Published on 4 March 2026
Registration in the register of the Swiss abroad
Even if you live abroad, you continue to have a connection with Switzerland that entails certain rights and obligations. Registering with the Swiss representation abroad that is responsible for your place of residence also gives you access to consular services.
Yes, if you are a Swiss national, are resident abroad and are not registered with any commune in Switzerland.
If you are already registered with another Swiss representation, please refer to change of address abroad.
You must register with the Swiss representation responsible for your place of residence abroad within 90 days of your notice of departure from Switzerland and submit a certificate of departure issued by the commune where you last resided in Switzerland.
Registration in the register of the Swiss abroad will facilitate future administrative dealings with the Swiss representation responsible for your place of residence, such as applications for passports and identity documents, registering changes in civil status, registration for voting etc.
Relocation out of Switzerland and taking up residence abroad
If you were living in Switzerland and are now relocating abroad, you must complete the procedures below and submit the following documents (originals or high-quality copies) to register with the Swiss representation responsible for your place of residence:
- Complete the registration form using the online desk or submit the ‘Application for registration at a Swiss representation’ form duly completed, dated and signed
- Valid Swiss passports or identity cards of all family members
- For family members with foreign nationality: an official foreign identity document (passport or identity card)
- Certificate of departure issued by the commune of last residence in Switzerland
- Certificate of origin (Heimatschein), if available
- Family certificate or civil status certificate, if available
If you are a Swiss citizen and do not possess a valid Swiss identity document (passport or identity card), please submit the following documents for registration in the register of the Swiss abroad:
- A valid official foreign identity document (passport or identity card)
- For individuals: a civil status certificate (this can be obtained from the civil registry at your place of origin in Switzerland)
- For families: a family certificate (this can be obtained from the civil registry of your place of origin in Switzerland)
Please apply using the online desk of the Swiss representation under whose jurisdiction your place of residence abroad falls.
If you are unable to use the online desk, please use the forms ‘Application for registration with a Swiss representation – adults’ or ‘Application for registration with Swiss representation – children’. Please note that each adult must complete a separate form. Up to four children can be entered in the form for children.
Please send the documents for registration in the register of the Swiss abroad by email or by post to the Swiss representation responsible for your place of residence abroad.
Links
Documents
Please inform the Swiss representation about any changes in your personal circumstances, for example:
- Taking up residence in the representation’s consular jurisdiction (registration in the register of the Swiss abroad)
- Any changes in address, telephone number or email address
- Civil status events (birth, marriage, divorce, death)
- Acquisition or loss of citizenship
- Relocation from the consular district
Links
Registration in the register of the Swiss abroad does not exempt you from the obligation to report your arrival to the foreign authorities. It is your responsibility to take the necessary steps for obtaining a residence permit from the competent foreign authorities. For some countries you must begin this process before leaving Switzerland. Swiss representations cannot assist you in this matter.
Detailed information can be found on the French page.