Genealogy in Switzerland
You want to search for your ancestors?
To begin a research in Switzerland it is important to know the name of the township or community where the respective family name was recorded for the first time. (Native township). Every person with the same family name is registered in this township even if they have been living elsewhere for a long time. Today individual information on persons may be found at the registry office of the city of residence, where every citizen must be registered. - Relevant documents such as birth certificates, passports, marital status, family booklets, records of military services etc., may be found there. Each of these documents shows the name of the township where the family name was registered for the first time.
We, therefore, recommend you to inquire explicitly about documents which may give clues regarding the native township of your ancestors.