Swiss ID card and passport: how to apply

Swiss identity cards and passports are applied for at a cantonal biometric centre or through your municipality. Timelines and procedures have become more standardised in recent years, but a few pitfalls remain: a rejected photo, an unplanned urgent need, or a document that expires just before a trip. This guide covers everything.

At a glance

Validity: adult passport = 10 years, child = 5 years. Adult identity card = 10 years, child = 5 years (renewal terms aligned since 2023).
Cost (2024): adult passport = CHF 140, child = CHF 65. Identity card = CHF 70 (adult) / CHF 35 (child). Combined passport + identity card = discounted rate.
Processing times: 10 to 15 working days for the standard procedure. Urgent procedure available (passport in 3 to 5 days, surcharge CHF 60 to 90).
A compliant photo is essential. Ideally taken at the biometric centre to avoid rejection.

Differences between identity card and passport

Identity card

Sufficient for travel within the Schengen area and most European countries.
Can be issued by certain municipalities (fast-track for the card alone) or a cantonal biometric centre (for the combined card + passport application).
Credit-card format, easy to carry.

Passport

Required for countries outside Schengen: United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Asia, Africa, South America.
Issued exclusively by a cantonal biometric centre (fingerprints required).
Booklet format with a biometric chip.

Combined application

Applying for an identity card + passport at the same time is more advantageous: one trip, one biometric scan, reduced rate (often CHF 158 instead of CHF 210).
Particularly useful if both documents expire in the same year.

Where and how to apply

Step 1: Book an appointment

Through your canton's biometric portal (search for "biometrics" + canton name).
Current waiting time for an appointment: 1 to 4 weeks depending on canton and time of year.
Plan 2 to 3 months ahead of your current document's expiry date.

Step 2: Prepare your documents

Bring to your appointment:

Current identity document (passport or identity card, even if expired less than 5 years ago).
For minor children: family booklet (or birth certificate) and both parents must be present with their identity documents (or a signed written authorisation from the other parent).
Certificate of origin if your previous document is very old or lost.
Compliant photo if you have one (the photo is usually taken on site).

Step 3: At the appointment

Identity and document check.
Photo taken (strict biometric requirements: neutral expression, mouth closed, no smile, ears visible).
Fingerprints (passport only).
Digital signature for children aged 7 and above.
Payment by card, cash or Twint depending on the canton.

Step 4: Receiving your document

Document sent by registered post to your home address.
Allow 10 to 15 working days after the appointment.
If you are absent at delivery, collect the document at the post office with a valid identity document.

Urgent procedure

Available at all cantonal centres.
Urgent passport: received in 3 to 5 working days.
Surcharge: CHF 60 to 90 depending on canton.
Justification recommended but not required (planned trip, business travel).
Must be requested when booking the appointment, not on the day itself.

Renewing before expiry

You can renew your document without waiting for it to expire.
Tip: renew 6 months before an important trip. Many countries require a passport validity of at least 6 months beyond the return date.
A passport expired less than 5 years ago is accepted as proof of identity for the renewal.

Compliant photo

Requirements are strict:

Neutral expression, mouth closed, no smile.
Ears visible, except for religious or medical reasons.
No glasses (except in certain medically justified cases).
Plain light background (grey or white).
Exact format (35 x 45 mm).

The best option is to have it taken on site at the biometric centre: it is included in the price, and you avoid a rejection.

If your document is lost or stolen

Step 1: Report the loss or theft

To the police for a theft.
To the cantonal passport office for a loss (online form available in most cantons).
Keep the receipt: it will be required for the new application.

Step 2: Cancel the document

The lost or stolen document is cancelled in the national system.
If you find it later, it is no longer valid: you must apply for a new one.

Step 3: Apply for a new document

The procedure is identical to a standard application.
As current proof of identity, another official document may be used (another passport, or a driving licence as a last resort).

Specific rules for Swiss citizens living abroad

Applications can be submitted at the Swiss consulate or embassy in your country of residence.
Processing times are often longer (several weeks).
Costs are higher.
It is possible to apply during a stay in Switzerland at any cantonal centre, regardless of where you are registered.

Documents to keep safe

Current identity card and passport (stored in a safe and easily accessible place).
Scanned copies or photocopies of every page, kept separately.
Receipt of any previous loss or theft report.
Payment receipt for the current application.

Common mistakes

Waiting until the last minute. With appointment waiting times (1–4 weeks) plus production time (10–15 days), allow at least 2 months in advance.
Travelling with a passport expiring in less than 6 months. Many countries will refuse entry.
Having your photo taken at a non-specialist studio. A rejected photo wastes time and money.
Only applying for an identity card when travelling outside Schengen. An identity card is not sufficient for the United States or Asia.
Forgetting parental consent for minors. Without the presence or written agreement of both parents, the application will be refused.

Useful official links

ch.ch · Identity card and passport
schweizerpass.admin.ch: federal portal.
Official website of the passport office / biometric centre of your canton.
Swiss embassy or consulate in your country of residence (for Swiss citizens abroad).

How Admini can help

Identity documents need renewing every 5 to 10 years, sometimes at the worst possible moment. Admini helps you:

Receive a reminder several months before expiry (ideally 6 months ahead to plan around a trip).
Centralise copies of your identity card, passport, family booklet and certificate of origin, accessible in case of loss or theft.
Track expiry dates for the whole family in a single view (children, partner).
Instantly retrieve a scanned copy if you need to send it to a public authority or employer.

The goal is that a trip or official procedure is never delayed by an expired or missing document.