Swiss bureaucratic glossary

A plain-English guide to the German, French, and Italian terms you'll encounter when dealing with Swiss bureaucracy. Bookmark this page — you'll need it.

Step by step

1. 1

   AHV / AVS (Alters- und Hinterlassenenversicherung)

   State old-age pension insurance. Mandatory for all workers. Your 13-digit AHV number is your Swiss social security number.

2. 2

   Anmeldung (Registration)

   The process of registering your address at the local Gemeinde. Must be done within 14 days of arrival or moving.

3. 3

   Betreibung / Betreibungsauszug

   Debt collection record. Landlords, employers, and banks ask for this document to verify you have no outstanding debts. Order from the local Betreibungsamt for CHF 17.

4. 4

   Einwohnerkontrolle / Contrôle des habitants

   The residents' registration office at your Gemeinde. This is where you register your address and apply for permits.

5. 5

   Franchise (Deductible)

   The amount you pay out-of-pocket before your health insurance starts covering costs. Adults choose between CHF 300 and CHF 2,500 per year.

6. 6

   Gemeinde / Commune / Comune

   Municipality — the smallest administrative unit in Switzerland. Your Gemeinde handles registration, schools, waste disposal, and local taxes.

7. 7

   GmbH (Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung)

   Limited liability company. Requires CHF 20,000 minimum capital. The most common company form for small businesses in Switzerland.

8. 8

   Kanton / Canton

   Switzerland has 26 cantons, each with its own government, tax rates, and regulations. Your canton determines much of your daily bureaucratic experience.

9. 9

   Krankenkasse (Health insurance provider)

   Health insurance company. Basic coverage (KVG) is mandatory and identical across providers — only the price and service model differ.

10. 10

    Lohnausweis (Salary certificate)

    Annual salary statement issued by your employer in January. Required for filing your tax return. Shows gross salary, deductions, and benefits.

11. 11

    Niederlassungsbewilligung (C permit)

    Permanent settlement permit. Granted after 5 years (EU/EFTA) or 10 years (non-EU) of continuous residence with good integration.

12. 12

    Quellensteuer (Tax at source / Withholding tax)

    Income tax withheld directly from your salary by your employer. Applies to foreign nationals with B permits earning under CHF 120,000/year.