Where can I obtain a debt enforcement extract?

The Document of Truth: Analysis and Facts

What exactly is a debt enforcement extract?

Before you order a debt enforcement extract , it's worth taking a look at what this document actually says. The extract is an official certificate from the debt enforcement office in your place of residence. It doesn't list your debts in general, but specifically those claims for which a creditor has initiated formal debt enforcement proceedings.

The register contains entries about ongoing, completed, and even paid debt collection proceedings from the last five years, as well as any certificates of loss. It's important to know that when you order a debt collection extract , you only receive information about the current debt collection district. If you've recently moved, the register at your new address is often empty. Landlords therefore often require you to also order a debt collection extract from your previous address to fill this gap .

Why do I need a debt enforcement extract?

The reasons why people order a debt enforcement extract are varied, but mostly existential in nature:

• Apartment hunting: This is the most common reason. Without a clean credit report, the application almost always ends up in the rejection pile. You must order the credit report before you go to the viewing.
• Loan and leasing applications: Banks meticulously check your creditworthiness.
• Job search: In the financial sector, in security services or in management positions, employers often require insight.
• Naturalization: Anyone wanting a Swiss passport must prove orderly financial circumstances and order a debt enforcement extract for this purpose .

How and where can I order an extract from the debt enforcement register?

There are basically two ways to obtain the document: the physical trip to the office or the digital route.

1. In person at the counter (The classic way) You can go directly to the debt enforcement office of your municipality of residence and order the debt enforcement extract there .

• Advantage: You receive the document immediately.
• Prerequisite: You must present a valid official identification document (ID card, passport or foreigner's ID card).
• Location: You can find the responsible office via your municipality's website or via the central portal of the Federal Office of Justice.

2. Ordering a debt enforcement extract online (The convenient way) In times of digitalization, almost all cantons offer the possibility to order a debt enforcement extract via eGovernment portals .

• Official portals: Many cantons (e.g., Zurich, Bern) have their own websites (" eSchKG ") where you can order the debt enforcement extract . You will need most one credit card or TWINT.
• Third-party providers: There are private service providers that handle this service. Caution: If you want to order a debt enforcement extract through these channels , you often have to pay a service fee in addition to the official costs. The direct route through the debt enforcement office is... most cheaper .
• Postal delivery: After ordering your debt enforcement extract online , the document will usually be delivered to you within 1 to 3 business days via priority mail. A simple PDF download is often not possible for security reasons or is not accepted by landlords (original stamp often required).

Special considerations for newcomers (expats)

If you've only been living in Switzerland for a few weeks and order a debt enforcement extract , it will likely be empty ("No entries"). While this looks good, it's not very informative for landlords. In this case, you should not only order the Swiss debt enforcement extract but also provide a credit report from your country of origin (e.g., SCHUFA in Germany or a "Credit Report" in the USA). This builds trust, as the Swiss system doesn't reflect your financial history abroad.

Costs and processing time

The costs are manageable, but vary depending on the ordering method.

• Costs: The statutory fee for the information is a flat rate of CHF 17.00. If you order the debt enforcement extract (online with delivery), postage is often added, so the final amount is usually between CHF 18.00 and CHF 20.00. Private third-party providers They often charge CHF 30.00 or more .
• Validity: There is no statutory expiry date. In practice, however, authorities usually do not accept documents older than 3 months. Therefore, you should regularly order a new debt enforcement extract if your apartment search takes longer.

Data protection and power of attorney

request a debt enforcement extract for themselves (self-disclosure). You can only request a debt enforcement extract for a third party if you can demonstrate a legitimate interest (e.g., as a creditor with contracts or invoices). If you wish to request a debt enforcement extract for your partner , you will need written authorization and a copy of their ID. Without these documents, the office will reject the request.

Conclusion

order their debt enforcement extract within minutes or clicks . This document is key for almost all major contractual obligations in Switzerland. It's important not to wait until your landlord asks for it. Proactivity pays off. If you're planning to move, you should ideally order your current debt enforcement extract a month in advance to ensure your documents are complete on moving day.

Remember: The goal is a clean credit report. If there are any unjustified entries, you must address them before submitting the report. That's another reason why it's worthwhile to order a debt enforcement extract early , to allow time for corrections.

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Glossary

• Debt Enforcement Office: The state authority responsible for carrying out debt enforcement proceedings. You need to order your debt enforcement extract here .
• Creditworthiness: A person's credit rating. It is documented by a debt enforcement extract.
• eSchKG : The electronic standard for data exchange in debt enforcement and bankruptcy law, which makes it possible to order an enforcement extract online .
• Certificate of loss: A document issued when a seizure of assets has been unsuccessful . Entry in the extract weighs difficult .
• Self-disclosure: The right of every person to request access to the data stored about them and to order an extract from debt enforcement proceedings .