In brief
For marriage, naturalisation and residence permits in Switzerland, Russian documents need an apostille and a translation into German, French or Italian, depending on the canton. For marriage through the Swiss Embassy in Moscow, documents must be no more than 6 months old, the criminal record certificate must carry an MVD apostille and no electronic signature, and a translation by an agency in Russia is certified by a Russian notary. Other requirements are set by the cantons. We obtain the documents without you travelling.
Which Russian documents are most often needed in Switzerland
- Duplicate civil registry (ZAGS) certificates — birth, marriage, divorce; for marriage, naturalisation and registering children.
- Criminal record certificate — for marriage through the embassy and certain permits.
- Certificate of no marriage record — for marriage.
Apostille
Switzerland and Russia are both parties to the Hague Convention, and there is no agreement abolishing the apostille. The Swiss Embassy requires an apostille on duplicate ZAGS certificates and on the criminal record certificate (an apostille from the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs, MVD). We arrange this without you having to travel.
Translation
For marriage through the embassy in Moscow, a translation agency in Russia translates the documents into German, French or Italian, and a Russian notary certifies the translator’s signature. We provide this kind of translation: €10 per translation page (1,800 characters); notarisation: €15. For procedures within Switzerland, the translation requirements are set by the canton — we will tell you how to prepare the translation for yours.
How long documents remain valid
| Document | Purpose | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| All documents except the passport | Marriage through the embassy in Moscow | no more than 6 months old |
Prices
- Criminal record certificate with apostille: from €115 — turnaround times and prices.
- Duplicate ZAGS certificate: from €65; apostille from the Moscow ZAGS: €60.
The state fee for the apostille is included in the price. Delivery to Switzerland is charged at the courier’s rate. Euro prices are based on the Bank of Russia exchange rate on 22.10.2026.
Frequently asked questions
Does the translation need an apostille for Switzerland?
For the marriage procedure through the Swiss Embassy in Moscow — no: a Russian agency does the translation, a Russian notary certifies it, and the notarisation does not need an apostille. For procedures within Switzerland, the rules are set by the canton — check with the Zivilstandsamt or the migration office.
Will an electronic criminal record certificate do?
No. The Swiss Embassy states that the certificate must carry an apostille from the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD) and no electronic signature. We obtain a paper certificate and have it apostilled.
Which language should the translation be in?
The official language of your canton: German, French or Italian. The spelling of names in the translation must match your passport for travel abroad.
Sources
- Swiss Embassy in Russia — Ehe in der Schweiz (PDF, April 2026) — checked 22.10.2026
- HCCH — Contracting Parties to the Apostille Convention — checked 22.10.2026
This is general information, not legal advice. Requirements may differ between authorities: please confirm them before you submit your documents. Legal notice