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Papers · Switzerland
Updated September 2026

📑 I need an official extract — address registration, birth, marriage, criminal record — where do I get it?

Direct answer

Most extracts now come online with your digital ID from Einwohnerkontrolle der Gemeinde (ch.ch) — the population or civil registry for Switzerland — within minutes and often free; in person at Gemeindeverwaltung / Stadtverwaltung (ch.ch) otherwise, with ID. Criminal-record certificates come from the justice ministry's service, birth and marriage certificates from the registry of the place of the event, and address certificates from where you are registered. Using it abroad? Ask for the multilingual EU form (free) instead of a translation. Your digital ID — AGOV / e-ID-Support des Bundes (eid.admin.ch) — is the fastest route for all of them.

Call firstEinwohnerkontrolle der Gemeinde
Report toGemeindeverwaltung / Stadtverwaltung
If that failsAGOV / e-ID-Support des Bundes

🗣️ What to say

"I need an official [extract: proof of address / birth certificate / marriage certificate / criminal record] for [purpose, country of use]. Can I obtain it online, what does it cost, and can it be issued as the multilingual EU form?"

🪜 Step by step

  1. Which extract, for whomThe receiving institution says what it accepts: recent (usually under 3–6 months), original, multilingual form.
  2. Online: Einwohnerkontrolle der Gemeinde with AGOV / e-ID-Support des BundesDigital ID login, download as a signed PDF. Most institutions accept the PDF; some want a stamped paper.
  3. In person: Gemeindeverwaltung / StadtverwaltungID card, small fee, immediate or by post.
  4. AbroadMultilingual standard form for civil-status documents (no translation, no apostille within the EU). Apostille for elsewhere — see that page.
  5. Someone else's extractOnly with their written authorisation or a legal interest (heirs, court).

📇 All contacts

Einwohnerkontrolle der GemeindeRegistration, residence certificateWithin 14 days of moving in🔗 www.ch.ch/de/umzug
Gemeindeverwaltung / StadtverwaltungMunicipal administration: residents, order, noise, waste, lost propertyFor anything the municipality regulates🔗 www.ch.ch
AGOV / e-ID-Support des BundesBlock login, report misuseWhen lost or misused🔗 www.eid.admin.ch
Notariat des Kantons / NotarenverbandInheritance, certifications, powers of attorneyFor inheritance and certifications🔗 www.schweizernotare.ch

❓ Frequently asked

How recent must it be?

Whatever the receiver says; three months is the common rule. Order it last, just before you need it.

Criminal record for a job abroad

Obtain it in every country you lived in for the last years; each issues its own. Some accept the EU exchange (ECRIS) via the home country.

My birth was registered abroad

The registry of the place of birth issues it; your embassy can help. Some countries let you transcribe it into the home registry once.

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

🔎 Common searches

Recognise your own search? The answer above covers all of these.

  • “registry extract online Switzerland”
  • “proof of address certificate”
  • “birth certificate request Switzerland”
  • “criminal record certificate Switzerland”
  • “multilingual standard form eu”

🧭 Is this still correct?

We check this information carefully, but phone numbers, websites and rules change — and sometimes we get something wrong. Spotted a mistake or a change? Let us know below.

🔗 Related questions

🚚Register your address→🔢National ID number→📜Apostille→🎓Diploma recognition→

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