Swiss Post mail forwarding / address change
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What this page is for
When you move within Switzerland or leave after studies, commune departure and permit steps are on Leaving / deregister and Permit & commune. Separately, tell Swiss Post what to do with letters and parcels sent to your old address.
Two Post products (do not mix them):
| Product | What it does | Cost (live Post table) |
|---|---|---|
| Change of address (no forwarding) | Updates your customer address at Post; mail to the old address is returned to sender for a year (even if your name is still on the letter box) | Free |
| Change of address with forwarding (réexpédition) | Forwards letters (and, under the product rules, parcels where applicable) to the new address for a limited period | Paid (table below) |
Sources: Swiss Post, Change of address · Forward mail to new address · FR Changement d’adresse · Réexpédier le courrier
Forwarding prices (CHF, VAT included)
Switzerland and Liechtenstein (choose 6, 12 or 18 months):
| Duration | Online (CHF) | At a Post branch (CHF) |
|---|---|---|
| 6 months | 35 | 47 |
| 12 months | 45 | 57 |
| 18 months | 55 | 67 |
Abroad (12 months only): online 90 CHF; at a branch 102 CHF.
Surcharges (same EN/FR price block):
- Additional person / additional company: +15 CHF flat.
- Express order: +10 CHF.
- Per forwarded parcel (Switzerland / Liechtenstein block): +8 CHF.
All prices in CHF including VAT, as published on the Post forwarding page on 5 Oct 2026. Re-check the live table before you pay.
Timing and how to order
- Ideally place the order at least four working days before the desired start.
- Express order possible until 23:00 the previous evening (+10 CHF).
- Forwarding can start from the next working day.
- Forwarded items usually arrive one working day later (mail hits the old delivery office first, then is redirected).
- Who: persons aged 18+ and business customers (Post wording on the forwarding page).
- Channels: online (login on post.ch / swisspost.ch); at a Post branch with valid ID; partner branch form then submitted at a Post branch or by post.
Under 18: Post's forwarding page, its FAQ ("All persons from 18 years of age and companies") and the factsheet (base price for a natural person "from 18") all set the order at 18+. The forwarding GTC let people living at the same address be grouped in one order (factsheet: additional person, flat +15 CHF), so a parent or guardian who moves with you can add you to their order. To verify: if you are under 18 and moving on your own, Post's pages do not say how your mail can be forwarded; ask the Post Contact Center (+41 848 888 888, CHF 0.08/min from a Swiss landline).
Optional: during the process you can consent so Post informs third parties who already have your old address (banks, insurers, etc.) via the “notification of move” / address-update option. That does not replace updating EPFL, your commune, LAMal, or Serafe yourself.
After the chosen period ends, items for the old address are returned to the sender with a note. Longer / permanent diversion: Post Contact Center +41 848 888 888 (Post: CHF 0.08/min from a Swiss landline) or their online form.
What is not forwarded (high level)
Post lists exclusions (examples). Abroad, they do not forward court documents, debt collection documents, parcels, letters with small goods, or military-address items. Switzerland and abroad, exclusions include poste restante / military addresses, certain Innight / PromoPost items, free newspapers, and consignments from other delivery organisations. Debt collection documents are only forwarded within the debt collection district.
Letters, court and debt-collection documents (factsheet): in Switzerland and abroad, the order covers all addressed letters. Forwarded parcels within Switzerland cost CHF 8 each, paid on receipt; parcels are not forwarded abroad. Abroad, court documents and debt-collection documents are not forwarded; debt-collection documents are forwarded only within the same debt-collection district.
Sources: same Post forwarding page (EN + FR) · Factsheet « Changement d’adresse avec réexpédition » (PDF, FR) · Post GTC « Changement d’adresse avec réexpédition » (PDF, FR)
How this fits with commune / permit steps
- Announce departure / new address to your commune (Contrôle des habitants) as required → Leaving / deregister · Permit & commune.
- Decide whether you need forwarding (paid) or only a free address change (returns mail to sender).
- Update LAMal / Serafe / bank / phone yourself; Post’s third-party notify option is optional and incomplete.
Leaving Switzerland without forwarding means important letters (permit, tax, bank) sent to the old Swiss address may bounce to the sender.