Where do I get the debt collection register extract in Switzerland?

From the debt collection office of your current municipality of residence. Many municipalities offer online ordering. You need a valid ID and pay a fee of around 17 to 25 CHF (varies by canton).

How long does it take until I have the extract?

Depending on the municipality 1 to 5 working days for an online order with postal delivery. In person at the counter you usually get it immediately. Order early, there are waiting times especially in popular cities.

What happens if there is a debt collection entry on the extract?

Not every debt collection entry is automatically a knockout criterion. If you can explain what happened and that the claim has been settled, you have chances. Be open with the management, many value transparency more than an attempted cover-up. For chronic debt it is worth going to a debt counselling service.

Do I also need an extract as an expat or as a newcomer to Switzerland?

If you are not yet registered, you do not yet have a Swiss extract, but you can request an empty extract or a confirmation of 'no entry'. Some managements additionally accept an extract from your country of origin (translated).

What is the maximum age the extract may have?

The standard is a maximum of 3 months. Some accept up to 6 months. If you write several applications, order a new one in good time, otherwise the deadline runs out in the middle of your search.

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Rental dossier

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Debt collection register extract for the rental application

You are asked to enclose a 'debt collection register extract' and do not know what it is, where to get it or whether old debts are a problem.

In short

The debt collection register extract shows whether there are open debt collections or seizures against you. In Switzerland practically all managements require a current extract (max. 3 months old). You obtain it from the debt collection office of your municipality of residence, online, by post or at the counter. Depending on the canton it usually costs 17 to 25 CHF.

For whom?

· Tenants
· Expats

When do you need this?

For every flat or flatshare application in Switzerland, as soon as you are actively searching the market, that is already before the first specific application.

What should you do now?

Step 1: Identify your municipality of residence (where you are currently registered).
Step 2: Open the website of the responsible debt collection office or go there directly.
Step 3: Order the extract, online, by form or at the counter (present your ID).
Step 4: Pay the fee of around 17 to 25 CHF.
Step 5: Wait for the extract (delivery usually 1 to 5 working days by post or digitally).
Step 6: Scan the extract and enclose it as a PDF with your rental dossier.

Free checklist

Work through the points directly in your browser. Or download them as a clean Word document (.docx), one A4 page, ready to print.

Municipality of residence and responsible debt collection office checked
Extract ordered (online or in writing)
Fee paid
Extract arrived and at most 3 months old
Extract prepared as a PDF for applications

Matching next steps

These tips and tools help you carry on right away, free of charge and without sign-up. Not legal advice.

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Common mistakes

Ordering too late, delivery can take several days.
Submitting an extract from your old place of residence even though you moved long ago.
An extract older than 3 months, which is often not accepted.
A photo of the extract taken with a phone instead of a clean PDF scan.

From an official Swiss source

„Any person can request an extract from the debt collection register by credibly demonstrating an interest. The extract contains all debt collections, certificates of loss and seizures from the last five years."

Frequently asked questions

External sources for legal background

We link these sources for reference. We do not copy any content. Everything on this page is written independently.

SchKG, Federal Act on Debt Enforcement (Fedlex), Federal Act on Debt Enforcement and Bankruptcy (Art. 8a governs the right to inspect the debt collection register).

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Create rental dossier

A complete rental dossier in Switzerland consists of three parts: a personal cover letter, a short profile or self-disclosure form, and the attachments such as the debt collection register extract, proof of salary and a copy of your ID. Those who put everything together cleanly often apply more successfully than someone with better figures but incomplete documents.

Flat cover letter

A good flat cover letter is personal, concrete and short. It shows who you are, why you want this particular flat and when you could move in. Avoid general phrases like 'I hereby apply for your flat' and refer directly to the listing (address, neighbourhood, flat size). That way the management immediately notices that you really read the listing.

This content is for practical guidance and does not replace legal advice. For binding legal information, please contact a qualified specialist office, a conciliation authority or the tenants' association.