AHV number in Switzerland: how to find or get your social security number
Almost everyone in Switzerland has an AHV number. Here you find yours in seconds, and if you do not have one yet, you see exactly what to do for your situation.
You almost certainly already have one. It is the 13-digit number starting with 756, printed on the back of your health-insurance card. You never apply for one yourself: if you do not have one yet, it is created automatically through your employer, health insurer or compensation office.
- Check your health-insurance card first, usually on the back.
- Free, anonymous and the same for your whole life.
- The grey AHV card has not been needed since 2016.
Where do I find it?
It is already on documents you have at home:
- Back of your health-insurance card (the fastest way).
- Your payslip and annual salary certificate.
- The grey AHV card, if you still have one.
Quick tip
Turn your health-insurance card over: the 13-digit number with 756 is your AHV number. Not there? Ask your health insurer or employer.
What does it look like?
A purely random number with no hidden info: it reveals neither your name nor date of birth.
Assigned once, the same for life. Issued by the Central Compensation Office in Geneva. It replaced the old 11-digit number in 2008.
The number is not the grey card. The card is optional since 2016, and the number is on your health-insurance card anyway.
Check an AHV number
Type a number and we check the format and the check digit.
Your situation, your answer
Find your case, the answer is right next to it.
You have had one for a long time. It is on your health-insurance card.
It is created automatically once you register or start working.
Your employer or health insurer arranges it. You apply for nothing yourself.
Read it off your health-insurance card and pass it on.
No number yet? Your employer registers you and it gets created.
Your compensation office confirms or creates it at registration.
Assigned automatically, shortly after birth.
It appears on the child's health-insurance card.
No matter: the number is on your health-insurance card.
Order a new card for free if you want, the number stays the same.
Your number stays valid for life.
No card? Contact the Swiss Compensation Office (SCO) in Geneva.
You need their number, not yours. It is on their health-insurance card.
No number yet? It gets created during registration.
Self-employed or an employer? Your cantonal compensation office is the place to go. Pick your canton:
AK finder: your cantonal compensation office
AHV registration runs through the compensation office of your canton of residence. Pick your canton - you get the right office, its online portal and the registration form.
Zürich
SVA Zürich
Source: official data from the cantonal compensation offices.
Official points of contact
Continue directly with the relevant office:
- FOSI: The AHV numberOpen
- ch.ch: How to find your OASI numberOpen
- ch.ch: Requesting an AHV cardOpen
- FOSI FAQ: I have just moved to SwitzerlandOpen
All details verified against official sources on 24.06.2026.
Do you employ someone at home?
To register them and run payroll you need your employee's AHV number. Clino guides you through everything step by step. CHF 19.90/month, the first 30 days free.
