Those of you who might be in an "irregular situation" and plan to marry a Swiss in 2011 should be aware of the following important rule change.

As of January 1, 2011 all foreigners who want to marry a Swiss IN SWITZERLAND must prove that they have a legal right to be in Switzerland (i.e. a valid permit or visa).

This measure was introduced to address some of the "marriages of convenience" that were taking place to avoid expulsion.

Article link in French:

http://www.lematin.ch/actu/suisse/ma...janvier-366083

Not really sure i get this right, this applies on illegal and refused asylum seekers based in Switzerland, what about a couple who want to marry and they're in different countries supposing one of them is non EU and not entitled automatically for a permit / residence?

I could be wrong - but I think they are given a short term visa and they are expected to get the nuptials taken care of during that time. Once they are married, the visa gets extended to one of the better ones

If this would be the case then i guess this law is not really efficient, as most arranged marriages are conducted overseas, also people can still get married abroad then come live here after.......this law can never be applied and they cannot control this imho.

I was already said above the authorities are not worried about people getting married overseas or coming over to get married but are "worried" about illegal immigrants who live in Switzerland getting married.

Was discussed here previously:

For those not in CH who want to marry a Swiss

FYI this change also applies to foreign residents holding C or B permits, where the other party has no permit, it's not just for marriages to Swiss citizens, it's a crackdown on all marriages in CH where one side has no permit.