This procedure allows a marriage performed abroad between two people of the same sex to be recognised. A marriage contracted abroad is recognised in Switzerland if it complies with the principles of Swiss law.
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A marriage celebrated abroad between people of the same sex is recognised in Switzerland as a registered partnership.
Who is this procedure intended for?
This procedure is intended for people of the same sex who have contracted a marriage or partnership together abroad.
What to do?
The request for recognition must be submitted to the Swiss diplomatic representation (embassy or consulate) together with the documents relating to the registered partnership or same-sex marriage.
The Swiss diplomatic representation checks the accuracy of the documents, legalises them and, if necessary, translates them into an official language of the Swiss Confederation (subject to payment of a fee). The documents will then be sent to the cantonal supervisory bureau for the canton of origin which will take a decision concerning recognition. In Geneva, this is the Cantonal Civil Registry and Legalisations Department.
How will your application be processed?
The cantonal supervisory bureau takes a decision concerning recognition. If the conditions are met, it orders the transcription in the registers. Based on this decision, the civil marriage contracted abroad can be entered in the Infostar civil register.
Article modifié le 11.01.2023 à 14:11