Having a divorce granted abroad recognised in Switzerland
A divorce granted abroad does not automatically appear in the Swiss civil register. Until it is entered, you are still married in the eyes of the Swiss authorities, and you cannot remarry in Switzerland.
Who needs to do this?
Swiss citizens divorced abroad, and foreign nationals already entered in the Swiss register (for example because they married in Switzerland). No country automatically notifies Switzerland of divorces: it is up to you to report them.
The conditions
A foreign divorce is recognised in particular if it was granted in the country of domicile, habitual residence or nationality of one of the spouses, and if it is not contrary to Swiss public policy. A unilateral repudiation, for example, may be refused.
How it works
- You gather the original judgment with the note confirming it is final, and the other documents required (marriage certificate annotated with the divorce, custody decision).
- The file is sent via the Swiss embassy, or directly to the cantonal authority if you live in Switzerland.
- The cantonal civil registry supervisory authority decides on recognition and orders the entry.
The entry is free of charge, but any check by the embassy's appointed lawyer is at your expense. Allow 6 months or more depending on the canton.
Our package
CHF 490: putting the file together, checking the judgment and its finality, coordinating apostilles and translations, and following up until the entry is made. See the rules by country.
Sources: vd.ch, ge.ch, Swiss embassy in Spain.
FAQ
I want to remarry in Switzerland. What should I do?
First have your foreign divorce recognised and entered in the register. Without this, the civil registry office cannot open the marriage procedure.
Will my originals be returned?
Usually not: original documents are kept. Order extra copies.
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