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🇲🇽 🤍 🇨🇭
Our Road to "Sí, acepto" in Switzerland
Step-by-Step Wedding & Immigration Plan
✨ Tap any task to mark it done — syncs instantly for both of you
Click 📝 on any task to add a shared note Tap any task to mark it done — syncs instantly for both of you Click 📝 on any task to add a shared note Estimated total:5–7 monthsfrom start to wedding day
Progress
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⚡ Phase overview — what runs in parallel
Month 1
Month 2
Month 3
Month 4
Month 5
Month 6
Month 7+
① Her docs Tijuana
start
done
② Him Rapperswil-Jona
start
done
③ Prenup Notary
start
done
④ Visa D Embassy
apply
visa ✓
⑤ Wedding Jona
💍
⑥ Fiesta 🎉 Mexico
plan
party
⑦ B Permit Migrationsamt
apply
Phases 1, 2 and 3 all start on day one — in parallel. Phase 4 (visa) only becomes possible once Phases 1 & 2 are done. Phases 5–8 follow sequentially.
Her tasks
His tasks
Both together
Prenup
All phasesPhase 1Phase 2Phase 3Phase 4Phase 5Phase 6Phase 7Phase 8
AllTo doDone ✓
EveryoneHer 🇲🇽Him 🇨🇭Both
No tasks match your filters 🔍
📋
Phase 1
Gather & Authenticate Documents in Mexico
🇲🇽 Her — Tijuana⚡ Start day 1 — parallel with Phases 2 & 3⏱ 4–8 weeks
⚠️ This is the longest phase — start it immediately. Most steps only require a few hours off on weekdays. Everything can be done while still working in Tijuana.
✓
Obtain a recent Acta de Nacimiento (birth certificate)urgent
Must show full names of both parents. Get it at the Registro Civil in Tijuana or online via the CURP portal (gob.mx). Request 2–3 certified copies.
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✓
Obtain a Constancia de Soltería (certificate of unmarried status)
Issued by the Registro Civil de Baja California. Proves you are legally free to marry. Request 2 copies. Apostille is issued in Baja California (same state as the document).
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✓
Prepare the Declaración Jurada de Soltería (sworn notarial declaration)embassy template required
This is different from the Constancia — it is a sworn notarial statement adapted from the Swiss Embassy's official template (123.11_EE_HV_Ledig). The template is for someone who has never been married (soltera). Ask the embassy to send it — you fill it in with your personal data and have it notarized.
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✓
Obtain Constancia de No Antecedentes Penales Federales (federal criminal record)federal only — not state
Required for the family reunification visa. Must be federal — state-level records are not accepted by the Swiss Embassy.
Once received, take it in person to Mexico City for the apostille (see next step).
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✓
Apostille the federal criminal record at Secretaría de Gobernación, CDMXCDMX trip required
The apostille for the federal criminal record is only done in Mexico City — not in Baja California.
📍 Secretaría de Gobernación, Dirección de Apostillas Calle Río Amazonas 62, Col. Cuauhtémoc, CDMX (15 min walk from the criminal record office) 📞 55 5093 3200 ext. 35036 / 35050 🌐 dicoppu.segob.gob.mx
Get an Apostille stamp on the Acta de Nacimiento and Constancia de Solteríaurgent
Apostilles for documents issued in Baja California are done at the Secretaría General de Gobierno de Baja California (check if the Tijuana office handles this or if Mexicali is needed). Note: the federal criminal record has a separate apostille process in CDMX — see the task above.
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✓
Ensure passport is valid for at least 12 monthscheck now
If it expires within a year, renew immediately at SRE (Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores) in Tijuana before starting the visa process.
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✓
Order certified German translations of apostilled documentscertified only
Must be by a sworn/certified translator — Swiss authorities require a notarized stamp, signature and serial number. Regular translations (Google, a friend, Claude) are rejected. Order online: translayte.com, unitranslate.ch, or cb-m.ch. Cost: approx. CHF 60–120 per document.
