Document background
The Declaration of Residency is a fundamental document within the Swiss administrative system, required by both Swiss nationals and foreign residents to establish their official place of residence. This declaration is mandated by Swiss law and is essential for various purposes including tax assessment, social benefits, voting rights, and administrative procedures. The document must comply with both federal regulations and specific cantonal requirements, as Switzerland's federal structure gives significant authority to individual cantons in residency matters. It typically needs to be filed within 14 days of moving to a new address and serves as an official record with municipal and cantonal authorities. The declaration's importance has increased with growing mobility and the need for clear documentation of primary residence for both administrative and tax purposes.
