Gender identity in the Swiss civil status register

Switzerland does not yet fully recognise non-binary identities in civil status or administrative documents.
Although current legislation allows for changes to the sex marker in the civil registry, the Swiss administrative system remains largely built around the binary categories “female” and “male”.

Official documents such as passports and ID cards currently do not include a non-binary gender option.

There are ongoing discussions about introducing an “X” marker for non-binary individuals, but it has not yet been implemented at the national level.

Once the change(s) have been made at the civil registry office, Swiss citizens must renew their identity documents.

Individuals legally residing in Switzerland with a foreign passport may initiate this procedure.
They are not required to update their identity documents in their country of origin.

The civil registry office issues a certificate confirming the change of sex and/or first name in the civil records. This document serves as official proof of the change.

Depending on the situation, the individual may then initiate procedures with the cantonal population office to update their residence permit, in accordance with the regulations in their canton.
Residence permits are not issued by the civil registry office but may be updated by the relevant authority (such as the Population or Migration Office) following the changes recorded in the civil registry.

If necessary, the individual may also request an update to their passport or ID card from their country of origin, depending on the applicable national procedures. The civil registry office does not forward any information to the embassy or consulate of the person’s country of origin.

Changes to the sex marker and/or first name in the civil registry are based on the individual’s right to self-determination, meaning the decision is based on their personal and intimate sense of identity.
The conviction must also be consistent, meaning the person should be convinced of the enduring nature of their identity.

Individuals aged 16 and over may make this change without the consent of their legal guardian(s).

The procedure to change the sex marker and/or first name costs between CHF 75 and CHF 105.

In the Canton of Vaud, individuals may be exempted from these fees upon presentation of a certificate of social assistance (Revenu d’insertion) or a student certificate (from age 16).

Visit the website of the civil registry office in your area to receive full information on how to proceed.

You can hide your gender marker by modifying your People page, following this procedure.