Registration of a birth – Switzerland in Australia

Parents report the birth of a child born in Australia to the Swiss representation so that it can be entered in the Swiss civil status register; a Swiss identity document for the child can only be issued after that. Registration 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

Upload copies of the documents through the online desk | The representation checks them and then asks for the originals | Originals go to the Swiss civil status authority and are not returned

Applications are handled through FDFA online desk, https://www.eda.admin.ch/countries/australia/en/home/services/online-desk.html.

Documents you need

Original birth certificate (not older than six months)
If parents not married: original official decree on filiation or recognition of paternity
If a non-Swiss parent is not yet registered: original civil status record at time of birth, certificate of current residence, passport copy
Photocopies are not accepted

Fees and processing time

Official fee: free (registration); a new Swiss family certificate can be ordered for a fee (amount not published)

Good to know

Any lawyer verification of foreign documents is at the applicant's expense. 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 birth in Australia