For whom
A foreign national may apply for a residence permit of limited duration to enable them to prepare for their marriage to a Swiss citizen or a foreign national holding a residence permit of a lasting nature (B or C permit).
When
The application for a residence permit for marriage preparation must be filed by the fiancé(e) abroad before their entry into Switzerland with the competent Swiss representation of their place of residence.
The application is forwarded to the OCPM by the Swiss representation for appraisal and decision. Additional documents may then be requested.
Applications to the Civil Registry Office must be made before entering Switzerland.
The fiancé(e) must wait for the decision abroad.
Terms
- The legal steps towards marriage must be completed and the celebration of marriage must be possible within a reasonable time. A certificate from the Civil Registry Office confirming this shall be submitted.
- Subsequent conditions for family reunification under articles 42 et seg LEI or 3 Annex 1 AFMP must be fulfilled (for more details, see: Applying for a residence permit for my family).
- There are no grounds for termination of the right to family reunification under art. 51 LEI.
Attachments
- application for personal entry to the Swiss representation abroad (visa application)
- Form M if the request is sent by postal mail
- copy of a valid passport
- 1 passport-sized photo with full names on the back
- evidence of financial means
- copy of the lease for the future spouse in Geneva or written attestation from the landlord in accordance with form AL (with copy of the main lease and the I.D. of the landlord)
- certificate from the Civil Registry Office confirming that the preparatory formalities have been completed and that the marriage can be celebrated within a reasonable period
- letter confirming the wish of the future spouses to marry, specifying the circumstances of the meeting of the couple and mentioning any children born of a previous union
Positive decision
If the conditions are met, the OCPM issues an entry authorization and a form to announce the future arrival.
Once the D visa has been issued by the Swiss representation abroad, the couple must marry within 3 months of arrival in Geneva.
Price
For online applications, payment is made online as well.
For applications sent by post, payment is made by invoice.
Processing times
Processing times can be consulted on this page: Délais de traitement moyens des demandes déposées à l'OCPM
Help to fill in the online form
See our fact sheet: Practical help to announce your arrival in Geneva online or to apply for a residence permit with or without activity at the OCPM
Apply for a residence permit for a fiancé abroad
Your application can be done either online or by postal mail.
You must have a personal account to be able to file your application online.
Last updated: 13 July 2026