Partnership and Children
Here you will find information on marriage, separation, pregnancy, childbirth and childcare in the Canton of Zug. You can also find out where to get advice and support with family conflicts or domestic violence.
Marriage and Partnership
In Switzerland, many different forms of living together are recognised. To marry, both partners must be at least 18 years old. Spouses have equal rights.
Links:
The ways in which people live together in Switzerland have changed greatly over the centuries. Many unmarried couples live together (cohabitation, Konkubinat) and have children. There is no prescribed division of roles between partners. Same-sex relationships are accepted and legally recognised.
Links:
In Switzerland, people must be at least 18 years old to marry. Those wishing to marry must contact the civil registry office (Regionales Zivilstandsamt) of their municipality of residence.
The registry office initiates the marriage preparation procedure. This involves examining whether the legal requirements are met. Once this procedure has been completed, the wedding must take place within three months. The responsible registry office will provide detailed information on the procedure and the required documents.
If one partner lives abroad, it is possible to apply for an entry visa so that they can take part in the procedure.
Since 1 July 2022, same-sex couples can also legally marry in Switzerland.
Links:
Bundesverwaltung / Finding the responsible registry office (DE)
Spouses have same rights and duties. A marriage can only take place if both people agree to it.
Forcing someone to marry against their will is illegal. If authorities discover that a person has been forced into marriage (forced marriage), the marriage will be declared invalid and the person who used force may be punished by law.
Anyone who feels pressured or forced into marriage should seek help as soon as possible.
Links:
For questions about family planning, pregnancy and sexuality, you can contact the advisory centre eff-zett das fachzentrum in Zug. The centre offers free and confidential advice on various topics and also supports parents and future parents.
Links:
eff-zett das fachzentrum / Counselling centre for sexuality and pregnancy (DE)
A divorce can be requested jointly by both spouses or by one spouse alone. The Cantonal Court (Kantonsgericht) is responsible for divorce proceedings.
Marriages performed abroad can also be dissolved in Switzerland, provided that one spouse has lived in Switzerland for at least one year and that Switzerland is their main place of residence.
Divorce can affect residence status or a naturalisation process. Whether non-citizens may remain in Switzerland after divorce depends on several factors. Special rules apply to victims of domestic violence.
Marriage and family counselling centres, as well as legal services, provide further information on divorce.
Links:
Kanton Zug / Further information (DE)
eff-zett das fachzentrum / Couple counselling (DE)
eff-zett das fachzentrum / Separation or divorce mediation (DE)
Advokatenverein des Kantons Zug / Pro bono legal service (DE)
Parents' Rights and Duties
When a child is born, the birth must be reported to the registry office. Married couples receive joint custody automatically; unmarried couples must arrange custody separately.
Links:
Every birth must be reported to the responsible civil registry office (Zivilstandsamt).
Important: The responsible registry office is determinded by the place of birth, not by the parents' place of residence.
If a child is born in a hospital, the hospital usually forwards the documents to the registry office.
For births that do not take place in a hospital (e.g. at home), the parents must report the birth within three days. The registry office will provide information on the required documents.
Links:
Bundesverwaltung / Finding the responsible registry office (DE)
When a married couple has a child, the husband is automatically registered as the father. If he does not believe to be the biological father, he can challenge paternity in court.
For unmarried parents, the father is not automatically registered. He can acknowledge paternity before or after the birth at the responsibe registry office. Should the father refuse to acknowledge paternity, the mother can demand his acknowledgement in court.
Links:
Parents have the right and responsiblity to care for and raise their children (elterliche Sorge). This includes upbringing and providing financial support. Parents legally represent their children until they reach the age of 18.
Married parents automatically share the same rights and responsibility.
For unmarried parents, the father must first acknowledge paternity. The parents can then sign a written declaration of joint custody (gemeinsame elterliche Sorge). This can be done at the registry office when paternity is acknowledged or later at the child protection authority (Kindesschutzbehörde, KESB). If unmarried parents cannot agree on custody, the child protection authority will decide.
For questions or support, families can contact a counselling centre.
Links:
Separated parents remain jointly responsible for their child. They should agree on financial support and care arrangements.
