Published on 10 March 2026

Philippines: Family, marriage and partnerships

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

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

Philippine law does not allow same-sex marriage or registered partnerships. There is no legal protection against discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation. Homosexuality is however widely accepted in the Philippines as a normal part of life.

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