Once you have moved to Switzerland as an expat and if you have a job, one of your first chores will be obtaining your AHV number (Alters- und Hinterlassenenversicherung, the Swiss social security number). This AHV number will be used by authorities and employers to identify you in many different situations. Your AHV number is also your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).

The one and only way to get an AHV number

You can only get your AHV number through the Ausgleichskasse (social security administration) of the canton that you live in. They will issue the number for new expats in all cases.

To trigger the process though, your employer has to first register you with the Ausgleichskasse (social security administration) of the canton that you live in. The preferred way for your employer of doing that is a tool called AHV Connect.

It's important to know that you can not trigger or accelerate this process yourself in most cases! Only your employer can do it.

The only exception would be if you start as a self-employed freelancer with unlimited liability (selbstständig Erwerbende(r) from day one). In this case, you can and have to trigger the process yourself due to the lack of an employer.

Why is the AHV number so important in Switzerland?

The AHV number is essential for identifying you uniquely in many cases and for getting social security benefits. It allows you to benefit from Swiss social security and other services, such as medical insurance, pension, maternity and sickness benefits, disability benefits, and unemployment assistance among others. AHV numbers are also important for employers when it comes to taxes, payments of salaries and the registration of AHV contributions.

AHV numbers are issued for life, so you never have to worry about getting a new AHV number if you move from one canton to another within Switzerland.

Your AHV number is unique and immutable

Your AHV number is unique and can not be changed once it has been issued to you.

It is important to remember that your AHV number is vital for obtaining benefits and services in Switzerland and is required to sign up for some services like health insurance.

Having an AHV number is essential for those living and working in Switzerland, so make sure to get your AHV number as soon as you move here!

Your AHV number is also your tax identifier

Your AHV number is also used by the Swiss taxation authorities as your tax identifier. AHV numbers are required when filing taxes. This means that anyone living or working in Switzerland must have an AHV number in order to file their taxes.

Your AHV number will also be requested by any foreign (non-Swiss) banks. Your AHV number is your international tax identification number (ITIN) used by the CRS system that most banks in the world have to follow. So once you update your banks in another country about your new residence address or whenever you open a new bank account, they will ask for your ITIN which is your AHV number.

Wrong information in online forums

Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation on Internet forums and Facebook groups on how to get the AHV number as a new expat in Switzerland.

You can not trigger the issuance of your AHV number by any of the following:

• Asking the municipality ("Gemeinde").
• Asking the health insurance company (you can't even sign up for health insurance in many cases without having the number first).
• Looking it up on your health insurance card (you can't even sign up for health insurance in many cases without having the number first).

The only thing you should do if you don't have an AHV number yet in the beginning is reminding your employer that they have to register you with the Ausgleichskasse. After that, the Ausgleichskasse will give you your AHV number.

Don't speak the local language?

If you need help with obtaining your AHV number, we can do it on your behalf. There is also a shortcut which we can apply if your employer is slow or does not understand that they have to trigger the process for you. Please get in touch with us and we will be happy to help!