Registration at your commune is mandatory within 14 days of arriving. It's your most time-sensitive first task — most other Swiss bureaucracy depends on it.
What to bring
Bring your passport or national ID, your rental contract (or a letter from your landlord confirming your address), and your work permit letter if you have one. Some communes also ask for a biometric photo.
Finding your commune office
In Zurich, go to the Kreisbüro for your district. In Geneva, go to your local Office cantonal de la population. Bring all documents — it usually takes 15–30 minutes.
What you get
After registration, you receive a Niederlassungsausweis (registration certificate) or they will begin processing your residence permit application. Keep this document safe — you'll need it to open a bank account and register for other services.