The first thing you need to do when you get here is to make it official.  To say “hi, I’m here, I like it, I’m staying, make me part of your gang officially”.  This is not just to potential dates and friends, but most importantly to the Zug administration (Zug registration), also known as the Commune (excuse my French) or the City of Zug or Zug Stadt.

This is the people who matter the most, even than that potential date that might evolve to the love of your life (for several hours or even years).  Because this is the people that you will give you papers that you need in your life.  The most beautiful thing they will do for you is to enroll you to the Tax Office of the Canton, which will also do another very beautiful thing for you, grant you the lowest tax rate in the hood.  After all, isn’t this why you came here?  If it was love, pardon my materialistic assumption and please continue reading.

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I have to say that my registration process was by far the easiest, the friendliest and the most memorable.  I have done a dozen or so in my life in a different continents and this one by far takes it home.  It was easier than throwing away my trash.  Literally.

When I arrived at the office, first I was confused.  Not afraid, not petrified, not kept thinking that I could never live without you by my side.  Just confused.  Ok, the building was pretty from outside, but a gallery as you walk in?  Now that is special.  The “We Accept Bitcoins” sign on the door added to the confusion and the awe, before even talking to a single soul.  This is indeed the Crypto Valley of the world and they mean it and they support it and kudos for that!

There was no queue, no noise, no ugliness anywhere.  The young guy welcomed me politely, offered me a seat and started asking me questions.  The question about my religion was one of the most interesting.  Apparently if you practice the right religion, you can pay less taxes.  Something to consider as you decide the spiritual journey of your offspring.  Luckily I had a good one…  Go for Christian Orthodox.  In the papers.  No need to comply with the strict fasting (avoid it, it allows only carbs).

Once we completed all the paperwork, he presented me with a number of freebies.  There was the free tour of the canton.  For me or anyone else.  Very cool.  I still have not done, but I will for sure, this place is gorgeous, and I am sure there is more than the mini Geneva fountain spot.  I have not used the public transport free tickets either, because I walk everywhere.  These damn 10,000 steps a day I need to do, so I can eat Swiss chocolate, do not comply with buses.  Plus Uber is almost as cheap.

The thing that cracked me (and them) was the little paper for the pharmacy.
Polite Young Man: And this, you have to take it to any pharmacy and they will give you your free pills.  You need them, because we have nuclear reactors in the region and it is mandatory to take them.
Me: Every day?!?!?!  If I live here, I have to take pills every day for the nuclear exposure?   I have a hard time to remember to take the Vitamin C and the biotin so I don’t lose my hair.  I am not sure I want to add more pills to my regime.  Are they strong?  What happens if I forget to take them?  Will I die?
Polite Young Man: No sir.  You will not die.  Because you do not have to take them every day.  They are in case of emergency.  You just keep them at home and if ever, the Canton will notify you what to do via a public announcement.

I felt like an idiot and I tried to entertain this unfortunate impression I might have made to the official people, by playing smart, asking if indeed they accept bitcoins for my registration fees.  It was apparent that I did not help that unfortunate impression, since the gentleman replied very seriously “sure, may I have your electronic wallet?”  I did not have it with me, so I paid for my Zug registration with humble mundane swiss francs.

As always, now getting to the useful staff of the post, this is the link with all the info for your registration.

THE USEFULL STUFF

Moving to Zug / Registration-STADTZUG.CH

Amt für Migration Zug (Immigration Office Zug)
Verwaltungsgebäude 2
Aabachstrasse 1
Postfach 857
6301 Zug
Tel. +41 (0)41 728 50 50
Fax +41 (0)41 728 50 59
info.afm@zg.ch
www.zg.ch/immigration

Opening hours:
Monday 8:30 am to 11:45 am, 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Tuesday to Friday 8:30 am to 11:45 am, 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm

Moving to Zug / Registration 
Individuals of a foreign nationality must register at the Immigration Office within eight days after their first arrival in Zug. Those moving from another canton to the canton of Zug, have to do the same. For the Zug registration the following documents are needed:

  • Passport or identity card for nationals of an EU/EFTA Country
  • Assurance of residence permit if the employer is in another canton
  • 2 passport photos
  • Residence Permit for foreigners with confirmation of departure from the previously registered town or municipality
  • Proof of medical- and accident insurance

After the registration at the Immigration Office in Zug, the registration will be forwarded to the local Residents’ Registry Office. It is not necessary to show up personally at the Residents’ Registry Office.

Non-EU/EFTA nationals planning to move to Zug are advised to first make their application to the Immigration Office and only to move here once the residence permit has been issued.