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✓
Know what Claude can translate for freesave money
Claude can translate Swiss authority letters, Zivilstandsamt emails, the Ehevertrag draft into Spanish, insurance forms — instantly and free. Rule: Claude to read & understand, certified agency to submit officially.
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✓
Prepare proof of current address in Tijuana
Utility bill, rental contract, or official document with your name and Tijuana address. Needed for the visa application.
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✓
Gather proof of your relationship
Photos together, chat/message history, travel records, letters, video call logs — anything showing you are a genuine couple. The Swiss Embassy reviews this carefully.
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🏛️
Phase 2
He Starts the Official Process in Rapperswil-Jona
🇨🇭 Him — Rapperswil-Jona⚡ Start day 1 — parallel with Phases 1 & 3⏱ 4–8 weeks
✓
Contact the Zivilstandskreis Rapperswil-Jonafirst step
Inform them you intend to marry a Mexican national and ask for the document checklist for the Ehevorbereitungsverfahren.
Best approach: send an email first, then call to book an appointment.
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✓
Gather your Swiss documents for the marriage file
Swiss passport or ID card, Zivilstandsregisterauszug (extract from the civil register), proof of residence in Jona. The Zivilstandsamt will confirm the exact list.
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✓
Submit the formal marriage preparation application (Ehevorbereitungsverfahren)
The Zivilstandsamt reviews your documents and her documents together. They also coordinate with the Migrationsamt regarding her visa. This starts the official clock.
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✓
Start searching for a larger apartment immediatelyurgent — start now
The current 1.5-room flat is legally insufficient for two people. The Migrationsamt requires adequate living space for the B permit. Minimum 2.5 rooms, ideally 3.5. Start now: homegate.ch, comparis.ch, immoscout24.ch.
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✓
Have the signed lease ready before her visa is approved
The visa application and B permit require proof of accommodation. A signed rental contract shows migration office a suitable home is ready.
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✓
Consider consulting a Swiss immigration lawyeroptional but smart
A family immigration lawyer in St. Gallen or Zurich can review all documents and prevent costly delays. Many offer a flat-fee initial consultation (~CHF 200–300).
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📝
Phase 3
Prenuptial Agreement (Ehevertrag)
🇲🇽🇨🇭 Both — Notary Rapperswil-Jona⚡ Start day 1 — parallel with Phases 1 & 2⏱ CHF 500–1,500 · Done by month 2
💡 Without a prenup, Swiss law automatically applies Errungenschaftsbeteiligung: everything earned during marriage is split 50/50 on divorce. Most international couples choose Gütertrennung (full separation of property) — each keeps 100% of their own assets at all times.
✓
Decide together which property regime you want
Gütertrennung — full separation. Errungenschaftsbeteiligung — default, income during marriage split 50/50. Gütergemeinschaft — everything pooled. A notary will explain each at consultation.
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✓
Book a consultation with a notary in Kanton St. Gallenrequired
Search "Notar St. Gallen Ehevertrag" or use the directory at notar.ch. First consultation ~CHF 150–300. He can attend alone initially.
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✓
Use Claude to translate the Ehevertrag draft into Spanishfree step
Once the notary sends a draft in German, paste it into Claude for a full Spanish translation so she can understand every clause before signing.
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✓
Arrange for her to fully understand the contract before signinglegally required
Swiss law requires both parties to genuinely understand what they sign. Notary will require either a bilingual German/Spanish version or a sworn interpreter at signing.
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✓
Both sign the Ehevertrag before the notary ✅
Notary authenticates it as a public deed (öffentliche Beurkundung) — mandatory. A privately signed prenup has no legal effect. Total cost: CHF 500–1,500.
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✓
Store certified copies of the Ehevertrag safely
One physical copy in a safe place, one digital scan in secure cloud storage. You may need it for banking, property purchases, inheritance, or if you ever move countries.
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🛂
Phase 4
Apply for the Marriage Visa (Type D)
🇲🇽 Her — Swiss Embassy Mexico City⏳ Starts after Phases 1 & 2 complete⏱ 8–12 weeks · MXN 8,800 fee
⚠️ Do not enter Switzerland on a tourist/Schengen visa and try to convert status from inside — legally problematic. The Type D national visa is the correct and only route.
