Luckily for expats, there are few restrictions when it comes to tying the knot in Switzerland as a foreigner. In fact, both residents and non-residents in the beautiful alpine country can marry with ease. That said, it does take some preparation to get everything sorted before you can both walk down the aisle.
Does marrying a Swiss citizen give you citizenship?
A person married to a Swiss citizen may apply for Swiss citizenship by facilitated naturalisation after living in Switzerland for five years and having been married for at least three years. No language test is required, but one must show the following: no danger to Switzerland’s internal or external security.
How do I get a Swiss passport by marriage?
The following persons can apply for simplified naturalisation: the husband or wife of a Swiss citizen. They must have lived for a total of five years in Switzerland, have spent the year prior to submitting the application in Switzerland and must have been married to and living with the Swiss citizen for three years;.
How much does a wedding cost in Switzerland?
On average, Swiss couples spend CHF30,000 to CHF40,000 ($30,000 – $40,000) on their wedding – not including the cost of the dress and suits, rings or the honeymoon.
Can you legally get married in Switzerland?
Switzerland recognises marriages through the civil registry office. Both bride and groom must be at least 18. Same-sex couples cannot get married in Switzerland. However, they may enter into a civil partnership.
Can I get married in the U.S. if I already married in another country?
You do not need to have been married in the United States for your marriage to be legal. It is perfectly acceptable if you marry in your home country or elsewhere. A variety of marriage procedures are also recognized, from church weddings to customary tribal practices.
How do you become a citizen of Switzerland by marriage?
Getting citizenship by marriage in Switzerland You can apply for fast-track (known as simplified or facilitated) naturalization if you are married to a Swiss citizen. You need to meet the following conditions: living in Switzerland for a total of 5 years, including the 12 months immediately prior to your application
Can a US citizen claim income from a foreign spouse?
If you are an American Citizen or Green Card Holder living abroad and you are married to an individual who neither has US Citizenship nor a US Green Card, you may or may not be aware of the fact that you are not required to claim your spouse’s income on your US expat tax return.
Do you need a passport to travel to Switzerland?
The State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) oversees immigration to Switzerland, although the cantonal immigration offices do much of the administration at the local level. Switzerland is one of the 26 Schengen Area countries that permit passport-free travel between them. Who needs a Swiss visa?
How many foreign residents get citizenship in Switzerland?
A Federal Commission of Migration study in 2012 found that only around 2% of foreign residents (around 36,000) took citizenship in Switzerland, despite around 900,000 being eligible for it. This could be due to stricter criteria than in some other countries, as well as costs.
