US Citizen marrying EU Citizen

MXC Member

Member since 15 October 2012

MXCMember15 October 2012 08:58:18

I am from the US, he is from Portugal but we plan on living in Switzerland because that is where he lives and works now. In which of these 3 countries should we marry? and How long before I can live with him in Switzerland after marriage? Any other advice on any legal process or anything of that sort would be greatly appreciated. thanks

Harmonie ViP

Member since 13 June 2011

HarmonieViP15 October 2012 12:21:24

19273

Hi MXC and welcome to Expat.com!

Hope that you'll soon be enlightened.

Harmonie.

grahamtritt Member

Member since 22 July 2009

grahamtrittMember18 February 2013 21:06:47

Hi, it is easy to marry in Switzerland, civil no problem, church is not needed. It may take you three months to get the paperwork needed. As non-EU citizen, you can only stay 3 months as a tourist. As wife of an EU citizen, you can come immediately, stay forever.
If you marry in the US you may avoid future questions about US immigration. Read the book elizabethgilbert.com/books/committed-a-love-story/

ewados New member

Member since 08 September 2009

ewadosNew member17 June 2013 08:19:18

Hi,
I had the (somewhat) same thing last year - I'm American, my husband is Dutch and we live here in Bern. I recommend getting married in CH since then the visa can be processed immediately. Otherwise you need to wait on a LOT of paperwork before your marriage is acknowledged in CH. The paperwork here can be done pretty quickly, but you do have a few week waiting period. But as soon as the marriage licence is signed, you are valid for a visa here (and can live here without the paper copy) - it just takes a while for it to arrive. I recommend going to the marriage office here in Bern and ask for details. They are incredibly friendly and helpful!