Do I have to register when I move to Switzerland?
Yes — you must register with the commune within 14 days. Anyone moving into a commune must register within 14 days of arrival with the residents' office (Einwohnerkontrolle). This applies to Swiss and foreign nationals. Registration is only possible from the actual move-in date. When leaving, you must deregister from the old commune — without it you can't register in the new one (for moves within Switzerland). City of Zürich example (illustrative): register at the population office within 14 days; moves within Switzerland often online via eUmzug, arrivals from abroad usually in person. In short: yes, within 14 days — and deregister when leaving.
📋 The rules
- Register within 14 days of moving in
- At the commune's residents' office
- Applies to Swiss and foreigners
- Registration only from the actual move-in
- When leaving: don't forget to deregister
🔓 Exceptions
- Move within Switzerland: often online via eUmzug
- Arrival from abroad: usually in-person registration
- Without deregistration no registration in the new commune
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Failing to register or registering late breaches the registration duty and can bring a fine; the exact amount is set by canton and commune and isn't published everywhere. A missing registration can also cause problems with official matters, insurance and tax. Beware a myth: "I can register whenever it suits me" is false — the 14-day deadline is binding. Tip: register right after moving in, bring the necessary documents (ID, tenancy contract, and for foreigners the permit documents), and don't forget to deregister from the old commune.
📎 Official sources
- City of Zürich · register on moving in →
- ch.ch · registering and deregistering with your commune →
- eUmzug Switzerland →
❓ Frequently asked
Do I have to register when I move in?
Yes. Anyone moving into a commune must register within 14 days of arrival with the residents' office. This applies to Swiss nationals and to foreign nationals alike. The deadline is binding, and registration is only possible from the actual move-in date onwards, not before.
What documents do I need?
You generally need a valid ID or passport, the tenancy contract or proof of accommodation and, for a move within Switzerland, the deregistration confirmation from the old commune. Foreign nationals additionally bring the documents for their residence permit. The commune will give you the exact list.
Do I also have to deregister?
Yes, when you leave you must deregister from the old commune. Without this deregistration you can't register in the new commune for a move within Switzerland. Deregistration ensures you don't remain registered in two communes at the same time, which would cause confusion.
Can I register online?
For a move within Switzerland, registering and deregistering is often possible online via eUmzug. For arrival from abroad, in-person registration at the counter is usually needed, as additional documents must be checked. Check what your commune offers for your situation.
What happens if I miss the deadline?
Failing to register or registering late breaches the registration duty and can bring a fine. The exact amount varies by canton and commune. A missing registration can also lead to problems with authorities, insurance and tax, which is why you should register in good time.
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