Vaud, the SPOP (cantonal population office) considers in particular whether the procedure is closed and the date set, whether the partner is Swiss or holds a B or C permit, whether the conditions for family reunification are met and whether income is sufficient.
Source: vd.ch.
How we help
The Complete package includes the application for a residence permit for the purpose of marriage. If it is refused, we refer you to a partner lawyer.
Start with the free check
In under a minute, you will know which procedures lie ahead and in what order.