anchor.diff:  - your [full birth certificate](/order-copy-birth-death-marriage-certificate) or [naturalisation certificate](/get-replacement-citizenship-certificate)
   - proof of residence, such as a residence certificate - check with the consulate to find out what you need
   
  -If you’ve been divorced, widowed or previously in a civil partnership, you’ll also need whichever of the following documents is appropriate:
  +If you’ve been divorced, widowed or previously in a civil partnership, you'll also need to bring the appropriate original document:
   
   - a [decree absolute or final order](/copy-decree-absolute-final-order)
   - a civil partnership dissolution or annulment certificate
  
positive.code: %The name on all documents you provide must appear exactly as they do on your passport - if not, the authorities may refuse to allow the ceremony to go ahead. You may need to provide evidence if the name on your passport is different to your birth certificate (eg marriage or civil partnership certificate, or deed poll).%
  
  You should check if your civil status declaration needs to be legalised (certified as genuine) by the local authorities in Switzerland.
  
negative.code: Same-sex relationships in Switzerland that are recognised as civil partnerships under British law are known as ’eingetragene Partnerschaft’, ’partenariat enregistré’, ’unione domestica registrata’ or ’partenadi registrà’ (’registered partnership’).
  
  ##Before you start
  
  s1. Contact the Civil Register Office where you’re entering into a civil partnership to find out about the availability of dates, local laws and what documents you’ll need.
  
  s2. Contact [your closest Swiss embassy](https://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/home.html) to start the civil partnership process.
  
  
  ^You should [get legal advice](/government/publications/switzerland-list-of-lawyers) and check the [travel advice for Switzerland](/foreign-travel-advice/switzerland) before making any plans.^
  
  