Register a birth
3 tasks in suggested order
1. Register a birth
A birth generally has to be reported to the competent civil registry office within three days; for hospital births, the hospital normally does this.
A birth must generally be reported within 3 days.
Zivilstandsamt at the place of birth; for births in a hospital/birth centre, the facility generally makes the report.
Identity/civil-status documents of the parents required by the Zivilstandsamt.
For a birth outside an institution, the parents/persons present must organise the notification themselves.
Official source: Bundesamt für Justiz (BJ)
2. Ensure the child has health insurance
Health insurance cover for the child must be arranged under the rules of compulsory health insurance.
Complete this after the birth within the statutory health-insurance registration deadline.
With an authorised Swiss health insurer.
Details of the child and the parents, together with the documents required by the insurer.
Health insurance is a separate step from notifying the civil registry office and applying for family allowances.
Official source: Bundesamt für Gesundheit
3. Claim family allowance via employer
If applicable: If you may be entitled to family allowances.
Family allowances are not automatically paid in every case; entitlement is claimed through the employer or competent family compensation office.
Claim entitlement; retroactive claims are limited under the official rules.
For employees, usually through the employer/family compensation fund; self-employed persons through their own compensation fund; non-employed persons through the cantonal office.
Information/evidence concerning children, education, employment and household.
Do not automatically assume that the employer triggers everything without an application. If several people are employed, check priority rules.
Official source: ch.ch
