For whom
If the fiancé(e) is already staying in Switzerland without a residence permit, please contact the Civil Registry Office of the place of residence of the fiancé(e) officially domiciled in Switzerland to start the procedures there and obtain the necessary information on the preparatory marriage procedure.
When
Once you receive the "60 days" letter from the Civil Registry Office, you will be able to submit your complete application to the OCPM.
Terms
- The Civil Registry Office's "60 days" letter must be issued and the celebration of the marriage must be possible within a reasonable time.
- 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
- "60 days" letter from the Civil Registry Office
- 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)
- 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 and the request is accepted, the OCPM will issue you a certificate "en vue mariage" ("for marriage").
To that end, an invoice of CHF 25 is sent to you. Upon receipt of the proof of payment, the certificate is sent to you. This certificate must be presented to the Civil Registry Office. The certificate is valid for six months. If necessary, it can be extended to celebrate the marriage, if it takes place beyond six months.
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 in Switzerland
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