Arrival and Registration
Returning as a Swiss citizen living abroad
Swiss citizens need no residence permit, but are subject to the same registration and insurance obligations as everyone else. Deregister with the Swiss embassy or consulate general in your previous country of residence so that your registration as a Swiss abroad is cancelled, and register with your municipality. The registration requires your certificate of origin. Taking up residence starts compulsory health insurance — to be taken out within 3 months — and OASI coverage; voluntary OASI contributions from abroad end at that point.
Who this applies to. This guide applies if the nationality is Switzerland and the country of origin is not Switzerland.
Checklist
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Deregister with the Swiss representation abroad
Embassy or consulate general in your previous country of residence; deregistering ends your registration as a Swiss citizen abroad.
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Obtain your certificate of origin
Required when registering with your municipality; it is held by the representation abroad or by your municipality of origin.
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Close voluntary OASI and foreign social insurance
Voluntary OASI ends when you take up residence in Switzerland; inform the responsible compensation office (federal).
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Take out health insurance within 3 months
The insurance obligation also applies to returnees; cover is backdated to the day you took up residence.
Costs
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Registration fee not quantified
No total: the items depend on conditions and on your situation. A total without your answers would be too high or too low depending on the case — the cost calculation in your plan uses them.
Frequently asked questions
Who does this guide apply to?
This guide applies if the nationality is Switzerland and the country of origin is not Switzerland.
What does it cost?
Registration fee: not quantified.
What do I need to do?
Deregister with the Swiss representation abroad; Obtain your certificate of origin; Close voluntary OASI and foreign social insurance; Take out health insurance within 3 months.
As of: 08.10.2026