Executive Summary

The Swiss Federal Council submitted a revision of the ordinance on fees in the civil status system (ZStGV) for consultation on 24 June 2026. Current tariffs cover less than half of the costs incurred at civil status offices. The Federal Council proposes moderate increases in hourly rates and wants to make previously free services such as the examination of foreign documents subject to fees. The consultation period runs until 15 October 2026.

Persons

  • Federal Council (collective decision-makers)

Topics

  • Administrative fees
  • Civil status system
  • Cost recovery of public services

Clarus Lead

The matter addresses a parliamentary motion (21.3024) calling for better cost recovery by the cantons. The planned fee structure reform signals a reorientation of fee policy: while services related to natural events (birth, death) remain free, administrative activities such as the recording of foreign documents will in future be subject to fees. An additional 12-franc surcharge on already fee-paying documents is intended to cover the operating costs of the nationwide electronic civil status register Infostar.

Detailed Summary

The revision aims to improve cost recovery through a differentiated fee structure. The Federal Council distinguishes between two categories: services related to natural events such as birth or death remain free of charge and are thus not subject to cost principle logic. By contrast, administrative activities – in particular the examination and recording of foreign decisions or documents relating to civil status – will in future be subject to fees.

The financing of infrastructure is at the heart of the second measure: the planned 12-franc surcharge on orders for already fee-paying civil status documents is intended to cover part of the operating costs of the electronic civil status register Infostar. This register is operated by the federal government and made available to all cantons and municipalities. The moderate increase in the hourly rate for fee calculation complements the measures and is intended to achieve a more proportionate distribution of costs between authorities and users.

Key Messages

  • Current fee tariffs cover less than 50% of costs at civil status offices
  • Previously free administrative services will become subject to fees
  • Services related to natural events (birth, death) remain free
  • A 12-franc surcharge is intended to finance operating costs of the Infostar register
  • Consultation period until 15 October 2026

Critical Questions

  1. Evidence/Data Quality: What cost calculations are the statement that current tariffs cover less than 50% of costs based on? Will these calculations be transparently disclosed in the consultation?

  2. Conflicts of Interest: How is it ensured that the fee increase does not result in a disproportionate burden on lower-income citizens who more frequently submit foreign documents?

  3. Causality/Alternatives: Why was the cost increase not addressed through alternative financing mechanisms (e.g. federal subsidies) instead of passing it entirely on to users?

  4. Feasibility: How will cantons and municipalities be supported in the technical implementation of the new fee structure, particularly in distinguishing between fee-paying and free services?

  5. Side Effects: Could a fee requirement for the recording of foreign documents lead to delays in civil status registrations and thus create legal uncertainties?

  6. Infostar Data Quality: Which specific operating costs of the Infostar register are to be covered by the 12-franc surcharge, and how will the earmarking of these revenues be monitored?

Sources

Primary Source: Fee Increase for Civil Status Offices – Federal Council Statement of 24 June 2026

Verification Status: ✓ 24.06.2026

This text was created with the support of an AI model. Editorial responsibility: clarus.news | Fact-checking: 24.06.2026