Residence permit
Register with the Office for Migration or the residential services of your place of residence within 8 -14 days of arrival and apply for a residence permit.
Anyone living in the city of Bern must register with the Amt für Einwohnerdienste, Migration und Fremdenpolizei (EMF) located at Predigergasse 5. It is possible to go to the office in person or to register online. However, the website of the Aliens Police is exclusively in German. Expect 10-14 days (or longer) until the biometric identity card is issued. You will be informed about the fees for the ID card directly by the office.
EU-/EFTA nationals
When registering with the city of Bern, EU/EFTA nationals have the following documents ready.
Those who live outside the city of Bern should contact the residents' services at their place of residence for information. Probably similar documents will be requested.
- A valid travel document (validity passport, ID)
- work contract or confirmation of employment
- Students: Admission letter; form "financial means"
- Copy of your family book or marriage certificate (for married couples or couples in a registered partership)
- (not compulsory) a rental agreement or sublease agreement
A simple sublease agreement alone is not sufficient! The Alien Police in the city of Bern also requests the main contract of your landlord. (So your landlord should provide you with a copy of their contract! Sometimes a consent to sublease from the property owner or the property administration must also be produced.) - If you move with your family at the same time, you will also need to fill in the form "family reunion" + required documents
Non-EU/EFTA nationals
When registering with the city of Bern, non-EU/EFTA nationals have the following documents ready.
Those who live outside the city of Bern should contact the residents' services at their place of residence for information. Probably similar documents will be requested.
- Confirmation for visa
- Valid travel document (passport)
- Copy of visa
- Copy of your "family book" / marriage certificate (for married couples or registered couples)
- (PhD students: Admission letter)
- Rental agreement or sublease agreement
A simple sublease agreement alone is not sufficient! The Alien Police in the city of Bern also requests the main contract of your landlord. (So your landlord should provide you with a copy of their contract! Sometimes a consent to sublease from the property owner or the property administration must also be produced.)
Tip: To simplify the application process, we recommend a minimum rental period of 3 months.
Initial Interview with local authorities (for non-EU citizens and their families)
In accordance with the “Integrationsgesetz” (Integration Act) of the Canton of Bern, starting in 2015, local authorities meet with foreign nationals who are moving into the Canton of Bern for an initial interview. At this meeting, you will receive information on life in the municipality and on integration offerings. If you do not speak any German, it is possible that you will be asked to learn German (esp. postdocs and employees with families from non-EU/EFTA countries). – The local authorities may decide whom they invite for interviews.