Child support is shared between mother and father. The amount each parent must pay depends on their financial situation and their share of childcare. If no agreement can be reached, a court will decide.
If a parent does not pay child support, the municipality where the child lives can help by demanding payment or, where applicable, by providing advance payments (Alimenteninkasso und Alimentenbevorschussung).
Links:
In Switzerland, the child's well-being is top priority. This includes the child’s physical, emotional, and social development in a safe and supportive environment.
Parents are primarily responsible for ensuring that their children are protected, cared for, and nurtured.
If a child’s well-being is at risk (for example, due to neglect, violence, or parental burnout) the Child and Adult Protection Authority (KESB) can take supportive or protective measures. The main goal is always to protect the child’s welfare and, whenever possible, to strengthen the family.
Links:
Female genital mutilation (FGM), also known as female circumcision, is a serious violation of human rights and is prohibited in Switzerland. Any form of FGM – whether carried out in Switzerland or abroad – is a criminal offence and can be punished with imprisonment.
FGM can have severe physical and psychological consequences. In Switzerland, affected women and girls can receive confidential medical, psychological and legal support. Various counselling services and specialists offer help, information and guidance.
In the Canton of Zug, victim support by eff-zett das fachzentrum offers confidential counselling and support on the topic of female genital mutilation.
Links:
Caritas Schweiz / Further Information
Bundesverwaltung / Statement opposing female genital mutilation
Being a Parent
Raising a child can be challenging. Parents often have questions about what is best for their child. Sharing experiences with other parents can be very helpful. In addition, there are various counselling centres that offer advice and support on topics related to nutrition, hygiene, development, upbringing, and more.
In the Canton of Zug, there is a wide range of activities for mothers and fathers who would like to meet other parents or take part in activities together with their children. Some programmes are specifically designed to help Swiss and foreign parents come in contact with each other.
Many municipalities offer playgroups (Krabbelgruppen) for parents with babies and toddlers up to about two years of age, as well as parent-child gymnastics (MuKi-, VaKi- or ElKi-Turnen). These activities provide shared experiences and opportunities to interact with other families.
Libraries also provide a variety of activities for parents with young children. In addition, the advisory centre punkto in Baar organises events and courses for parents and their children.
Contact your municipality of residence for information about local and regional offers.
In Canton Zug, parents can choose from a wide variety of courses.
Some courses are tailored to the needs of immigrants and cover topics such as the Swiss school system. Certain courses are even held in different languages.
Further information is available on the website "Elternbildung", from schools or from your municipality of residence.
Links:
Various counselling centres offer advise on questions regarding the upbringing of children.
In Canton Zug, the advice centre punkto offers counselling on many topics, including infant care. Counselling is also available in different languages.
The Parent Helpline provides professional advice by telephone or email (telephone 0848 35 45 55, fixed network tariff, www.elternnotruf.ch).
Links:
Childcare
Many parents continue working after their child is born. For this reason, various childcare options are available in Canton Zug. Most of them charge a fee.
Links:
Day-care centres (Kitas, Kinderkrippen) provide part-time or full-time care for children by qualified staff. Most facilities take children aged three months up until they start school.
Some day-care centres also offer care for primary school children (before and after school or over lunchtime).
As waiting lists are often long, parents should register their children as early as possible.
Childcare costs vary between day-care centres. Municipalities provide financial support to families based on their income. The Canton of Zug also contributes to childcare costs in day-care centres under certain conditions, regardless of income or assets.
You can get more information at the day-care centres directly or from your municipality of residence.
Links:
Many children go to playgroups (Spielgruppen) before officially starting school. Children from around the age of three attend without their parents to play, do crafts and other activities. All under the guidance of a trained supervisor.
Attending a playgroup is voluntary. For children who do not speak German at home, playgroups are a good opportunity to become familiar with the language, which makes starting school easier.
There are playgroups in most municipalities, and the municipality of residence can provide further information.
Links:
ig spielgruppen Schweiz / Online search engine for playgroups (DE)
All municipal schools offer before and after-school care (schulergänzende Betreuung). This supervised care, provided by trained staff, is available for children attending voluntary kindergarten year up to the end of primary school (6th grade).
