Registration and administrative details
Moving to a new home when changing jobs always raises many administrative questions. We want to answer the most important of these for you right away.
After entering the country, the newly arrived person must report to the Population Services and Migration office within 14 days, with passport, a passport photo (non-EU/EFTA citizens do not require a photo) and their entry permit/visa. We would also recommend that persons from non-EU/EFTA countries who require a visa should also report to their respective embassy or consulate. Newcomers to Basel will receive a comprehensive information package and city tours from the Canton of Basel-Stadt on registration. Some neighbourhoods organise special welcoming parties for newcomers.
Change of address
A change of address must also be reported to the Residents Registration Office of Basel-Stadt within 14 days. If you move to another canton, registration in the new municipality is necessary in addition to cancelling the registration with the Residents Registration Office of Basel-Stadt.
Residence permits
Newcomers must report to the "Bevölkerungsdienste und Migration" (Population Services and Migration Office) within 14 days of entering Switzerland. Once this has been done, employees are generally issued a so-called "Aufenthaltsbewilligung B" (residence permit class B). EU citizens with employment contracts exceeding one year have to renew their residence permit every 5 years. Non-EU citizens need to renew it every year.
