Switzerland (CH)

Valid passport for non-EU/EFTA citizens (6+ months beyond intended stay). EU/EFTA nationals may enter and reside with a national ID card. You need it for every registration step.

Original or certified copy. Required for marriage, family reunion, child registration with the civil registry (Zivilstandsamt / Office de l'état civil). Issued within the last 6 months is preferred.

If married, needed for spousal residence permits, tax filing, joint bank accounts, and AHV/social security.

Certified copy of divorce decree required for civil registry updates and any family reunion applications involving previous marriages.

For each accompanying or reuniting child — required for the Kindermeldung (child registration), school enrolment, and cantonal family allowances (Familienzulagen).

Original diplomas and certified transcripts — for non-EU work permit applications, regulated profession recognition (SBFI/SEFRI), and university admission. Translations into German, French, or Italian often required.

Signed job contract from your Swiss employer — required for work permit (B/L), residence permit application at the Migrationsamt, and health insurance proof.

Rental contract (Mietvertrag / contrat de bail), owner declaration (Wohnraumbestätigung), or hotel confirmation. Needed for Anmeldung at the Einwohnerkontrolle / Contrôle des habitants.

2–4 recent photos (35 × 45 mm, white background) for permit applications, driving licence, and SwissPass. Photo booths at train stations produce compliant photos for CHF 10–15.

Required for many work permits (B and C renewals), naturalisation, and regulated profession recognition. Must be from your previous country of residence, issued within last 3 months.

Your foreign driving licence — bring the original plus a certified translation if not issued in German/French/Italian/English. Must be exchanged within 12 months of Swiss residence.

Temporary cover for your first weeks. Swiss mandatory LAMal/KVG insurance must be arranged within 3 months of arrival and is backdated to arrival date.

Personal and children's vaccination history. School enrolment requires proof of measles, tetanus, polio, and others depending on canton. Translate if not in official language.

Last 2 years of academic reports for placement in Swiss cantonal schools. Translations strongly recommended — each canton's education authority decides placement.

For cats, dogs, ferrets entering Switzerland: rabies vaccination, microchip, valid pet passport. Non-EU arrivals need a veterinary health certificate.

Sometimes requested by landlords during tenant selection. Required for self-employed permit applications and for purchasing property as a foreign resident.

Certificate from the local Betreibungsamt / Office des poursuites showing no debt enforcement. Almost every landlord demands this before signing a lease. Free/CHF 17 and issued on the spot.