Can I change my registered gender in Switzerland?
Yes — since 2022, by a simple declaration at the civil registry office. Under ZGB Art. 30b, a capable adult (or a capable minor / person under guardianship with the legal representative's consent) can change their registered sex and first name by a simple declaration at any civil registry office (Zivilstandsamt). No medical examination, diagnosis, hormone treatment or surgery is required. The fee is about CHF 75 (plus CHF 30 where a representative's consent is needed). You must appear in person. Switzerland currently records only "male" and "female". In short: yes, straightforward and without medical conditions.
📋 The rules
- Since 2022 (ZGB Art. 30b)
- Change of registered sex and first name
- By a simple declaration at the registry office
- No medical requirements
- Fee about CHF 75, appear in person
🔓 Exceptions
- Capable minors/persons under guardianship: representative's consent
- Additional CHF 30 where consent is needed
- Currently only "male"/"female" entries (no third option)
⚠️ Penalties & fines
This isn't about fines but a right: the change is a simple, low-threshold procedure with no medical proof. For persons lacking capacity or minors, the registry office checks the representative's consent. Beware a myth: "changing gender needs surgery or an assessment" is false — since 2022 a declaration at the registry office suffices. Tip: make an appointment at the registry office, bring proof of identity, and clarify whether you also want to change your first name, as both are possible in the same procedure. Specialist advice services can also help with questions.
📎 Official sources
- Federal Office of Justice · change of gender →
- Canton of Zürich · change relating to gender identity →
- Fedlex · ZGB Art. 30b →
❓ Frequently asked
How do I change the registered gender?
Since 2022 you can change the registered sex and, if you wish, the first name by a simple declaration at any civil registry office. You must appear in person. No medical examination, diagnosis or treatment is required. The fee is about CHF 75 for the change.
Do I need surgery or an assessment?
No. Since the introduction of Article 30b of the Civil Code in 2022, no medical requirements apply. You need neither hormone treatment nor surgery nor a psychiatric assessment. Your declaration at the registry office that your registered sex should be changed is enough on its own.
What does the change cost?
Changing the registered sex, with or without a simultaneous change of first name, costs about CHF 75. If the legal representative's consent is needed, for example for capable minors, around CHF 30 is added. You must appear in person to make the declaration at the office.
Can minors make the change too?
Capable minors and persons under comprehensive guardianship can change the registered sex, but need the consent of their legal representative for it. The registry office checks this consent. For capable adults, their own declaration suffices without any further consent being required.
Is there a third gender entry?
No. Switzerland currently records only male and female in civil status. A third entry, or omitting a gender entry, would in the Federal Council's view require broader societal and legal groundwork and isn't currently provided for under the law as it stands.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
- “change registered gender switzerland”
- “change gender registry office”
- “zgb 30b gender”
- “gender change switzerland cost”
- “change first name gender switzerland”
- “trans gender entry switzerland”