Switzerland and the Hague Convention

Houses in Bern
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Switzerland is party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption ( Hague Adoption Convention ). Therefore, all adoptions between Switzerland and the United States must meet the requirements of the Convention and the U.S. law implements the Convention.

Switzerland is not considered a country of origin in intercountry adoption. Few Swiss born children are eligible for adoption. Additionally, the demand for adopted children among Swiss citizens is typically high with a long waiting list of Swiss prospective adoptive parents. Most intercountry adoptions in Switzerland are by legal residents of Switzerland who adopt in third countries. The majority of adoptions pursued successfully by American citizens through the Swiss government involve U.S. nationals residing legally in Switzerland who choose to adopt from a third country.

While legally possible, intercountry adoption of a Swiss orphan by foreigners is unlikely. No Swiss orphans have received U.S. immigrant visas in the past five fiscal years. The information provided is intended primarily to assist in rare adoption cases from Switzerland, including adoptions of Swiss children by relatives in the United States, as well as adoptions from third countries by Americans living in Switzerland.

NOTE: For Americans living in Switzerland who plan to adopt from third countries, it is advisable to adopt a child from a country that is party to the Hague Adoption Convention. Non-Hague Convention adoptions are not recognized by the Swiss Government. If the adoption does originate in a country which is not party to the Hague Convention, the child will arrive in Switzerland as a "Pflegekind" (foster child), not as an officially adopted family member. After one year, the official adoption procedure of the "Pflegekind" foster child can begin according to Swiss law. Prospective adoptive parents should contact legal counsel or the CCA to get proper information before they start an adoption procedure.

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