The Swiss marriage — from registration at the civil registry office to the matrimonial property regime. What international couples should know.
Marriage in Switzerland is governed by the Civil Code (Art. 90 et seq.). It is an act of public law, not a private contract — and it triggers a series of legal consequences, from maintenance obligations to the matrimonial property regime. Anyone marrying should know these consequences.
Both persons must be of age (18) and have capacity of judgment. No impediment to marriage may exist — no other existing marriage or registered partnership, no close relationship in the direct line or siblings.
Persons who are not Swiss citizens must prove their lawful residence in Switzerland. Those without lawful residence cannot in principle marry — a so-called residence-permit check (Art. 98 para. 4 CC) is part of the procedure.