Switzerland is a party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption (Convention). Intercountry adoption processing in Convention countries must be done in accordance with the Convention; the Intercountry Adoption Act of 2000 (IAA); the IAA’s implementing regulations; and all applicable legislation and regulations of Switzerland.
While adoption is legally possible, children from Switzerland are not generally placed for intercountry adoption because Switzerland is not considered a country of origin for intercountry adoption at this time. Prospective adoptive parents who are stationed overseas on U.S. military orders, posted overseas on U.S. government orders, or are private citizens living abroad are cautioned that the Convention may apply to an adoption completed in the United States, in the host country, and/or involving a child from a third country. We also strongly encourage such prospective adoptive parents to consult with the Central Authority of the country where they are physically residing, and/or where the child is residing, to determine whether the Convention applies to a proposed adoption. See contact information below.
Warning: Do not attempt to adopt or obtain custody of a child in Switzerland before USCIS has provisionally approved your Form I-800 petition AND a U.S. consular officer issues the “Article 5/17 Letter” for your adoption case.
Please visit the Department of State’s Country Specific Information for more information on traveling to Switzerland and the U.S. Embassy in Bern website for information on consular services.
Last Updated: August 1, 2023
