Important documents to keep

After arriving in Switzerland, you will receive many official and important documents. Some of these may be very useful later! For example: to prove how long you’ve lived in Switzerland or in case of a dispute with a government office or a private company. Certain documents can also serve as proof that you live in Switzerland, whether or not you have a residence permit.

It’s important to keep the original documents (not just copies). We also recommend keeping a copy of any official letters you send, ideally dated and signed.

Here is a list of documents we recommend that you keep in good conditions (documents concerning yourself and your family members):

Health

  • insurance policies (LAMal ou LCA)
  • subsidy certificate (attestations de subside)
  • medical documents (certificates, expert reports, analysis results, correspondance with doctors)

School

  • letter saying that your child can start school (letter sent by the Public education department – DIP)
  • school attendance certificates (attestations de scolarisation) stating your child’s school years
  • letters from the school of your child

Work

  • salary slips and certificates per year
  • AVS card
  • contract of work
  • anything that can prove that you have worked for an employer (private or corporate), such as a breakdown of hours worked, messages from your employer, etc.)

Housing

  • your lease or sub-lease contract
  • rent payment receipts or any prove of payement (twint, transfer, cash, etc.)

Various

  • tax certificates (bordereau d’impôt, any letter from AFC, etc.)
  • copy of the « procuration » (if you have one) and of all the correspondance related to procedures you have undertaken. If you do not have copies, you have a right to request them from your legal representative
  • receipts and payment certificates
  • all documents etablished by the civil status registrar (État civil, i.e. birth, death, marriage, divorce, separation, etc.)
  • any document proving that you live in Switzerland (such as: telephone bills, bus passes, bank account statements, proof of money transfers abroad,etc.)
  • your student card, library card, sports club membership card, etc.

 

 

Update texte on March 2025