How to Register Your Address in the Canton of Zug: A Step-by-Step Guide

Relocating to a new country involves more than just packing your bags. One of the first legal obligations after arriving in Switzerland is to register your address with the local authorities. In the Canton of Zug, this registration must be completed within 14 days of arrival (more info: Willkommen im Kanton Zug)

Whether you're an expat on assignment, a professional relocating for a new role, or an international consultant, registering your residence is an essential step toward settling in. This process ensures your legal status is recognised, your stay is documented, and it allows you to obtain your residence permit (source: Swiss State Secretariat for Migration).

1. Who Needs to Register?

Anyone planning to stay in Switzerland for more than three months must register with the local municipality. This applies to:

• EU/EFTA citizens 

• Non-EU/EFTA citizens with a work or residence permit 

• International professionals or contractors relocating for business 

• Accompanying family members

Short stays (under 90 days) for tourism typically do not require registration. However, even some shorter business stays may trigger obligations, depending on the nature of the work or contract.

2. When to Register

You are required to register your address within 14 days of your arrival in Switzerland. This deadline applies regardless of your nationality or the purpose of your stay. 

Even if you are temporarily living in a furnished apartment or corporate housing, registration is still mandatory – and your rental contract will be required as proof of residence. 

Failure to register on time may result in administrative penalties or delays in obtaining your permit.

3. Where to Register

The registration process takes place at the local residents' office (Einwohnerkontrolle) of the municipality where you live. For example, if you live in the city of Zug, you’ll need to visit the local office in the city center.

City of Zug – Residents' Office 📍 Address: Stadthaus, St.-Oswalds-Gasse 12, 6301 Zug 🌐 Website: https://www.stadtzug.ch

If you live in another municipality such as Baar, Cham, or Rotkreuz, you must register with the respective municipal office. Each office has slightly different procedures and opening hours, so it’s advisable to check their websites in advance.

4. What Documents Are Needed

When registering your address in Zug, make sure to bring the following documents:

• Valid passport or national ID

• Signed rental contract

• Employment contract or employer confirmation

• One passport-sized photo (some municipalities may request this)

• Proof of health insurance (recommended but not always mandatory)

• Completed registration form (can be downloaded from the municipality’s website)

For the city of Zug, more information about the registration process and required forms can be found here: Stadt Zug - Anmeldung ausländische Staatsangehörige

5. What Happens After Registration

Once registered, you will receive confirmation of your address registration (Anmeldebestätigung). This document may be needed for setting up bank accounts or activating Swiss health insurance.

• EU/EFTA Citizens will receive their residence permit (typically an L or B permit) shortly after registration.

• Non-EU/EFTA Citizens will be referred to the cantonal migration office (Amt für Migration) for further processing. Your biometric data may be collected before your permit is issued. You will receive an official invitation from the migration office by post or email with instructions on how to proceed.

The official residence permit will usually be sent to your registered address within a few weeks.

6. Costs & Timeline

Registering your address in Zug involves a small administrative fee. The exact amount can vary slightly depending on the municipality, but in most cases, you can expect to pay between CHF 35 and CHF 65 per adult.

• Payment is usually made directly at the registration office by card or in cash.

• Children and accompanying family members are often registered free of charge or at a reduced fee.

Once the registration is complete:

• Processing time for the residence permit is typically 2 to 4 weeks, depending on your nationality and the time of year.

• The permit is issued by the Canton of Zug Migration Office and sent to your registered address by post.

👉 For further details on processing times or required steps, refer to the official website of the Canton of Zug Migration Office: Amt für Migration Zug

7. How Ariser Can Help

At Ariser AG, we understand that relocating to a new country comes with many formalities, and registering your address is one of the first big steps. To make this process easier:

Our serviced apartments are officially recognised for address registration with the local municipality. They are ideal for professionals relocating to Zug, including expats, employees, consultants, and international guests who need a compliant place to stay during their registration process. 

We provide a valid rental contract, which is accepted as proof of residence. Each apartment also includes a personal mailbox with your name, allowing you to receive official correspondence during the registration and permit process. Our team is available to support you with documentation and guidance throughout the relocation process. 

This ensures a legally compliant and stress-free start to your stay in Zug.

8. Need Support with Your Relocation?

Registering your address is not just a formality. It is a key step toward settling into life in Switzerland. Whether you are handling the process yourself or supporting your employees through it, being well-prepared makes all the difference.

For more information, refer to the official resources:

Swiss State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) Official website with comprehensive information on entry, residence, and work in Switzerland. 🔗 https://www.sem.admin.ch/sem/en/home.html

City of Zug – Residents’ Registration Office Information on address registration for foreign nationals residing in the city of Zug. 🔗 https://www.stadtzug.ch/online-schalter/32639/detail

Canton of Zug – Migration Office Official website of the Migration Office in the Canton of Zug, offering details on residence permits and other administrative matters. 🔗 https://zg.ch/de/sicherheitsdirektion/amt-fuer-migration

If you have any questions about relocation, registration, or housing in Zug, our team at Ariser is happy to assist you.