Debt register extract in Switzerland: how to get one

The debt register extract has become a standard document requested by landlords, employers and certain authorities. Without it, you are unlikely to secure a flat — or sometimes a job. Here is how to obtain it, what it costs and what to do if an unjustified entry appears on it.

At a glance

The extract is issued by the debt collection office (Betreibungsamt) of your current municipality of residence. There is no central national register.
Cost: around CHF 17 to 20, sometimes up to CHF 30 depending on the canton. Available immediately at the counter, or within a few days by post.
The extract lists all debt collection proceedings of the last 5 years concerning you in that municipality, including those that were withdrawn or contested.
Landlords and employers typically require an extract that is less than 3 months old.

What you need to understand

In Switzerland, there is no central debt collection database. Each municipality (or group of municipalities) maintains its own register through its debt collection office. The extract you receive is therefore linked to your current municipality of residence and does not cover proceedings recorded elsewhere if you have moved recently.

The extract shows:

All debt collection proceedings from the last 5 years in the municipality.
Including those that were withdrawn, paid or contested, with their status.
Including those against which you filed an objection (Rechtsvorschlag).

An unjustified proceeding against which you filed an objection remains visible: the objection is noted, but the trace of the proceeding stays on record. This is one of the most frequent criticisms of the system.

Who can request an extract

You, for your own file. This is the most common case.
A third party, only with your written consent, or if they can demonstrate a legitimate interest (potential creditor, landlord, employer in certain cases). In practice, you are almost always asked to provide the extract yourself.

Some typical uses:

Renting a flat: 9 out of 10 landlords require it in the application file.
Employment: certain employers request it (banks, positions with responsibility, financial roles).
Joining a club or association: very rare but possible.
Putting together a naturalisation application.

How to request an extract

Option 1: at the debt collection office counter

Go to the debt collection office of your municipality of residence.
Present a valid ID document.
Pay the fee (cash or card depending on the municipality).
The extract is issued immediately in most cases.

Option 2: by post

Send a written request with a copy of your ID document.
Include the fee (cheque, payment slip or payment on receipt depending on the municipality).
Allow 3 to 7 working days for delivery.

Option 3: online

A growing number of cantons offer an online request through their portal (SuisseID, digital identification).
Check the official website of your canton or municipality.

Option 4: paid intermediary services

Private websites resell extracts, but the service is considerably more expensive and simply forwards the request to the debt collection office.
Best avoided unless there is an urgent need or the counter is genuinely inaccessible.

Documents required

Valid ID document (identity card or passport).
Proof of address in the municipality if you have recently moved there.
Written power of attorney if you are requesting an extract on behalf of a third party.

What to do if you have recently moved

The debt collection office of your new municipality only sees proceedings since your arrival there. For a complete file, you will also need to request an extract from the office of your previous municipality (courts and landlords often expect coverage of the full 5-year period).

In practice:

If you moved more than 5 years ago: one extract is enough.
If you moved less than 5 years ago: plan for 2 extracts (previous and current municipality), or more depending on how many times you have moved.

Validity period

Generally 3 months: this is the window within which landlords and employers consider an extract to be "recent".
Some require an extract that is less than one month old.
Beyond 3 months, request a new document.

If an unjustified entry appears on your extract

Several options depending on your situation:

You filed an objection against the proceeding

The objection is noted on the extract.
If the proceeding has not been continued for 3 months, you can request deletion from the debt collection office if the creditor withdraws or the proceeding is clearly abusive.

The proceeding was filed in error

Ask the creditor for a written withdrawal of the proceeding.
Submit this document to the debt collection office with a deletion request (or a note reading "proceeding withdrawn").
Costs are charged to the creditor in the case of a manifestly unfounded proceeding.

The proceeding relates to a debt paid late

The entry remains for 5 years, even if the debt has been paid.
If you are applying for accommodation, attach an explanatory letter and proof of payment to your file.

Legal action

If the creditor refuses to have the entry deleted and the proceeding is harming you, you can apply to the court to have the proceeding declared unfounded (Article 85a of the Federal Act on Debt Enforcement and Bankruptcy, DEBA).
This procedure is little known; it should be pursued with a lawyer or, for housing-related matters, through a tenant association (ASLOCA or equivalent).

Common mistakes

Assuming there is a national register. Each municipality has its own debt collection office. If you have recently moved, plan for several extracts.
Requesting the extract too early. Once it is more than 3 months old, many landlords and employers will not accept it.
Underestimating postal lead times. Use the counter or the online portal if you are in a hurry.
Believing that an objection wipes the slate clean. The objection is noted, but the trace of the proceeding remains for 5 years.
Ignoring an unjustified proceeding "on principle". The longer you wait, the more it weighs on your future applications.

Official useful links

ch.ch · Debt collection
Federal Office of Justice · List of debt collection offices
The debt collection office of your municipality (search "debt collection office" + your municipality's name).
Caritas Switzerland · debt counselling service if you have several ongoing proceedings. Tel. +41 41 419 22 22.

How Admini can help

The debt register extract is requested more and more frequently, often with short lead times. Admini helps you:

Store the extract in the same place as your ID, salary certificate and other application documents.
Receive a reminder when the extract is approaching its 3-month limit, so you can arrange a renewal in advance.
Prepare a complete rental application in one click: ID, employment contract, pay slips, debt register extract, cover letter.
Keep a record of contested proceedings and their status.

The goal is to avoid rushing to the debt collection office the evening before you submit an important application.