Who must register
- Everyone who moves to Switzerland to live, including partners and children.
- Foreign nationals who come to work, study or join family, usually also for longer short-term stays.
- Swiss residents who move to a new commune must deregister in the old one and register in the new one.
Diplomats and staff of international organisations often follow a separate process through their employer and the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs. Check with your organisation first.
The deadline
You usually have to register within 14 days of arrival or of moving into your home, and before you start work. Some communes set slightly different rules, so check your commune's website. Registering late can lead to a fine.
In larger cities you may need an appointment, and some steps can be started online.
Typical documents
- Valid passport or national ID card for each family member
- Rental contract or a confirmation from your landlord
- Employment contract or proof of your reason for staying
- Recent passport photos (some communes take photos on site or for the permit separately)
- Family documents: marriage certificate, birth certificates of children
- Proof of health insurance, if you already have it
Foreign documents sometimes need an apostille or an official translation into a Swiss national language. Ask your commune in advance; arranging these from Switzerland can take weeks.
At the appointment
- Staff check your documents and record your details: address, family situation, religion (for church tax, in cantons that have it) and employer.
- You usually pay a fee for registration and the permit. The amount varies by canton and commune.
- Ask for a confirmation of residence if you need it for a bank account or employer.
What happens afterwards
- Permit card: for foreign nationals, the migration office issues the permit card, usually by post some weeks later. You may need to give biometric data first.
- Tax registration: your commune shares your details with the tax authorities. You may be taxed at source through your salary, or receive a tax return form.
- Serafe letter: the radio and TV household fee is billed per household; the invoice usually follows automatically.
- Health insurance: the canton checks that everyone has basic health insurance within three months.
More on these letters in Swiss official letters explained.
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to register in Switzerland?
Usually 14 days from arrival or moving in, and before starting work. Check your commune for its exact rule.
Do my documents need to be translated?
Sometimes. Documents in a language the commune doesn't accept may need an official translation, and some need an apostille. Ask your commune in advance.
How much does registration cost?
It varies by canton and commune. Your commune can tell you the current fees.
When do I get my permit card?
Usually by post some weeks after registration, once the migration office has processed your application.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules can vary by canton.