Before and after-school care is organised in modules and can be booked as needed. It is subject to a fee, with rates depending on parental income.
Before and after-school care should not be confused with day schools (Tagesschulen) or private schools. Further information is available from your municipality of residence or your local primary school.
Links:
Daycare families/childminders (Tagesfamilien) mind children as early as three months of age, either for a few hours, half days, or full days. This type of care is particularly suitable for parents with irregular working hours or who work outside normal office times.
The advisory centre KiBiZ or your municipality of residence can help you find a suitable day family.
Municipalities provide income-based financial support. The Canton of Zug also contributes to childcare costs for registered childminders under certain conditions, regardless of income or assets.
Links:
The Canton of Zug supports working parents with their childcare costs. Parents can receive a financial contribution if their child attends a licensed day-care centre (Kita) or is cared for by a registered childminder (Tagesfamilie).
Certain requirements must be met. Parents can submit their application online through an application portal.
More information about the cantonal contribution towards childcare costs (Kantonspauschale) and how to apply is available on the Canton of Zug website.
Links:
In Switzerland, it is common for young people to work as babysitters, either in the evenings or at weekends. The Swiss Red Cross (SRK) Zug maintains a list of babysitters who have completed a training course for babysitters. Pay rates are usually based on the recommendations of the Swiss Red Cross.
In unforeseen emergency situations, Familienhilfe Kanton Zug offers emergency childcare – for example, if a parent has to go to hospital and no one else can look after the child. This service is subject to a fee, although some costs may be covered by health insurance.
Links:
Familienhilfe Kanton Zug / Information on childcare in emergency situations
Family Reunification
Family members of people living in Switzerland can move to Switzerland under certain circumstances. If relatives or friends wish to visit, they may have to apply for a visa depending on their nationality.
Links:
In principle, close family members or spouses of people living in Switzerland may apply to join them through family reunification (Familiennachzug).
Which family members are eligible depends on the applicant’s citizenship and residence status.
The cantonal Office for Migration (Amt für Migration) is responsible for reviewing applications and providing information on the required documents and procedures.
Note: applications for family reunification must be submitted within a time period. This period is shorter for children than for adults (e.g. spouses).
Links:
Residents of Switzerland who wish to marry a partner living abroad can apply for an entry permit for marriage preparation (Vorbereitung der Heirat). This permit allows the partner to travel to Switzerland before the wedding and to marry here.
The Office for Migration (Amt für Migration) examines the application and informs applicants about the required documents and procedures.
Links:
For citizens of many countries it is difficult to obtain an entry visa for Switzerland, for example to visit relatives. A letter of invitation and/or a financial guarantee (Verpflichtungserklärung) from the resident may be required.
The Swiss representation abroad is responsible for reviewing applications and provides information on the required documents and procedures.
The Office for Migration (Amt für Migration) also provides information.
Links:
Domestic Conflicts
Violence against children or between spouses is prohibited. In cases of conflicts within in a partnership or family, various counselling services can help.
Links:
Partners experiencing conflict in the relationship can seek professional help (Eheberatung). Specialised counselling services provide guidance and help couples find solutions. Initial consultations are usually free of charge or available at a reduced rate.
Links:
Families with children may face challenging situations that place a burden on both parents and children. It is strongly recommended that parents seek support when feeling overwhelmed. Family counselling centres (Familienberatungsstellen) offer personal consultations.
The Parent Helpline (Elternnotruf) provides free advice by telephone or email for parents with questions or concerns regarding parenting (Telephone 0848 35 45 55, www.elternnotruf.ch).
Children and young people can contact the Child Helpline (Kindernotruf) by phone, email, SMS or chat (Telephone 147, free, www.147.ch).
Links:
Domestic violence is a criminal offence. It is prosecuted automatically by the authorities, even if the victim does not file a complaint. Anyone who uses violence may face criminal prosecution, regardless of the severity of the act or whether it is directed against a spouse or a child. Authorities are required to take action as soon as they are aware of domestic violence.
Victims have access to free and confidential support services. Specialised shelters (Frauenhaus, Väterhaus) are available for women or men with their children who need temporary protection. Women can call Frauenhaus Zug at any time (Telephone 041 727 76 86).
