Serafe: the radio and TV fee
Serafe collects the household fee for public radio and TV. It is charged per household, not per device, so you usually pay it even without a TV. The invoice arrives automatically after you register with your commune. Check that your household details are correct, and pay by the due date.
Tax letters
- Tax at source: if your employer deducts tax from your salary, you may receive letters about your tax rate or about corrections. Some people can or must file a tax return in addition.
- Tax return: if you are taxed in the ordinary way, you receive a tax return form each year with a filing deadline. Extensions can usually be requested.
- Provisional bills: many cantons send advance invoices that are corrected later.
Health insurer letters
- Your policy, premium bills and the annual premium notice for the next year.
- Letters about your deductible (franchise) or invoices for your share of medical costs.
- Enforced assignment: if you have not taken out basic insurance in time, the canton may assign you to an insurer. Take this letter seriously and respond quickly.
Commune and migration office letters
These cover your registration, permit renewal, requests for missing documents or biometric data, and changes of address. They often include a deadline. If you cannot meet it, contact the office before the deadline rather than after.
Debt collection: Betreibung / poursuite
A payment order (Zahlungsbefehl / commandement de payer) means someone has started debt collection against you. In Switzerland, anyone can start this process, even when the claim is wrong. That is why it matters to react quickly:
- You can file an objection (Rechtsvorschlag / opposition) within 10 days of receiving the order. This stops the process until the creditor takes further steps.
- Entries can appear in the debt-collection register, which landlords often check.
- If the claim is valid, paying or agreeing on a payment plan early is usually the simplest solution.
QR payment slips and how to respond
- Most invoices come with a QR-bill: scan the code in your banking app to pay. The reference number links your payment to the invoice.
- Note every deadline in your calendar the day the letter arrives.
- Keep copies of all letters and of anything you send. For important replies, use registered post.
- If you don't understand a letter, ask before the deadline passes: silence is rarely the best answer.
Our Arrival Admin package includes 90 days of personal help with official letters after your arrival.
Frequently asked questions
What is the deadline to object to a Betreibung?
You can file an objection (Rechtsvorschlag / opposition) within 10 days of receiving the payment order.
Why do I get a Serafe bill when I don't have a TV?
The fee is charged per household, regardless of devices. Only limited exemptions exist.
How do I pay a Swiss QR-bill?
Scan the QR code with your banking app, check the amount and reference, and confirm. You can also pay at a post office.
What if I miss a deadline in an official letter?
Contact the sender as soon as possible. Some deadlines can be extended if you ask in time; others cannot.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules can vary by canton.