How to Stay Long Term in Switzerland with a Tourist Visa

Non-EU citizens visiting Switzerland on a tourist visa can stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.  One of the only exceptions to staying beyond the 90-day tourist window is to marry a Swiss national and apply for residency.  Technically, it is possible and legal to do it all without leaving Switzerland it one is willing play the awesome game of “hurry up and wait”.  The 90 day clock begins as soon as you enter and everything must be initiated before that time runs out.  

This guide walks you through the full process, including paperwork, government offices, and realistic timelines—giving you a clear picture of what to expect if you choose to build a life in Switzerland through marriage.

💍 Step 1: Preparing to Marry in Switzerland

Marriage in Switzerland isn’t something you can do at the last minute. You’ll need to begin the preparatory procedure (Eheschliessungsverfahren) at the Zivilstandsamt (civil registry office) in the municipality where you plan to marry.

What You’ll Need:

  • Valid passports (both partners)

  • Original birth certificates

  • Proof of civil status (e.g., certificate of no impediment or affidavit of single status)

  • Residency documentation (even if you're just a tourist)

  • Additional documents may be required depending on your nationality

    Both parties must appear in person to submit the application.

Once the paperwork is submitted and approved, a waiting period of 2–6 weeks typically follows before you’re allowed to marry.

🕒 Estimated Time: 1–2 weeks for paperwork prep + 2–6 weeks waiting = 1 to 2 months total

💒 Step 2: The Civil Marriage Ceremony

Once your marriage license is approved, you’ll have three months to hold your civil wedding at the Zivilstandsamt. This is the only legal form of marriage recognized in Switzerland—religious or symbolic ceremonies are optional and non-binding in legal terms.

🕒 Estimated Time: As soon as there is an open appointment

Step 3: Apply for Your Swiss Residence Permit (B Permit)

After your marriage is officially registered, you can immediately begin the process of applying for a residence permit (B permit)—without needing to leave the country.

What You’ll Need:

  • Marriage certificate

  • Valid passport

  • Proof of accommodation (rental contract or host declaration)

  • Proof of financial support (your spouse’s employment contract or bank statements)

  • Basic language proficiency (A1 level oral competency in the local language—German, French, or Italian)

  • Proof of integration (clean criminal record, insurance, etc.)

    You’ll submit this application at your cantonal migration office, and you may receive a temporary authorization to remain in Switzerland legally while your permit is being processed.

🕒 Estimated Processing Time: 8–12 weeks

What Happens After You’re Approved

Once your B permit is granted:

  • You are allowed to work and reside in Switzerland.

  • You must renew the permit annually.

  • After 5 years of continuous residency, you may apply for a C permit (permanent residency).

After 3 years of marriage and 5 years of residency, you may apply for facilitated naturalization (Swiss citizenship), subject to language and integration checks.

If you don't manage to get all of the above things done on time, you will be required to leave Switzerland and return to your home country to apply for a “family reunification visa” at the Swiss consulate there. This alternative path is much longer and more complex, and typically includes:

  • Gathering and translating documents again

  • Booking visa appointments abroad

  • Waiting several months for approval

Avoiding that detour is a major benefit of completing the process while still in Switzerland—if you can act within your tourist visa window.