Skip to main content
Registration with the municipality in Switzerland

Registration with the municipality in Switzerland

The first mandatory step upon your arrival. A deadline of 14 days not to be exceeded.

Registering for the residents' inspection in your municipality of residence is the very first formality to complete in Switzerland. It conditions all the following procedures: residence permit, opening of a bank account, registration of children in school. The legal deadline is 14 days after your arrival.

What's Included

  • Preparation of all documents required by your municipality
  • Make an appointment to check residents
  • Physical support at the counter if desired
  • Verification of the residence certificate issued
  • Explanation of the resulting obligations (taxes, AVS, Serafe)

Steps and Timeline

1

Document preparation

We check that you have all the documents: passport, lease contract, employment contract, identity photos, marriage certificate if applicable.

2

Appointment and registration

We make an appointment at the municipality (some accept walk-ins) and accompany you to facilitate exchanges with the administration.

3

Obtaining the certificate

You will receive a proof of address, which is essential for your following procedures. We check that all information is correct.

Common Mistakes

  • Exceeding the 14-day deadline — a fine may be imposed
  • Showing up without all the documents and having to return
  • Forgetting to register all family members
  • Do not report a subsequent change of address to the municipality

Related Services

Service LAMal Health Insurance in Switzerland Service Opening a Bank Account in Switzerland Service Telecom and Internet in Switzerland Service Household and Liability Insurance in Switzerland

Frequently Asked Questions

What documents should I bring to the municipality?
The documents required vary slightly by canton but generally include: passport, lease contract or housing certificate, employment contract, biometric identity photos, marriage or partnership certificate if applicable, and birth certificates of children. Some municipalities also require a birth certificate from the main applicant.
What happens if I don't register within 14 days?
You risk an administrative fine. In addition, the absence of registration delays all your other procedures: residence permit, health insurance, bank account. We recommend registering within the first few days.
Do I have to register if I am staying in a hotel or temporary housing?
Yes, if your stay exceeds 3 months, you must register even for temporary accommodation. The address of your temporary accommodation will be your official address. When you move to permanent accommodation, you will need to report the change.

Ready to Start Your New Life in Switzerland?

Contact us for a free pre-assessment of your situation. Our team will respond within 24 hours.

Request a pre-assessment View all services