Local Registration and Required Documents

Every foreign national who wants to live and work in Switzerland for more than 8 days in a calendar year, needs a work permit.

For EU/EFTA Citizens

When arriving with a Swiss employment contract

All new arrivals must register with the local authorities—either at the municipal or in some case the cantonal office—within 8 days of entering Switzerland and before starting work.

For EU/EFTA nationals holding a Swiss labor contract (and their accompanying family members), this registration is the key administrative step to obtain residence status.

In most municipalities, the following documents are requested (requirements can vary slightly by canton):

• Valid passport for each family member registering
• Copy of your Swiss employment contract
• Copy of your lease or purchase agreement (a temporary apartment or hotel address is also accepted)
• Marriage certificate (for married couples)
• Birth certificates for children
• Proof of Swiss health insurance (if not yet available, it must be submitted within three months after registration)
• One or two passport photos per person (not needed in cantons using biometric permits)
• Registration fee of approximately CHF 30–100, payable in cash or by card
• During registration, you will also be asked to indicate your religious affiliation. This information is used for tax purposes:
• Those registered as Catholic or Protestant automatically pay church tax.
• Individuals declaring another faith or no religion are exempt.
• If you prefer not to pay church tax but are listed as Catholic or Protestant, you must formally deregister from the local church community.

It’s essential to request a registration confirmation, as Swiss banks require this document to open a bank account.

Many cantons are transitioning to biometric residence permits, which require an additional appointment for fingerprinting and a digital photograph. The registration office will arrange this appointment—usually at a separate location.

Once registration and biometric data are completed, the work permit and residence cards are typically issued within 2–6 weeks, either by post or for pick-up at the local office.
Regional differences to note: In Zug, registration takes place at the Cantonal Migration Office instead of the local municipality and can be completed in person or by mail.

When arriving with a foreign employment contract

EU/EFTA nationals employed by a foreign company can only register after receiving approval from Swiss immigration authorities, as these permits fall under a quota system.

In addition to the documents listed above, you must also provide the official authorization notice (Zusicherung der Bewilligung / assurance d’autorisation) issued by the authorities.

For Non-EU/EFTA Citizens

Non-EU/EFTA nationals are also subject to pre-approval from immigration authorities before registration, as their permits are quota-based.

The registration procedure is similar to that of EU/EFTA nationals with a Swiss employment contract, but requires additional documents:

• Passport containing the Swiss entry visa (single or multiple entry)
• The authorization letter that was used to obtain the visa (Ermächtigung zur Visumerteilung / autorisation habilitant à délivrer un visa)

After completing local registration, you’ll need to provide biometric data (fingerprints and digital photo). This usually involves a separate appointment, often at a different location from the municipal office.

Following this step, the final work and residence permits are issued within 2–6 weeks and are either mailed to your home or available for collection at the registration office.

Please note: The church tax process described above also applies to non-EU/EFTA citizens.