How to apply for a marriage visa Switzerland to get married in Switzerland?

Have you been in a long-distance relationship for years and is your relationship suffering from the recurring visa process, which not only costs time but also money for each visa for Switzerland? Understandably, many international couples are considering applying for a marriage visa for Switzerland. Since this is about a lifetime commitment, you should not make this decision lightly and should have serious plans for a shared future. In this article, you will find all the questions and answers related to the topic of marriage visa for Switzerland.

How long is a marriage visa valid?

Marriage visas for Switzerland are usually issued for a duration of three months. This gives you enough time after your partner’s arrival to conduct the civil wedding. Good to know: If before the marriage, it turns out that your partner does not feel comfortable in Swiss culture or there is no foundation for a shared future in daily life, the civil marriage can still be canceled.

Visa Switzerland Marriage Preparation: What needs to be considered?

Whether you are getting married in Switzerland or in your partner's home country, the civil registry office where you plan to get married will be your main point of contact. This office will determine which documents are required for the marriage. If the marriage is to take place in Switzerland, the Swiss partner must first submit a marriage preparation application at the relevant civil registry office. Furthermore, the foreign fiancé must personally appear at the Swiss diplomatic mission in their home country. The visa application will then be forwarded by diplomatic courier to the civil registry office responsible for the wedding and the migration office in the Swiss fiancé’s place of residence.

How long does the visa process for the marriage visa in Switzerland take?

The process usually takes eight to 12 weeks. The civil registry and migration offices can provide more precise information about the processing time, as visa applications for a national visa fall under cantonal jurisdiction due to the required residence permit. The duration of the process can vary from canton to canton. Additionally, the purpose of stay determines the processing time. The Swiss fiancé will be informed by the civil registry office once the dossier has been reviewed and entry permission can be granted.

Tip: Be aware of this processing time when setting your wedding date!

What documents are required for a marriage visa for Switzerland?

The foreign fiancé must submit the following documents when applying for a visa at the Swiss diplomatic mission:

• Multiple copies of the completed and signed Schengen visa form Type D, including 4 passport photos
• A passport that is still valid for at least 90 days from the intended date of entry, with two blank pages for the visa sticker

Good to know: Make sure you provide complete information and fill out all forms correctly so that your visa application can be approved. Only complete dossiers will be accepted!

Depending on nationality, there may be other documents that need to be provided for the application and marriage visa. Therefore, it is essential to contact the Swiss diplomatic mission in advance to find out what is required in your case! All original documents written in the local language must be translated into one of Switzerland’s official languages.

Marriage visa Switzerland rejected: What to do?

It is possible for a marriage visa for Switzerland to be rejected. The Swiss embassy and immigration authorities will refuse to grant a visa if they are convinced of a fake marriage. According to the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM), you can appeal if your marriage visa for Switzerland is denied. A visa refusal can be appealed within 30 days. You can file an appeal in writing in German, French, or Italian.

How can AXA help with a marriage visa application?

Since the marriage visa for Switzerland is a Schengen visa Type D, you will need to provide proof of sufficient insurance coverage when submitting the visa application in the form of a Schengen-wide health insurance. AXA has specifically designed three different insurance policies to cater to the different needs of travelers. In the most affordable version, you can opt for the AXA Schengen Low-Cost Insurance, which costs only 99 cents per travel day. This insurance policy meets the legal requirements of Schengen countries, is free of deductible, and provides the necessary minimum coverage of 30,000 euros. AXA’s Schengen insurances are recognized by all embassies and can be printed as proof immediately upon receipt via email. Even as a Swiss citizen, you can take out this insurance for your fiancé/fiancée.

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FAQ: Marriage visa Switzerland

Why do I need a marriage visa for Switzerland?

If you come from a third country that requires a visa and want to get married to your Swiss partner in Switzerland, you will need a marriage visa for Switzerland. This is a Schengen visa Type D (national visa) because after the marriage, a residence permit will be required.

How long does the marriage visa for Switzerland take?

Marriage visas are usually issued for three months. This gives the foreign fiancé sufficient time to complete the binational marriage at a Swiss civil registry office.

Can foreigners marry in Switzerland?

Foreigners can only marry in Switzerland if they are lawfully residing in the country, i.e., with a valid visa. If you are not a Swiss citizen, you must have a right of residence. If you need a visa and want to marry in Switzerland, you should apply for a marriage visa for Switzerland.