Switzerland may soon introduce a third legal status for couples known as the “Pacte civil de solidarité,” or Pacs. Proposed as a “cohabitation plus” model, this arrangement would serve as a legal intermediate step between informal cohabitation, and marriage.
The initiative, championed by FDP-Ständerat Andrea Caroni, aims to provide legal security for couples who choose not to marry but wish to have more protections than those currently available to cohabiting partners.
A formal consultation process regarding the introduction of the Pacs is scheduled to begin on May 20, 2026. This follows years of review by the relevant commissions of both chambers of parliament, with the Council of States commission having developed an initial implementation draft.
Defining “Cohabitation Plus”
The Pacs is specifically designed as “cohabitation plus” rather than “marriage light.” The goal is to secure specific aspects of unregulated cohabitation without creating a direct competitor to the institution of marriage.
Under the proposed framework, a “pacsed” couple would remain similar to cohabiting partners regarding taxes, the separation of property, child recognition, and inheritance. Specifically, there would be no statutory inheritance claim or compulsory portion in the event of a partner’s death.
However, the status would offer protections similar to marriage in other key areas. Partners could represent one another during illness or incapacity and would be mutually obligated to provide family maintenance.
the Pacs would include housing protection, meaning a shared apartment could not be terminated without the consent of both partners. We see also intended to provide better protection for joint children during a separation compared to current cohabitation rules.
Implementation and Dissolution
The exact national form of the Pacs remains subject to parliamentary debate. However, a 2022 Federal Council report suggested several possible models for registration.
Switzerland could adopt models already used in Geneva, where contracts are registered with the civil registry, or in Neuchâtel, where they are registered via a notary. Another possibility is recording the status within the resident register of the couple’s municipality.
Dissolving a Pacs would be relatively simple, requiring only a joint declaration. The status would also automatically terminate by law if the couple marries or if one partner dies.
Political Challenges and Next Steps
The proposal faces opposition from those who argue that existing legal tools—such as wills, powers of attorney, and living wills—are sufficient for cohabiting couples to secure their interests. Critics suggest the Pacs may create unnecessary administrative burdens.
Some political actors also believe the issue was resolved with the 2022 introduction of “marriage for all.”
Looking ahead, the publication of the legislative draft and the explanatory report is expected to coincide with the start of the consultation on May 20. Following this, the parliament will likely need to debate and finalize the specific legal parameters of the arrangement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary difference between a Pacs and marriage in this proposal?
Unlike marriage, a Pacs would not grant statutory inheritance rights or change the couple’s tax status, keeping those elements aligned with standard cohabitation.
What specific protections does “cohabitation plus” provide?
It would allow partners to represent each other during incapacity, mandate mutual family maintenance, and provide protection against the unilateral termination of a shared residence.
How is a Pacs ended?
A Pacs can be dissolved through a joint declaration by the couple, or it ends automatically if the partners marry or if one partner passes away.
Do you believe a “cohabitation plus” status provides a necessary middle ground for modern couples?
