Hello,

I have looked into the difference between registered partnerships and the PACS but I can't seem to find the difference. Does anyone know anything about this and which one is the right one to apply for? My partner and I (different sex) want to register our partnership legally in Geneva. He is a C permit holder, I'm a canadian whose l permit expires very shortly. I am hoping someone can help point me in the right direction.

Also, has anyone done this before in a similar situation? Were there many roadblocks to registering?
Any information would be appreciated!

Many thanks in advance!

What is PACS?

Anyway, I think it depends on the kanton; I know in my kanton my registered partnership (different sex) is useless for permits, taxes and most other official situations. Sometimes though, it affects how they treat you but usually only if you have kids.

But again, Geneva might be different, but the impression I have is that registered partnerships are only relevant to same sex couples because the government figures the others have no reason not to marry .

That's because there aren't any - it's one and the same thing.

Are you sure because I don't think it is... Is it not the case that PACS recognizes additionally mixed sex unions?

Ah, I was not aware that a registered partnership excluded mixed sexes - for me these terms have been (mistakenly) interchangeable (no pun intended).

That was my confusion as well. when I wrote to the canton of Geneva, they told me they only dealt with marriages and partnerships and not the PACS, which is why I was confused. I've asked for them to explain the difference as well but haven't heard back. When I do I will post their reply.

Thanks everyone!

I believe the confusion stems from the fact that PACS is the French name whereas the local Geneva body of law defines it only as partnership, and it is open to both sexes.