Household
Register marriages and births that happened abroad
Overview
Easier now than years later.
The question you never knew to ask“Should I register our marriage and children's births now, not years from now?”
Why it matters
If you married or had children abroad, recording them in Switzerland can matter for later steps such as settlement or naturalisation.
Does this apply to me?
Your circumstances: Canton Bern, B permit, mixed nationalities, family with children, moving with a partner, arriving soon
Because a marriage or birth in your household happened abroad.
When?
In your first year.
What do I need?
- Marriage and birth certificates
- Certified translations, if asked
What do I do next?
- Ask your canton's civil registry office what applies to your documents.
- Gather certified copies and translations.
Official guidance
Read official guidance from the Swiss authorities' joint information site (federal, cantonal and communal):
ch.ch: civil status certificates