Published on 27 February 2026

Australia: Family, marriage and partnerships

Find out about family, marriage and partnerships if you are planning to emigrate to Australia. The FDFA can provide you with information about this.

Joining your family

Information on visa options for joining family in Australia is available on the following websites:

Registering marriages and partnerships

Marriages contracted abroad under civil law are recognised in Switzerland and must be registered with the Swiss civil status authorities. Swiss nationals who get married abroad are required to register their marriage with the competent Swiss representation abroad. The documents must be submitted to the diplomatic representation together with an apostille. The latter will forward the declaration to Switzerland free of charge.

Find out what you need to do as early as possible

Before you get married, contact your Swiss representation to find out what you will need to do to make sure your marriage is recognised and registered in the civil status register without delay.

Registered partnerships

Australia recognises same-sex marriages and civil unions. Same-sex partners and their families have the same rights as opposite-sex partners and their families.

For example, unmarried heterosexual and same-sex couples are also eligible for partner visas.

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