Registration of a death – Switzerland in Australia

A death of a Swiss citizen abroad is reported to the Swiss representation for the deceased's place of residence so it can be entered in the Swiss civil status register. The entry is free of charge.

Where to apply in Australia

Consulate General of Switzerland in Sydney (Bondi Junction, NSW), which provides consular services to Swiss and Liechtenstein citizens for all of Australia and its external territories; the Embassy in Canberra represents Swiss interests. Contact for civil status and document matters: sydney@eda.admin.ch.

Contact details for every office are on the page of the embassy and consulates of Switzerland.

How to apply

Email sydney@eda.admin.ch for the exact documents needed | Submit the original death certificate and the deceased's Swiss passport and identity card | Provide contact details of a surviving family member

Documents you need

Original death certificate not older than six months (photocopies not accepted; originals not returned)
Deceased's Swiss passport and ID card (voided documents can be returned as a keepsake on request)
Contact details of a surviving family member

Fees and processing time

Official fee: free (civil register update)

Good to know

Lawyer verification of foreign documents, if needed, is at the family's expense. A surviving spouse can revert to the birth name through the representation. Consular assistance after a death (notifying relatives, arranging burial or cremation) is described on the consular assistance page. Page published 31 August 2026 on the Swiss representation's site.

Official sources

Check before you apply

This page summarises information published by Switzerland's official channels, last checked on 24 octubre 2026. Fees and requirements can change at short notice, so confirm with the office that will handle your case.

Spotted a change? Let us know.

Switzerland: Registration of a death in Australia