Change of address checklist for moving within Switzerland

Moving to a new address in Switzerland means updating your details with the local authorities, banks and other service providers. Start with your local municipality, Swiss Post's mail forwarding service and, if you have a vehicle, the cantonal road traffic office. Use this checklist to keep track of the steps.

This checklist covers moves within Switzerland. If you are arriving from abroad, check the registration requirements with your destination municipality before relying on the online process.

Notify your local municipality

Moving to a different municipality

If you move to a different municipality within Switzerland, deregister with your current municipality and register with the new one. Registration is usually required within 14 days of moving in, sometimes earlier depending on the municipality. In participating municipalities, you can submit your move online through eUmzug. Check the portal and your confirmation for any steps you still need to complete.

The office handling this is usually called the residents' registration office — Einwohnerkontrolle in German or contrôle des habitants in French.

Moving within the same municipality

You still need to report your change of address. Check your municipality's website for how to submit it.

Your municipality may ask for additional documents, such as your rental agreement or proof of health insurance. If you have a dog, also notify your municipality so that your address can be updated in Amicus, the Swiss dog registration database.

Residence permits and moving to another canton: if you hold a Swiss residence permit, check whether your move requires additional steps with the cantonal migration office. Do this before moving to another canton, as the requirements depend on your nationality and permit.

Set up mail forwarding with Swiss Post

Mail forwarding helps you receive mail from senders you have not yet notified. You can arrange it online from CHF 35. Set it up a few days before your move. Our mail forwarding guide explains the prices, timing and available options. You should still update your address directly with each organization.

Checklist: who needs your new address?

Authorities

• Residents' registration office: update your address with your municipality, or deregister and register if you are moving to a different one. Check whether you can use eUmzug.
• Cantonal road traffic office: report your new address within 14 days to update your vehicle registration document. This can be done online in most cantons.
• Tax office
• Swiss military service, civilian service or civil protection, if applicable
• If you are self-employed or retired: your old-age and survivors' insurance compensation office (AHV/AVS)
• SERAFE, which collects the radio and TV fee, receives your address through the residents' register. If the address on your bill is incorrect, contact the residents' registration office or SERAFE.

Money and insurance

• Bank / PostFinance / credit card issuer
• Health insurer: update your address and compare premiums for your new place of residence.
• Other insurers, including household contents, personal liability and car insurance: check whether your coverage needs updating.
• Occupational pension fund and pillar 3a retirement savings provider

Work, family and everyday life

• Employer
• Daycare, kindergarten, school
• Doctor, dentist, pharmacy
• Phone, internet and TV providers: arrange the transfer of your services to the new address in advance.
• Electricity, gas and water providers: arrange meter readings for moving day.
• Newspapers, magazines and subscriptions
• Clubs, associations and other organizations you belong to
• Online stores and delivery services: update saved billing and delivery addresses.

What does a change of address cost?

Distinguish between notifying your providers (free), any municipal fees, and the paid mail forwarding service. Mail forwarding can be arranged online from CHF 35. Municipal fees are listed on your municipality's website.

Template for your change of address

For providers without an online form, a short message by email or letter is enough:

When to update your address

1. 2–4 weeks before the move: arrange mail forwarding and prepare your address updates. Contact your utility, internet and TV providers to agree on transfer dates. Check your municipality's requirements and deadlines.
2. During moving week: check the confirmed transfer dates and arrange meter readings.
3. After moving in: check that your municipal registration is complete. Submit any outstanding information within the local deadline, usually 14 days. Update your vehicle registration document and put your name on the doorbell and mailbox.

Once you have notified everyone relevant to your situation, your address updates are complete. For the other tasks involved in your move, see our moving checklist for Switzerland.