Family
Register for kindergarten and school
School attendance is compulsory and free of charge at public schools, regardless of residence status. You register with the school administration of your municipality, usually together with your registration at the residents' registration office. Kindergarten and school start for children who have reached the relevant age by the cantonal cut-off date — in most cantons 31 July. Places are allocated by school district; for children who do not speak the local language there are integration classes and German-as-a-second-language programmes.
Who this applies to. This guide applies if at least one child is moving too.
Checklist
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Contact the school administration of your municipality
The municipality is responsible, not the canton; places are allocated by school district.
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Check the cut-off date and school entry age
In most cantons a birthday up to 31 July counts for the coming school year.
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Prepare school reports and the vaccination record
The most recent reports from the previous school and the vaccination record are required for placement.
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Clarify language support
Many municipalities offer integration classes or German as a second language; you register through the school administration.
Costs
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School attendance free of charge
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 at least one child is moving too.
What does it cost?
School attendance: free of charge.
What do I need to do?
Contact the school administration of your municipality; Check the cut-off date and school entry age; Prepare school reports and the vaccination record; Clarify language support.
As of: 08.10.2026