Published on Apr 8, 2025
Switzerland is an excellent place to start and raise a family, due to the high standard of living. While you live in Switzerland, there are many different aspects of family life that you need to know about.
Marriage & partnerships in Switzerland
If you would like to tie the knot and get married or enter a civil partnership in Switzerland, it is important to understand the steps involved. Official marriages are registered in Switzerland at the registrar's office in your local canton. You can combine a simple civil ceremony with a traditional religious or spiritual ceremony for the perfect wedding day..
Bear in mind that, as of July 1, 2022, civil partnerships will no longer be issued in Switzerland and same-sex couples will be able to get married instead.
Weddings in Switzerland
Weddings in Switzerland take a variety of forms, and there are enough wedding plannings, caterers and venues across the country to tailor a wedding day plan to suit your exact tastes. Our guide to weddings in Switzerland looks at Swiss wedding traditions and customs, so you can add an alpine flair to your special day.
Divorce & separation in Switzerland
The system of divorce and separation in Switzerland places the well-being of each party at the heart of proceedings. How a divorce pans out is dependent on the wishes of the couple and the arbitration of the court in your local canton. It is always recommended to consult a lawyer if the separation is not amicable.
Pregnancy & prenatal care in Switzerland
Expecting mothers in Switzerland are given a high standard of care and education to prepare them for life with a new baby. Our guide to pregnancy and prenatal care in Switzerland explains what aspects of care are covered by your health insurance, and how you can go about planning your birth and attending antenatal classes.
Giving birth in Switzerland
Whether you choose to give birth at home, in a birthing centre, or in a hospital, it's good to know what to expect for when your baby arrives. This guide to giving birth in Switzerland looks at everything from birth plans to the finer points of health insurance coverage.
Postnatal care in Switzerland
Switzerland offers a high level of postnatal care for all new mothers, combining both education and support to help families adjust to their new lives after the birth of a child. Read our guide to postnatal care in Switzerland so you know what to expect.
Registering a birth & getting a birth certificate in Switzerland
Once your baby is born, it must be registered with the Swiss authorities. Registering a birth is usually done automatically and is essential in order to claim social security and Swiss citizenship for your child. You need to register the birth in order to receive your baby's birth certificate, an important document for a number of administrative processes.
Childcare types in Switzerland
If you are a parent of a young child or have a child on the way, it is recommended to secure a place at a childcare facility as soon as possible. There are many types of childcare in Switzerland to suit different needs (some, for instance, offer services in English), and all are typically in high demand. Childcare bridges the gap between early childhood and entry into the school system.
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