What is a requirement for getting married in Switzerland?
Was ist eine Voraussetzung für eine Eheschliessung in der Schweiz?
Correct answer: D
- A Both partners must be at least 16 years old.Beide Partner müssen mindestens 16 Jahre alt sein.
- B The partners must already be living in a registered partnership.Die Partner müssen bereits in einer eingetragenen Partnerschaft leben.
- C The partners must have the same place of residence.Die Partner müssen den gleichen Wohnsitz haben.
- D The partners may not be closely related.Die Partner dürfen nicht eng verwandt sein.
Why
Close relatives may not marry each other, that is parents and children, grandparents and grandchildren, or brothers and sisters.
Common mistakes
- A: Both partners must be at least 16 years old.
- The minimum age for marriage is 18, not 16.
- C: The partners must have the same place of residence.
- You do not already have to live together to be allowed to marry.
Topic
Marriage, divorce, family name
Two people may marry if they are at least 18 years old and capable of judgement. Capable of judgement means: you understand what you are doing. They may not already be married. They may also not be closely related, so not parent and child or brother and sister. Since 2022, two women or two men may also marry. Income, place of residence or the parents' consent play no role.
Living in Switzerland
Marriage, family and housing
Sources
Last checked: September 2026
Question 189 of the official question list of the Canton of Zurich (Gemeindeamt, May 2025). Translation and explanation: Swiss Passport.