Children and young people can call the Child Helpline (Kindernotruf) (Telephone 147, free, www.147.ch).
Anyone who feels threatened by a family member should call the police (Telephone 117). The police may issue a restraining order requiring a violent or threatening person to stay away from the home for an extended period.
Links:
Kanton Zug / Further information (DE)
Kanton Zug / Stop domestic violence!
eff-zett das fachzentrum / Victim Counselling service (DE)
Pregnancy, Childbirth and Female Health
In Switzerland, a wide range of services is available related to pregnancy, childbirth, family planning and women’s health. These services include medical care and personal counselling before and after birth.
Specialised services also provide confidential support and advice on sexuality, pregnancy termination and female genital mutilation (FGM).
Links:
eff-zett das fachzentrum / Counselling centre for sexuality and pregnancy (DE)
Comprehensive medical care is available during pregnancy in Switzerland. Regular check-ups with a gynecologist help monitor the health of both mother and child and detect any complications at an early stage.
Medical services related to pregnancy and childbirth are covered by basic health insurance (Grundversicherung). These include regular check-ups before birth, childbirth itself, and necessary postnatal care.
Pregnant women are advised to contact a doctor or midwife early on. Hospitals and midwives offer antenatal classes.
Childbirth can take place in a hospital, a birth centre, or at home.
Links:
Parents are free to choose where they would like to give birth. In Switzerland, births can take place in a hospital, a birthing center, or at home. It is advisable to exlpore the options about different facilities early on and register at the preferred maternity clinic in advance.
Kantonsspital Zug has a woman's health clinic but no pediatrics unit.
The nearest hospitals with a pediatrics unit are Kinderspital Zentralschweiz in Lucerne and Kinderspital Zürich.
Links:
Midwives support mothers during pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period. As many midwives are quickly booked, arranging for one early in the pregnancy is highly advisable.
Links:
After giving birth, the mother needs time to recover, and the family needs time to adjust to life with the baby. Midwives offer house calls during this time to support the mother and child, provide advice, and assist with breastfeeding and newborn care. This period usually lasts for six weeks.
In Switzerland it is common for parents to seek advice after childbirth. In Canton Zug, "Beratung Frühe Kindheit" (early childhood support) by the advice centre punkto provides information about the baby’s development, nutrition, and care. Consultations are free of charge.
A doctor or midwife will inform parents about required follow-up examinations.
It is very important to insure the child against illness and accidents within the first three months after birth (basic health insurance, accident insurance). Ideally, this should be done before the baby is born.
Links:
It is recommended that children are vaccinated against certain diseases at the appropriate ages. Vaccination is voluntary in Switzerland. The costs of recommended vaccinations are usually covered by basic health insurance.
A paediatrician or the advice centre punkto (programme "Beratung Frühe Kindheit") can provide further information.
Links:
Abortion is legal in Switzerland during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. After the 12th week, abortion is permitted only if the woman’s physical and/or mental health is at risk. This must be assessed by a doctor.
Women considering abortion are entitled to free counselling. Young women under the age of 16 are required to contact a specialised counselling centre.
All medical costs are covered by basic health insurance.
Links:
eff-zett das fachzentrum / Counselling centre for sexuality and pregnancy (DE)
Sexual health info Switzerland / Information in many languages on a range of sexual health issues
Female genital mutilation (FGM), also known as female circumcision, is a serious violation of human rights and is prohibited in Switzerland. Any form of FGM – whether carried out in Switzerland or abroad – is a criminal offence and can be punished with imprisonment.
FGM can have severe physical and psychological consequences. In Switzerland, affected women and girls can receive confidential medical, psychological and legal support. Various counselling services and specialists offer help, information and guidance.
In the Canton of Zug, victim support by eff-zett das fachzentrum offers confidential counselling and support on the topic of female genital mutilation.
Links:
Caritas Schweiz / Further Information
Bundesverwaltung / Statement opposing female genital mutilation
Contact
«New to Zug» is a service of the Cantonal Social Welfare Office (Kantonales Sozialamt). Do you have questions, suggestions or notice missing information? We welcome your feedback at integration@zg.ch.
Dossiers