Registered partnerships, dissolved partnerships

According to the Same-Sex Partnership Act (SSPA), which came into force on 1 January 2007, a registered partnership is an institution recognised under Swiss private law. It is open only to same-sex couples, who once registered, are given a new civil status. It has similar status to marriage, except regarding certain aspects (name, citizenship and assisted reproductive technology). A registered partnership is concluded at a registry office, allowing couples recognition of their relationship in the eyes of the law.

Until 30 June 2022, same-sex couples could formalise their union at the registry office with a registered partnership. The entry into force of marriage for all marks the end of registered partnerships in Switzerland.

From 1 July 2022, it will no longer be possible to enter into registered partnerships in Switzerland. However, it is still possible to register a partnership abroad. If they wish, people in a registered partnership can convert their union into a marriage by making a joint declaration to the Swiss registry office of their choice.

Registered partnerships

Year	Total	Male couples	Female couples
2017	789	483	306
2018	700	425	275
2019	674	419	255
2020	651	386	265
2021	582	361	221

Source: FSO – BEVNAT

A partner wishing to dissolve the registered partnership may submit a request for dissolution to a court of law. The procedure is different depending on whether the dissolution is requested by both or one of the partners. A registered partnership can also be dissolved against the will of one of the partners. If the partners have lived separately for one year, the person wishing to dissolve the partnership can file a petition for dissolution.

Dissolved partnerships

Year	Total	Male couples	Female couples
2017	183	117	66
2018	206	138	68
2019	200	133	67
2020	212	124	88
2021	211	129	82

Source: FSO – BEVNAT