✓
Book an appointment at the Swiss Embassy in Mexico Citybook early
Book at eda.admin.ch. The appointment covers both the marriage preparation and the family reunification visa — both are done in one 2–3 hour session.
💰 Cost: MXN 8,800 payable in cash or by card on the day. Verify the exact amount 1 day before — it can change without notice.
⏳ Total processing: 2–3 months from the appointment date. Your passport is returned to you the same day and stays with you until the visa is approved.
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✓
Request time off work for the trip to Mexico City
Plan for at least 1–2 days (travel + in-person appearance). This appointment cannot be done online or by proxy. The session itself takes 2–3 hours.
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✓
Prepare the full embassy document package
The embassy only accepts complete packages — incomplete documents are returned and require a new appointment. Required documents per the embassy letter:
• Valid passport • Apostilled Acta de Nacimiento + certified German translation • Apostilled Constancia de Soltería + certified German translation • Declaración Jurada (using embassy template 123.11_EE_HV_Ledig) — notarized • Apostilled federal criminal record (antecedentes penales federales) • Completed visa application form: Download here (SEM Type D form) • Proof of Tijuana address (utility bill or rental contract)
All official docs must be no older than 6 months on appointment day.
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✓
Attend the embassy appointment and submit the application
The embassy forwards the application to the Zivilstandsamt Rapperswil-Jona and the Migrationsamt. Processing typically takes 8–12 weeks.
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✓
⚠️ Stay in Mexico until the visa sticker is physically in your passportimportant
Once the visa is approved, the embassy needs your passport to add the visa sticker. You must be in Mexico at that moment to hand it in and receive it back. Travelling to Switzerland before this happens is entirely at your own risk — entry could be denied, the visa rejected, or processing delayed. Wait for official confirmation first.
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✓
Receive the Type D visa — plan travel to Switzerland ✈️
Visa is valid for 3 months from issue — travel must happen within that window. If the wedding can't happen in time, a 3-month extension is possible at the cantonal migration office. Coordinate travel dates, arrange handover at work, sort out the apartment in Tijuana.
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💍
Phase 5
The Civil Wedding in Rapperswil-Jona
🇲🇽🇨🇭 Both Together⏳ Starts after Phase 4 (visa arrives)⏱ Within 3 months of registry approval
✓
She arrives in Switzerland on the Type D visa ✈️
Travel with all original documents. Keep digital backup copies in cloud storage.
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✓
Complete the final marriage preparation steps at the Zivilstandsamt together
Both partners may need to appear in person. The registry confirms all documents are in order and issues formal approval to marry.
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✓
Set the wedding date — within 3 months of registry approvaldeadline
The civil ceremony must take place within 3 months of the registry's approval. Ceremonies are held Thu/Fri at Neuhof Jona or Custorhaus Eschenbach, some Fri/Sat at Schloss Rapperswil.
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✓
Arrange 2 witnesses for the ceremony
Swiss law requires at least two witnesses at the civil ceremony. Any nationality is fine.
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✓
Arrange a German interpreter if neededoptional
The ceremony is conducted in German. If she is not yet comfortable in German, an interpreter can be arranged. Ask the Zivilstandsamt in advance.
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✓
🥂 Get married at the Zivilstandsamt!
You'll receive the official Swiss Heiratsurkunde (marriage certificate). Request multiple certified copies — needed for the B permit, Mexican consulate registration, and future processes.
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🎉
Phase 6
The Mexican Family Celebration
🇲🇽🇨🇭 Both — Mexico⚡ Planning starts in parallel — timing is flexible⏱ Before or after the civil wedding
ℹ️ The legal marriage always happens in Switzerland at the Zivilstandsamt. The celebration is completely separate and can happen before or after.
✓
Decide: celebration in Mexico 🇲🇽 or in Switzerland 🇨🇭?
