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Birth

You wish to report the birth of a child.

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There are certain rules governing the granting of Swiss nationality to a child. The following qualify as Swiss at birth (SCA; CC 141.0):

  • the child of a married couple at least one of whom is Swiss.
  • the child of a Swiss woman who is not married to the child’s father.
  • a foreign child in its minority (born after 1 January 2006) whose Swiss father is not married to the foreign mother acquires Swiss nationality as if from birth once paternity has been confirmed.

Birth abroad

Registration in the Swiss civil status register (Infostar) of a birth which has occurred abroad requires submission of the documents listed on this webpage to the Swiss representation competent for the country in which the birth has taken place.

There is no fee for the registration in question.

Birth in Switzerland

In the case of a birth in Switzerland, parents registered with a Swiss representation abroad are under an obligation to report the birth of the child. They must submit the following document (as hard copy or in electronic form) to enable the representation to update its register of the Swiss Abroad:

  • photocopy of the birth certificate of the newborn Swiss infant or of the Swiss family certificate

There is no fee for the registration in question.

Swiss identity documents and foreign residence permit

A regular Swiss identity document can only be issued once the birth of the child has been registered in the Swiss civil status register, or rather once the child’s Swiss nationality has been confirmed. In urgent cases, please contact the competent Swiss representation.

Passport and identity card

Regarding the foreign residence permit for the child, please refer to the competent foreign authority.

Authorisation to enter and take residence in Switzerland for foreign children (family reunification)

For foreign children who are joining their parents residing in Switzerland, please refer to the information on the following webpage:

National visa for a stay of more than 90 days

Requirements for registration in Switzerland of birth, adoption, marriage, divorce or death in Namibia

Should one of the events mentioned above concerning a Swiss citizen occur in Namibia, the relevant documents will be required for the updating of the Swiss civil status registers. All documents have to be sent to the Regional Consular Centre in Pretoria.

No abridged certificates will be accepted. Documents must be in original with seal and signature of the competent Officer of the Department of Home Affairs or the Registrar of the (High) Court in charge. Good certified photocopies, issued by the competent Officer by the Namibian Police (Commissioner of Oaths) can also be accepted.

The required documents must always be issued by the responsible authority of the country where the event took place. If another country is involved, it is recommended to inquire with the Regional Consular Centre in Pretoria, which document is accepted by the Swiss authorities.

If the place of origin of the Swiss citizen is situated in Canton of Zürich or Vaud (Waadt), an Apostille is required for all the documents.

1. If parents of child are married:

  • Full or Unabridged Birth Certificate of child with surname and name of both parents 
    (Issuing authority in Namibia: Home Affairs)
     
    2. If parents of child are not married:
     
  • Full or Unabridged Birth Certificate of child
    (as mentioned in point 1) 
    (Issuing authority in Namibia: Home Affairs)
     
  • Full or Unabridged Birth Certificate of the non Swiss parent 
    (Home Affairs)
     
  • Certificate of actual marital status of the non Swiss parent 
    (Issuing authority in Namibia: Home Affairs)
     
  • Certificate of Residence of the non Swiss parent 
    (Issuing authority in Namibia: Affidavit with Commissioner of Oaths)
     
  • Certified copy of the Namibian passport of non Swiss parent 
    (Issuing authority in Namibia: Certified by Commissioner of Oaths)

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Last update 07.01.2022