Extract from the debt collection register: Guide to a smooth move

Last Updated on 2 months by David Bergmann

You’re about to embark on an exciting new chapter in your life – moving house! A move not only brings changes and new opportunities, but also some administrative tasks that need to be taken care of. One of these steps is to obtain an extract from the debt collection register, also known as a debt collection extract. In this article, you will find out what a debt collection register extract is, how you can request one and why landlords often ask for one.

• Why is an excerpt from the debt collection register required?
• What does a debt collection register extract contain?
• Where and how can I request an extract from the debt collection register?
• What does an extract from the debt collection register cost?

1 Why is an excerpt from the debt collection register required?

An extract from the debt collection register may seem like an annoying formality at first glance, but it has an important meaning. You may be wondering why it is needed at all.

The debt collection register extract (self-disclosure) provides an overview of your financial history. For example, if you want to take out a loan or rent an apartment, lenders or landlords need to make sure that you are trustworthy and solvent. This is where the debt collection register extract comes into play.

It shows whether there have been problems with unpaid bills or unpaid debts in the past (in the last 5 years to be precise). This can help lenders and landlords to assess the risk when they provide you with funds or entrust you with an apartment. A negative entry in the debt collection register extract can affect your trustworthiness.

A positive debt collection register extract, on the other hand – i.e. one without entries – can strengthen your credibility. It shows that you take your financial obligations seriously and are able to pay bills on time.

This is very important for landlords, as they want to use the debt enforcement extract to ensure that potential tenants are able to make their rent payments on time. A clean extract from the debt collection register can build confidence and increase your chances of being awarded your dream home.

2 What does a debt collection register extract contain?

The debt enforcement register extract lists any entries of debt enforcement proceedings or seizures in the respective debt enforcement district that have been opened against a person or company. This can include payment orders, seizure orders or even bankruptcy proceedings. Both private individuals and legal entities such as companies can have entries in the debt collection register. Such a statement therefore provides information on whether and to what extent there are financial charges against another person and whether the bankruptcy office has been involved.

Please note: The debt collection register extract is only a snapshot of your financial circumstances and is therefore only valid for a limited period. In practice, it is usually accepted up to 2 months from the date of issue.

3 Where and how can I request an extract from the debt collection register?

The debt collection office responsible for your place of residence is responsible for issuing the document. The processing time depends on the respective office, but is usually 1-2 working days.

You will need one of the following documents to apply:

• Driver’s license
• Swiss identity card
• Swiss passport
• Foreign identity card (foreign identity cards cannot be accepted)

To make the process as simple as possible, the debt collection offices offer various options:

1. In person on site: You can go to the relevant debt enforcement office in person and apply for a debt enforcement extract. Don’t forget to bring one of the proofs of identity listed above. You can find your nearest debt collection office under this link.

2. By post: Many debt collection offices also offer an online counter where you can apply for an extract from the debt collection register. If you are in a hurry, we recommend ordering by A Mail letter, which is delivered the next working day. It is best to find out from your local debt collection office whether this option is available.

3. Order online: The most convenient and quickest way to obtain debt enforcement information is to order digitally. You will receive the debt collection certificate by e-mail within a few minutes. Various service providers, such as Swiss Post, already offer this option for their customers in cooperation with the debt collection offices.

Tip: We recommend the Relock order form from our partner CreditTrust. You can order the debt collection register extract there without any red tape using the online form.

4 What does an extract from the debt collection register cost?

The costs for an extract from the debt collection register vary depending on the canton and debt collection office. As a rule, however, the costs are within an affordable range. You can find the exact fees on the website of the relevant debt collection office.

As a rule, the official fee is around CHF 17-18 plus any surcharges charged by third-party providers for digital provision. On average, you should expect to pay around CHF 20-30 for the certificate.

Additional information and tips

• If you are renting an apartment in a new municipality, it is advisable to request an extract from the debt collection register at an early stage. Many landlords require this as part of the application process and you increase your chances of finding your dream apartment if you can hand over the certificate directly on request.
• A debt enforcement report can also serve as proof of interest if you want to take out a loan, for example.
• Remember that the debt enforcement extract only provides information about financial entries. Other aspects such as your creditworthiness (income) or possible entries in the criminal record may also be important.

Moving house is an exciting time, and a debt collection register extract is just one of many tasks that need to be completed. By acting early and preparing all the necessary documents, you can make the moving process smoother.

Tip: Do you need a current debt enforcement certificate? Click here for the order form from CreditTrust!