Einwohnerkontrolle / Einwohneramt letter explained in English

Residents’ registration office. Keeps the list of everyone who lives in the town. You register here when you move in or out.

Letters you may get

• Anmeldebestätigung — proof that you registered
• Aufforderung zur Anmeldung — you must register your address
• Wohnsitzbestätigung — proof of where you live

What to do

• Register within 14 days after you move in, and tell them when you move out.
• Find the deadline. Look for “Frist”, “bis zum”, “innert”.
• Write the reference number from the letter on everything you send back, and keep copies.
• If you disagree with a decision, object in writing before the deadline (“Einsprache”, “Rechtsvorschlag”, “Rekurs”, “Beschwerde”). See the template.

Questions

What is the Einwohnerkontrolle / Einwohneramt?

Residents’ registration office. Keeps the list of everyone who lives in the town. You register here when you move in or out.

How long do I have to answer a letter from the Einwohnerkontrolle / Einwohneramt?

It depends on the letter. Look for words like “Frist”, “bis zum”, “innert” — they mark the deadline. In Switzerland, a legal deadline starts the day after you receive the letter. A registered letter you don’t collect usually counts as delivered on the 7th day after the collection notice (Abholungseinladung). To object, the letter usually names the way to do it (“Einsprache”, “Rechtsvorschlag”, “Rekurs”, “Beschwerde”).

Can I read a Einwohnerkontrolle / Einwohneramt letter in English?

Yes. Take a photo of the letter with Briefly. It explains the letter in plain English, finds the deadline and the amount, and gives you ready-made replies in German. Your letter never leaves your device.

Other offices in Switzerland

Kantonales Steueramt / Steuerverwaltung · Gemeindesteueramt · RAV (Regionales Arbeitsvermittlungszentrum) · Arbeitslosenkasse · Migrationsamt · Krankenkasse · Serafe AG · Betreibungsamt