Re-registering and deregistering in your municipality: how it works
If you’re soon moving to a new apartment, you must report this to your current municipality. We’ll show you how and when you can deregister from your municipality in Switzerland, and what it will cost to re-register after your move.
20.06.2023
iStock / Denis Linine
1. When do I need to deregister from my local municipality?
If you move to a new municipality, you must deregister from the previous municipality. You usually have up to 14 days after your departure to register with the new municipality. This is only possible after deregistering.
Attention: if you move within the same municipality, you have to report your new address. Here, too, there is usually a deadline of 14 days. Find out what applies for your local municipal authority.
What if I fail to meet the deadlines?
Have you missed the deadline for changing your address or deregistering from your municipality? Then you may have to pay a fine. The amount varies from canton to canton. In the canton of St. Gallen, for example, fines of up to 200 francs are possible, while in Valais it is up to 500 francs.
Good to know: when moving abroad, different deadlines usually apply.
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Moving house by yourself costs less, but is very time-consuming. A professional moving company can save you a lot of hassle. You can receive up to five different quotes via our moving partner topmovers.
2. Deregistering from your local municipality: how does it work?
As a general rule, you can deregister from your municipality in person, in writing or online. What is possible depends on:
Your municipality of residence
Your residence status
Where you’re moving to
Online deregistration via eUmzug takes about 10 minutes. You can also register with your new local authority at the same time. The online tool is available in just over half of all Swiss municipalities. Online registration is not yet possible in the cantons of Vaud, Ticino and Geneva.
3. Deregistering when moving house: which documents are required?
You’ll need different documentation depending on whether you report the move online or in person.
Documents for online deregistration
Documents for Swiss citizens:
Personal identity document (e.g. passport or identity card)
AHV number
Credit card (if you have one)
Additional documents for foreign citizens:
Travel document (passport/identity card)
Foreign national identity card
If necessary, you must submit the documents electronically. Just take a photo using your smartphone.
Documents for deregistering in person
Which documents you need for personal deregistration depends on your municipality. Check what applies to you. Often you need the following items:
Certificate of origin
Family booklet or family certificate, if you have one
Health insurance card
4. How much does it cost to register with the municipality?
In most cases, deregistration is free of charge, but you have to pay a small fee to register with the new municipality. This fee varies from one municipality to another. For example in Bern you pay 20 francs, whereas in Zurich you pay 40 francs.
Where do I pay my taxes after I move?
Where you pay your taxes depends on where you live. The deadline for this is 31 December. In other words, taxes for the year in which you moved are always paid in the new place of residence.
This article was first published on 20.06.2023
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