Registration and residence permit!
After arriving in Switzerland, you have 14 days to register with the responsible commune. Registration is mandatory and necessary in order to obtain a residence permit and enter into contracts (e.g. rental contract, mobile plan, bank account).
Register within 14 days of arrival
Apply for residence permit (B, C, L)
Required for bank account, insurance and contracts
Any change of address must be disclosed
Register within 14 days of arrival
Apply for residence permit (B, C, L)
Required for bank account, insurance and contracts
Any change of address must be disclosed
Tip
Register the children and observe the school attendance obligation.
Children must be registered in the respective canton. This usually requires proof of residence and a birth certificate. After registration, the school will automatically contact you and request that the children fulfill their school attendance obligation. Therefore, you do not need to take any action yourself.
Register quickly and easily
How to register stress-free
Register with the commune no later than 14 days after your arrival. At the same time, make an appointment at the migration office to register and apply for your foreigner’s identity card with the appropriate permit. The employees of the migration office examine the applications submitted and issue the corresponding entry and residence permits. You should expect this process to take several weeks. Find out more about specific requirements from your local authority. They may differ depending on where you live. Prepare all necessary documents (including copies).
Tip: take care of your health insurance at an early stage.
Important steps for registering
- A valid official ID for each family member entering the country.
- Proof of basic insurance with a Swiss health insurer. If you aren’t yet insured, you must submit proof within three months.
- A passport photo of each family member entering the country.
- Documents on marital status (family record, marriage certificate, etc.).
- Your employment contract or confirmation of admission for university students.
- A copy of your current Swiss rental agreement. In contrast to other countries in Europe, you don’t need a separate certificate such as a landlord’s certificate or a residence registration form in Switzerland.
- Find out from the responsible residents’ registration office about any other required documents.
Tip
make several copies of these documents (at least 3 per document), as they are required for many administrative procedures (e.g. bank account, insurance, employer).
- Preparation: prepare all necessary documents (originals and copies).
- Go to the local authority: register in person, often with all family members.
- Fill out the forms and submit the documents.
- Apply for a residence permit: depending on the purpose of your stay (L, B or C).
- Receive confirmation: wait for approval and official confirmation of registration.
Take out health insurance: compulsory for everyone living in Switzerland. This must be done within 3 months of registration.
Open a bank account: often only possible after successfully registering.
Taxes and insurance: after registering, you’ll receive information on tax obligations and social insurance.