Marriage, Births & Family Reunion

Registering life events and bringing your loved ones to Switzerland

The Swiss Civil Registry (État civil / Zivilstandsamt) is the gatekeeper of your official identity. Every major life event must be reported here.

Getting Married in Switzerland

The Process

You must initiate the "Preparatory Procedure for Marriage." This involves submitting birth certificates, proof of residence, and an affidavit of marital status (proving you are not currently married).

Marriage for All

Since July 2022, same-sex couples have the exact same right to marry in Switzerland as opposite-sex couples, including full rights to adopt children and access facilitated naturalization.

The Ceremony: Only civil marriages are legally binding in Switzerland. You must be married by an official registrar at the town hall. A religious ceremony is entirely optional and can only take place after the civil marriage.

Registering a Birth

The 3-Day Rule

If you have a child in Switzerland, the birth must be registered with the local civil registry office within strictly 3 days. If the birth occurs in a hospital, the hospital administration will usually handle this paperwork for you automatically.

Nationality

If neither parent is Swiss, the child does not get a Swiss passport. The child will take the nationality of the parents and will be issued a Swiss residence permit (usually tied to the parents' permit type).

Family Reunification (Regroupement familial)

If you hold a B or C permit, you generally have the right to bring your spouse and unmarried children (under 18) to Switzerland.

The Conditions

You must prove you have a large enough apartment (Swiss standards dictate maximum occupancy based on room counts) and that your salary is high enough to support the entire family without relying on social assistance.

The Process

The family member abroad must apply for a National Visa D at the Swiss embassy. The process takes 12 to 16 weeks.

Spousal Work Rights: Spouses who arrive via family reunification are automatically granted a permit that allows them to <strong>work anywhere in Switzerland</strong>, without being subject to the strict labor-market quotas.

Family Reunification Process Overview

Step-by-step guide to bringing your family to Switzerland

1

Verify Your Eligibility

Ensure you hold a valid B or C permit and meet housing/income requirements

2

Gather Documents

Collect marriage certificates, birth certificates (apostilled), employment contracts, rental agreements

3

Apply for National Visa D

Your family member abroad applies at the Swiss embassy (12-16 weeks processing)

4

Cantonal Migration Office Approval

Once visa is approved, family member travels to Switzerland and registers at cantonal office

✓

Receive Residence Permit

Family member receives their own B permit with full work authorization

Important Considerations

Sources & References

  • Swiss Civil Code (CC)
  • Federal Office of Civil Status (EAZW)
  • SEM Family Reunification Guidelines 2026

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