Registration and deregistration, change of address

Services

Contact the responsible Swiss representation or consulate when you want to register or unregister as a resident, when you need a new passport, have moved or wish to apply for citizenship. The entire selection of services offered can be found in the dropdown menu to the right. The contact details of the responsible Swiss representation are shown on the corresponding page.

Swiss citizens who get into difficulties abroad, also can ask for advice and help from the Swiss representative.

The magazine for the Swiss Abroad appears six times a year and provides information about what is happening at home and the activities of Swiss associations abroad. It also answers administrative questions.

Online desk FDFA

Using the FDFA’s online consular services while abroad.

The relevant Swiss representation abroad can answer any questions concerning the FDFA’s online desk.

You have chosen to live abroad. Swiss representations abroad (embassy or consulate) will be your first point of contact for all administrative matters (registration, passport, civil status, voting rights, etc.) and when you find yourself in difficulty.

You have elected residence in the consular district of the Swiss representation of this country. Regular contact between Swiss expatriates and the relevant Swiss representation can be very useful for both parties. Registration is mandatory for all Swiss citizens domiciled abroad. A register of the Swiss abroad is maintained for this purpose.

Swiss Abroad Act

On these webpages you will find information on registration of the Swiss abroad, reporting a change of address, and returning to Switzerland.

Online desk

With the online desk you have the possibility to access consular services, such as registering in the Swiss Abroad Register, notifications of changes of civil status, changes of address.

Online desk

Regular contact between the Swiss abroad and the Swiss Embassies and Consulates presents mutual advantages.

The following persons should register with their local Swiss Representation abroad:

Swiss citizens who intend to stay in the consular district for more than 12 months;
Swiss citizens who acquire Swiss nationality by birth, naturalisation or adoption and who are already living in the consular district;

The register is intended to give an overall picture of Swiss nationals living in the consular district. Registration, which is obligatory, also provides the details required for the fulfilment of official functions, such as issuing new passports, registering births, marriages etc.

In order to register you, the following documents are needed:

The form "Application for registration", completed, dated and signed by you
Your Swiss passport and Identity card and, if applicable, those of your family members
Your certificate of origin (Heimatschein/acte d'origine)
Your Family Booklet (if possible)
For those who are subject to military service obligations - the document Leave of Absence Abroad (Auslandurlaub, congé pour l'étranger)

If you are registered with a Swiss representation, you should inform that representation about the following changes: