Any foreign national wishing to get married in Geneva must be able to prove the legality of their stay.
The steps to be taken by a fiancé(e) of foreign nationality to obtain a residence permit of limited duration to celebrate their marriage in the canton depend on their nationality and place of residence.
- A fiancé(e) who holds the nationality of an EU/EFTA country can celebrate their marriage in Geneva as part of a tourist stay. There is no need to apply for a short term authorization to do so. Once the marriage has been celebrated, an application for family reunification must be submitted if they wish to stay in Geneva.
- A fiancé(e) who holds the nationality of an non-European country (non-EU/EFTA) must apply for a residence permit of limited duration to celebrate their marriage in Geneva. The steps to be taken are different depending on whether they are abroad or in Switzerland
- Once the marriage has been celebrated in Geneva, further steps should be taken to obtain a residence permit within the framework of family reunification.
Last updated: 13 July 2026