Residence permit
You are responsible for the validity of your permit throughout your entire stay. This website will provide you with everything you need to know.
"Gesuch um Aufenthaltsbewilligung" means application for residence permit.
You might have already received this letter via email (subject: Residence permit). In that case, you can also find it as a download in Mobility-Online.
Should you not have already received it, do not worry: You will receive it in due time.
List of generally required documents for registration
The list is valid for registrations in the city of Zurich; outside the city of Zurich, please also consult the website of the relevant authority in addition to this list.
- valid passport or identity card (EU/EFTA)
- visa authorization from Swiss representation abroad (non-EU/EFTA countries if available)
- administrative fee: CHF 40 per adult
- possible issuing fee for the residence permit: CHF 47
- students from European countries: European Health Insurance Card
- print out of confirmation letter "Gesuch um Aufenthaltsbewilligung"
- copy of official FCS notification letter
- possibly your rental agreement (exception Birmensdorf, Dübendorf & Zollikon: Bringing your rental agreement is mandatory.)
- only research fellowship holders and doctoral students: print out of extended confirmation of matriculation
You are required by Swiss law to register in person within 14 days of your arrival in Switzerland. As booking an appointment for registration in the city of Zurich is necessary, it is advised that you take care of this before you arrive.
Upon your registration, you will receive an appointment with the Immigration Office (canton of Zurich) to provide biometric data. A few weeks later, you will receive your residence permit. If you do not get your permit until six weeks after your registration, ask for it personally at the Migration Office.
Within 14 days, you must register at the appropriate residents' registration office “Einwohnermeldeamt” (usually possible without a booked appointment). Check the website of your place of residence to be sure.
Note:
- Upon your registration, you will receive an appointment with the Immigration Office (canton of Zurich) to provide biometric data. A few weeks later, you will receive your residence permit. If you do not get your permit until six weeks after your registration, external page ask for it personally at the Migration Office.
- If you intend to stay longer and have received the approval of the Student Exchange Office to do so, you applying for an extension at the same office is mandatory.
- Deregistration in person prior to your departure at the same office is mandatory. Ask the residents' registration office if you need to do this in person. Should you need a deregistration confirmation e.g. to cancel your Swiss health insurance contract, please request it (and pay for it) at the respective office.
Note:
- Upon your registration, you will receive an appointment with the Immigration Office (canton of Zurich) to provide biometric data. A few weeks later, you will receive your residence permit. If you do not get your permit until six weeks after your registration, external page ask for it personally at the Migration Office.
- If you intend to stay longer and have received the approval of the Student Exchange Office to do so, you applying for an extension at the same office is mandatory.
- Deregistration in person prior to your departure at the same office is mandatory. Ask the residents' registration office if you need to do this in person. Should you need a deregistration confirmation e.g. to cancel your Swiss health insurance contract, please request it (and pay for it) at the respective office.
Note:
- Upon your registration, you will receive an appointment with the Immigration Office (canton of Zurich) to provide biometric data. A few weeks later, you will receive your residence permit. If you do not get your permit until six weeks after your registration, external page ask for it personally at the Migration Office.
- If you intend to stay longer and have received the approval of the Student Exchange Office to do so, you applying for an extension at the same office is mandatory.
- Deregistration in person prior to your departure at the same office is mandatory. Ask the residents' registration office if you need to do this in person. Should you need a deregistration confirmation e.g. to cancel your Swiss health insurance contract, please request it (and pay for it) at the respective office.
For all other communities, search online for the local "Gemeindeverwaltung" or "Einwohnerkontrolle" or ask your landlord.