Registration in Zurich

If you are staying in Switzerland for a period longer than 3 months, you must apply for a residence permit. Within 14 days of your arrival, you are required to report in person to the local Residents’ Registration Office of your municipality.

In the city of Zurich, this office is called "Personenmeldeamt" and is located in the city hall ("Stadthaus") of the city of Zurich. Registration can be made upon appointment only.

You are free to choose where you would like to reside primarily upon your arrival, regardless of your nationality. Your place of residence does not have to correspond to your place of work. However, any subsequent change of canton after taking up primary residence is subject to the approval of the new canton. The corresponding application about the change of canton must be submitted before moving to the new canton. 

The administrative registration process and required documents may vary slightly depending on your nationality and whether you are employed at UZH. There is also a registration fee. Further, all newcomers will be asked to make an appointment at the Migration Office Zurich to finalize the registration process. After this, the residence permit will be sent to the Swiss address.

As an EU/EFTA national with a local Swiss employment contract, you can enter the country, register at the municipality of your desired place of residence within 14 days, and present your employment contract. PhD and postdoctoral positions are usually local contracts concluded directly between the university and the person concerned.

Documents to bring for registration:

• Passport or identity card
• Employment contract (if you're employed by UZH) OR proof of sufficient financial means (if you're not employed by UZH); a letter from your parents or partner confirming they'll support you is sufficient
• Rental agreement*
• Confirmation of enrollment
• Beiblatt Qualifikationsstellen (in German) (PDF, 191 KB), downloaded and signed by your institute/department at UZH (PhD students only) 
• Money: CHF 40 (registration fee) + CHF 70 (fee for identification card) 

* If you only have a temporary address for a few weeks or months, you must still register within 14 days of your arrival. In this case it is best to have a sub-lease or a reservation confirmation at hand. The Residents' Registration Office will then check your information. If you change your address within the city of Zurich after finding permanent accommodation, you will have to  report a change of address at the Resident’s Registration Office or online via eumzug.swiss. If you move outside the city of Zurich, you first have to deregister at the Residents' Registration Office in Zurich and re-register at the registration office (“Einwohnerkontrolle”) at your new place of residence.

You are free to choose your place of residence in Switzerland. It is not necessary to apply for a subsequent change of canton. Your place of residence does not have to correspond to your place of work.

As a non-EU/EFTA-national with a local Swiss employment contract, valid Swiss work permit and visa authorization, you can enter the country and register within 14 days at the municipality of your desired place of residence. PhD and postdoctoral positions are usually local contracts concluded directly between the university and the person concerned.

Documents to bring for registration:

• Passport
• Visa authorization OR Assurance of a residence permit. The latter applies if you are a citizen of Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, UK, Australia, Brunei or Singapore or if you are in possession of a valid residence permit or a valid D visa for a Schengen country
• Employment contract (from UZH or home institution abroad) OR proof of sufficient financial means (if you're not employed by UZH)
• Rental agreement*
• Confirmation of enrollment (PhD students only)
• Beiblatt Qualifikationsstellen (in German) (PDF, 191 KB) downloaded and signed by your institute/department at UZH 
• Money: CHF 40 (registration fee) + CHF 142 (fee for identification card)  

* If you only have a temporary address for a few weeks or months, you must still register within 14 days of your arrival. In this case it is best to have a sub-lease or a reservation confirmation at hand. The Residents' Registration Office will then check your information.  If you change your address within the city of Zurich after finding permanent accommodation, you will have to  report a change of address at the Resident’s Registration Office or online via eumzug.swiss. If you move outside the city of Zurich, you first have to deregister at the Residents' Registration Office in Zurich and re-register at the registration office (“Einwohnerkontrolle”) at your new place of residence.

You are generally free to choose your primary residence. Your place of residence does not have to correspond to your place of work. However, any subsequent change of canton after taking up primary residence is subject to the approval of the new canton. The corresponding application must be submitted before moving to the new canton.