Mexico: easier for her family (no Schengen visa needed), lower cost, bigger venue options. Switzerland: family sees your new home, but Mexican guests need Schengen visas — time-consuming and not guaranteed.
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✓
Decide the timing: fiesta before or after the Swiss civil wedding?
Option A — Party first in Mexico, then civil wedding in Switzerland. Option B — Civil wedding first, then fly to Mexico for the celebration. Option B is usually smoother for the visa timeline.
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✓
Build the guest list and set a rough headcount
Mexican celebrations tend to be large and joyful — start the list early so venue planning can follow. Coordinate with parents and close family.
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✓
Book a venue in Tijuana (or chosen city)book 4–6 months ahead
Good salones de eventos in Tijuana fill up fast on weekends. Very affordable compared to Swiss venues.
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✓
Plan his travel to Mexico 🛫
Swiss citizens don't need a visa for Mexico — up to 180 days as tourist, just a valid passport. Tijuana Airport (TIJ) or San Diego (SAN) across the border.
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✓
Arrange catering, music, and Mexican wedding traditions 🎶🌮
Vals (waltz), lasso ceremony, arras, bouquet — decide which traditions to include. A lovely moment to blend in a Swiss touch too.
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✓
Religious ceremony in Mexico if desiredoptional
A Catholic church blessing is popular and meaningful. No legal effect (Swiss civil ceremony is the legal marriage) but carries huge personal significance. Bring your Heiratsurkunde to the parish.
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✓
Talk to her family about the immigration timeline early
Her family will want to know when she is leaving and when they can visit. Be transparent and kind — she'll need to establish residency in Switzerland first before family visits are easy.
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🏠
Phase 7
Residence Permit (B Permit)
🇲🇽🇨🇭 Both — Migrationsamt St. Gallen⏳ Starts immediately after the wedding⏱ ~4–6 weeks processing
✓
Move into the larger apartment together 🏠
Already arranged in Phase 2. Both partners must be registered at this address for the B permit.
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✓
Register her at the Einwohnermeldeamt (residents' registration office)
Both partners must be officially registered at the same address. Legal requirement and prerequisite for the B permit application.
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✓
Apply for the B permit at Migrationsamt Kanton St. Gallen
As spouse of a Swiss citizen (Art. 42 FNIA), she is entitled to a B permit. Submit: Heiratsurkunde, both passports, proof of shared address, proof of financial means.
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✓
Receive the B permit — legally resident in Switzerland 🎉
Renewable annually. Allows her to live and work freely in Switzerland. After 5 years residence and 3 years marriage she qualifies for simplified naturalization.
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✓
Register the Swiss marriage at the Mexican Consulaterecommended
So the marriage is also officially recognized in Mexico. You'll need the apostilled Heiratsurkunde + certified Spanish translation. Contact the Mexican Consulate in Zurich or Bern.
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🌱
Phase 8
Settling In & Long-Term Goals
🇲🇽🇨🇭 Both — Ongoing⏳ Starts after arrival⏱ Citizenship possible after ~5 years
✓
Enroll in health insurance — mandatory in Switzerlandrequired by law
Grundversicherung is compulsory within 3 months of arriving. Compare providers at priminfo.admin.ch or comparis.ch.
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✓
Open a Swiss bank account
PostFinance or Neon are easy to open as a new resident. Raiffeisen and Kantonalbank are traditional options. She'll need her B permit and passport.
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✓
Start or continue learning German (A2 written, B1 spoken for citizenship)
Essential for daily life and legally required for naturalization. Local courses: vhs-sg.ch. Apps: Duolingo, Babbel, Pimsleur. Starting before she arrives is a big advantage.
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✓
Explore job opportunities in Switzerland
The B permit grants full access to the Swiss labor market — any employer, any field. Main portals: jobs.ch, LinkedIn, indeed.ch, jobup.ch.
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✓
Apply for simplified naturalization (Swiss citizenship)
Eligible after: 5 years total residence + 1 year immediately before applying + 3 years married and living together. Requires German A2/B1 certificate and proof of integration. Apply at sem.admin.ch.