Switzerland Registration Kit

The 14-day duty without red tape: document checklist by status, 7-day plan and ready appointment templates.

Checked on 21 August 2026 by Jens Herbst, BoVitaWe keep every document current and check it regularly against the sources.

Who is this document for?

For everyone moving to Switzerland or changing municipality who wants to complete the residents' office registration in one go.

What is inside

  • Document checklist by status (EU/EFTA, third country, family, students)
  • 7-day plan from arrival to completed appointment
  • Ready-to-send email template for the appointment request
  • On-site questions list and cost table
  • Post-appointment checklist, pitfalls and cantonal contacts (AG, ZH, SG)

How to fill it in

  1. 1Pick your status in the checklist and tick only that column.
  2. 2Send the appointment email on day 1; the 14-day deadline runs from arrival.
  3. 3Bring the questions list to the appointment, printed or on your phone.

Frequently asked questions

For moves from abroad and between municipalities, for EU/EFTA and third-country nationals, families and students; the checklist separates the cases.

14 days from arrival. Missing it risks fines and delays your residence permit, which is exactly why the kit starts with the 7-day plan.

It depends on your status; typically passport or ID, rental contract or housing confirmation, photos, employment contract, and for families the civil status documents. The checklist lists it per status.

Fees differ by municipality and permit type; the cost table shows the usual ranges so the counter amount does not surprise you.

Yes, you get the kit free by email.

If the template alone is not enough

In-depth guideRegistering in Switzerland, step by step, with document checklist and common mistakesThe article goes deeper than the document: deadlines, examples and where to turn.

What this document is based on

Every provision is checked against the wording of the consolidated version. The links lead straight to the federal statute.

  • VZAE Art. 15 · An- und Abmeldung nach einem Wohnortswechsel

    When changing municipality or canton, foreign nationals must register at the new address within 14 days AND deregister at the previous one within the same period. Deregistration is therefore compulsory, not optional. In several municipalities, the City of Zurich for example, it is even a precondition for registering.

    VZAE Art. 15 Abs. 1, SR 142.201 · Status 01.01.2026

  • GebV-AIG Art. 8 · Hoechstgebuehren der Kantone

    Cantonal fees are capped by federal law. For EU and EFTA nationals the total cap is CHF 65, for unmarried persons under 18 CHF 30 in total. For third-country nationals at most CHF 95 for issuance, plus at most CHF 22 for the biometric card and CHF 20 for data capture, so CHF 137 in total; CHF 75 instead of 95 on renewal. The municipal registration fee is separate.

    GebV-AIG Art. 8, SR 142.209 · Status 01.03.2024

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