Registering at your address in Switzerland

You must register at your address within 14 days of arriving in Switzerland, this is essential for opening bank accounts, working, renting apartments, or buying property. Registration isn't just required, it's the key to becoming a legal Swiss resident. If relocating for work, you cannot begin your job until completing address registration.

Moving to Switzerland? Find relocation services and local support to help with your transition and registration process.

Registering at Your Address as a New Arrival to Switzerland

As new arrivals, complete the process in person at residents' registration offices where you're residing. Depending on your part of Switzerland, this office could be called Einwohnerkontrolle, Contrôle d'habitants, or Controllo Abitanti. You may need to visit local municipality offices (Gemeindehaus/Maison communale/Casa comunale). The quickest way to find correct offices for registration or deregistration is entering your municipality into search fields provided by Swiss authorities online.

Important Notes: If registration is successful, you receive your residence permit. Registration can take from one hour to half a day. In most Swiss cantons, you must register in person. Prepare all necessary documents in advance. Plan to pay CHF 100 to CHF 400 per person in registration fees. Exact costs and payment methods vary by canton. Some municipalities require cash payment upon registration.

Registration for Non-EU/EFTA Citizens

For non-EU/EFTA citizens moving to Switzerland, registering at your address is an integrated part of your residence permit application. This process must be completed in person at local municipalities' residents' registration offices. Non-EU/EFTA citizens with work permits can expect to pay CHF 200 to CHF 400 per person in registration fees. Some municipalities require cash payment; others may send invoices instead. Following successful registration, you receive residence permits giving rights to work in Switzerland, or residence permits with no rights to work.

Registration for EU/EFTA Citizens

EU and EFTA citizens are also required to register at their address and should visit local residents' registration offices in person. As EU/EFTA nationals, you have legal rights to live and work in Switzerland, but still need to register and receive work or residence permits. You'll be issued applicable permits when registering at your address. From 1 January 2021, UK nationals have the same registration process as non-EU/EFTA nationals.

Documents Required for Registering Your Address

Always call your municipality to confirm necessary registration documents. Swiss municipalities might ask for specific documents depending on your country of origin and reason for stay. Typically required documents include: Valid identification (EU/EFTA) or passport (non-EU/EFTA) of each family member. Birth certificates of children. Marriage certificate or decree absolute (if applicable). Certified translations if documents are from non-EU countries or not in English. Residential lease contracts (proof of local residence/address required for registration). Work contracts or confirmation of admission to higher education institutions. For non-EU/EFTA citizens: police records from home countries, work permit approval/entry visas.

Moving to a New Address Within Switzerland

Moving homes (umzug) in Switzerland is defined as changing address within the same municipality or leaving your current municipality to move to another. Either way, expect to register at new addresses with municipalities within 14 days of moves within Switzerland. Moving to addresses within the same municipality is the most straightforward process. If leaving municipalities or cantons, you must deregister from previous addresses. Registration and deregistration processes vary across cantons.

Register and Deregister Online

You can fulfill registration requirements online for some cantons using the eUmzug service. Available cantons include: Aargau, Appenzell Ausserrhoden, Bern, Glarus, Grisons, Luzern, Schwyz, Solothurn, St. Gallen, Thurgau, Uri, Zug, and Zurich. You won't be able to use services under certain conditions (e.g., must be 18+ to use services; weekly residents aren't permitted). You also cannot deregister online if moving abroad.

Additional Registration Requirements in Switzerland

Switzerland's registration requirements don't just apply to people. If moving to or within Switzerland, consider your pets and cars. Your dog needs to be registered at your address because Switzerland taxes dog owners. You must inform your municipality if you move or if your dog dies. Check with your municipality on local rules and requirements for dogs. If moving with dogs to Switzerland from abroad, register them in the AMICUS database and with veterinarians within 10 days of arrival. Even if staying within the same canton, you'll need to change address of car registration within 14 days of moves. Changes of canton require new license plates.