On becoming Swiss, part two
From the archives: Wending our way through Helvetic bureaucracy
Originally published in October 2016*, when we completed our dossier on time.
(*Date changed from 2017, which was mistakenly noted on the original publication and has had me confused about time and space for the past two months.)
We actually finished the scavenger hunt on schedule. In the first delivery attempt, our village clerk stopped after page one and said, “You only have proof of residence in our town for five years.” A moment of inner panic; I think I had deer-in-the-headlights look. She then helpfully pointed out that we also need proof of at least seven previous years in Switzerland. Ah yes, we lived in Zurich for 12 years. So I need to get a paper from our former neighborhood registry office too. Thank goodness we only lived in one neighborhood.
I had an errand to run in Zurich anyway that afternoon, and the registry office lady in District 10 said no problem, we’ll send it in a week. Except we are not at home in a week and I need it NOW. The registry office people are incredibly helpful. This is one thing I have loved about this country since arriving here: The bureaucrats, and there are many, want to help you.1
District 10 Registry Lady says ok, you can go downtown to the Stadthaus (city hall) and they’ll print it for you on the spot. 60 francs. Woo-hoo. Ever considerate, she asks if I’m there with the car today or with public transport. Car, everyone frowns. She suggested I LEAVE MY CAR IN THEIR PARKING AREA and jump on a tram. How nice is that. So I did.
And now we are filed. I know that because while we were on vacation, we received the official confirmation letter from our village respectfully requesting the non-refundable downpayment (1000 francs). The ball is rolling.
Which, if you think about it, is the right attitude. Bureaucrat: if I help this person accomplish what he or she needs to do, I actually have less work in the end. Add to that the Swiss trait of “a place for everything and everything in its place.” They like rules and order here, and I think there is some deep inner satisfaction resulting from having all the t’s crossed and i’s dotted. Or looking at it another way: An incomplete or messy process only creates stress, which is bad and to be avoided.