Published June 1, 2025 · 6 min read
What Is a Betreibungsauskunft? The Complete English Guide for Expats in Switzerland
The Betreibungsauskunft is a document that Swiss landlords require from almost every rental applicant. If you've never heard of it, you're not alone — most expats discover it only after their first application is rejected. Here's everything you need to know.
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Dossier Review CHF 149What Is a Betreibungsauskunft?
It is an official extract from the Swiss debt enforcement register (Betreibungsregister). It shows whether you have any outstanding debt collection proceedings in Switzerland. Swiss landlords use it to verify that a potential tenant has no unpaid debts or financial disputes registered against them. It is issued by the local Betreibungsamt (debt enforcement office) for the municipality where you currently live or have previously lived.
How Much Does It Cost?
CHF 17 per extract. Each municipality issues its own extract, so if you have lived in multiple Swiss cities, you may need one from each.
Where Do You Get It?
Online: EasyGov.swiss (official government portal) or betreibungsauszug.ch — delivered digitally in 3–5 business days.
In person: at your local Betreibungsamt — sometimes available same day. Find your local office on ch.ch.
What If You've Never Lived in Switzerland?
If you are newly arrived in Switzerland and have never held Swiss residency, you will not have a Swiss Betreibungsauskunft. In this case, most landlords will accept a credit report from your previous country: Germany = Schufa, UK = Experian or Equifax, USA = credit report from one of the three bureaus. Include a short note in your dossier explaining you are new to Switzerland and attaching the equivalent document from your home country.
What If You Have Entries?
Having entries in the Betreibungsregister does not automatically disqualify you. Landlords make individual decisions. What matters most is whether the entries are resolved and whether you can provide context. Include a brief, factual explanation in your cover letter.
How to Include It in Your Dossier
Place the Betreibungsauskunft as the first document after your cover letter. It should be no older than 3 months at the time of application. If it is older, obtain a new one — the cost is CHF 17 and the process takes only a few days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Betreibungsauskunft if I just arrived in Switzerland?
If you have never lived in Switzerland, you do not have a Swiss Betreibungsauskunft. You should provide an equivalent document from your home country (Schufa in Germany, credit report in the UK or USA) and include a note explaining your situation.
How long is a Betreibungsauskunft valid?
Most landlords require a Betreibungsauskunft issued within the last 3 months. Obtain a fresh one shortly before you begin actively applying.
Can I get the Betreibungsauskunft online?
Yes. Use betreibungsauszug.ch for online applications. The extract is delivered digitally within 3–5 business days. Cost: CHF 17.
What happens if I have entries in the debt register?
Entries do not automatically disqualify you. Include a brief explanation in your cover letter. Resolved or older entries are generally viewed more favorably than recent open ones.