An extract from the debt enforcement register states whether any debt enforcement proceedings have been opened against you in the past 5 years.
If you want to rent an apartment, for example, your prospective landlord will often ask you for an extract in order to find out whether you are likely to pay your bills. The same applies if you wish to take out a loan from the bank or buy a car on hire purchase. You will also be asked to provide an extract if you apply for Swiss citizenship.
You can request an extract in connection with debt enforcement proceedings that affect you or another person.
In order to request your extract, you will need to present a copy of an identity document.
To obtain an extract from the register in relation to another person, you will need signed authorisation from that person and a copy of their ID.
You can also ask for an extract from the register relating to another person without having to inform them. However, you must prove that you have a particular interest in obtaining this information. For example, you can obtain an extract for a person to whom you intend to rent an apartment or lend money. You will need to enclose documentary proof of your interest (e.g. a written offer of the lease or loan) with your request, together with a copy of your ID.
You have two options for requesting the extract:
Complete the online form and send it by post or e-mail to the debt enforcement office in your canton of residence;
or request the extract in person at the counter of the debt enforcement office in your canton of residence.
The entry in the register is automatically deleted 5 years after the debt enforcement proceedings are concluded. Before this deadline:
you can go directly to your creditors and ask them to abandon the enforcement proceedings and have the entry removed from the register, for example, if you have come to an arrangement with them in the meantime or paid off your debt;
the debt enforcement office will amend incorrect entries directly or at your request;
under certain conditions, you can ask the debt enforcement office not to include an enforced debt in the extract from the register. The relevant office will inform you of the conditions to be met and the costs involved.
An extract from the debt enforcement register costs CHF 17 plus any postage costs.