If you live in Switzerland as a foreign national and want to change your first name or your gender entry, there are two steps. First you change your civil status at the civil registry office: since 1 January 2022, a simple declaration is enough to change your gender entry, with no medical certificate (Art. 30b CC). Then you ask the cantonal migration office to update your foreign nationals' identity card so that it matches.

In short

  • Gender entry (Art. 30b CC): a personal declaration at the civil registry office. No medical certificate, no treatment, no waiting period. You can choose new first names at the same time. The fee is CHF 75.
  • First name only (Art. 30 CC): a written application to the canton, which needs valid reasons. It usually takes 2 to 4 months and costs CHF 75 to 300.
  • Only two gender entries exist in Switzerland, male and female. There is no third option.
  • Update your permit card at the cantonal migration office, usually within 2 to 4 weeks, for CHF 80 to 150.
  • Your home country does not have to recognise the Swiss change. Get advice if you have close ties there.

Two separate procedures

  1. Changing your civil status at the civil registry office, under the Civil Code (CC, SR 210) and the Civil Status Ordinance (CSO, SR 211.112.2).
  2. Updating your permit card at the cantonal migration office, under the Federal Act on Foreign Nationals and Integration (FNIA, SR 142.20) and the OASA.

The card update only reflects the civil status change, so it comes second. But without it, your card will not match your civil status documents, which can cause problems at borders, with authorities and with contracts.

Changing your first name (Art. 30 CC)

Under Art. 30 CC, the cantonal government can allow you to change your first name if you have respectable reasons. Cantonal practice has accepted, among others:

  • real difficulty with spelling or pronunciation in German, French or Italian;
  • a first name you have actually used for years;
  • religious or cultural reasons;
  • matching your first name to your gender identity. Before 1 January 2022 this was the only route; now such changes usually go through the simpler Art. 30b procedure below;
  • protection against persecution or stigma (special cases);
  • other reasons accepted in cantonal practice.

Where: the civil registry office where you live, or the cantonal supervisory authority for civil status (names vary by canton).

Steps:

  1. Apply in writing to the civil registry office, explaining your reasons.
  2. The cantonal supervisory authority reviews it, usually in 2 to 4 months.
  3. You receive a decision with reasons.
  4. The change is entered in the civil status register (Infostar) and you receive a new civil status certificate.

Fee: usually CHF 75 to 300, depending on the canton.

Appeal: you can appeal a refusal to the cantonal administrative court and then the Federal Supreme Court, usually within 30 days of notification.

Changing your gender entry (Art. 30b CC)

Since 1 January 2022, anyone who is firmly convinced that they do not belong to the gender entered in the civil status register can declare to the civil registrar that they want it changed. You can register new first names at the same time.

The procedure is deliberately simple. You do not need:

  • a medical certificate;
  • a psychological assessment;
  • any medical treatment, such as surgery or hormones;
  • to wait between applying and registration;
  • to justify your gender identity.

Conditions

  • Capacity of judgement (Art. 16 CC).
  • Age 16 or over. If you are under 16 and have capacity of judgement, you need the consent of your legal representative, usually your parents; the child protection authority is not involved (Art. 30b para. 4 CC).
  • You appear in person at the civil registry office.
  • You declare your firm conviction that you do not identify with the recorded gender. The declaration is made orally and recorded in writing; no written reasons are needed.

What can be registered

Steps

  1. Make an appointment at the civil registry office where you live.
  2. Go in person with your identity documents: for foreign nationals, your foreign nationals' identity card plus your passport or Swiss travel document. If you are a minor aged 16 or over, the officer usually checks your capacity of judgement in the interview. If you are under 16, you need your legal representative's consent.
  3. Make your declaration, and give any new first names.
  4. The change is registered in Infostar, usually the same day or within a few working days.
  5. You receive a new civil status certificate.

Fee: CHF 75 for the declaration, the same throughout Switzerland. Certificates and certified copies cost extra, usually CHF 30 to 50 each.

Your home country

The Swiss registration does not bind your home country. Whether it recognises the change depends on its own law. If your passport keeps a different gender or name, you may end up with two documents that do not match, which can cause problems when you travel there or deal with its authorities. If you have active ties to your home country, get advice from a lawyer specialising in family and immigration law before you start. For effects on spouses and children, see marriage to a Swiss citizen.

Updating your permit card

Your foreign nationals' identity card must match the civil status register (Art. 41 FNIA with Art. 71 OASA and cantonal practice). The cantonal migration office where you live handles the update, and the SEM produces the new card.

Steps:

  1. Get your updated civil status certificate from the civil registry office.
  2. Apply to the cantonal migration office with your current card, the updated civil status extract, the cantonal application form and a recent biometric passport photo.
  3. Biometric data (fingerprints, photo) may be taken again if your canton requires it. Many do not if your last capture was less than 5 years ago.
  4. Pay the fee, usually CHF 80 to 150 depending on the canton, the same as for a renewal or change of address.
  5. Receive your new card, usually 2 to 4 weeks after a complete application.

You must hand in your old card when you receive the new one. You may not use both.

Other documents to update

This list is not complete, and there is no required order:

  • AHV/IV card: through your cantonal compensation office, often automatically after registration, or on written request with a register extract;
  • health insurance card: write to your insurer;
  • tax documents: tell the cantonal tax administration;
  • bank and post accounts: apply in writing, usually with your updated certificate;
  • diplomas and qualifications: ask the issuing institution for a new document or certified note; this is often harder for foreign diplomas;
  • driving licence: at the cantonal road traffic office;
  • employment and social security: tell your employer;

Where to get support

Specialist organisations:

Official bodies:

Legal advice for complex situations: look for a family or immigration lawyer through the cantonal bar register (https://www.anwaltsregister.ch), or ask TGNS for a referral.

Related pages

Marriage between two foreign nationals living in Switzerland · Renewing your permit · FNIA and OASA glossary