New in Basel: How to register your child for school

The correct registration method depends on the age of your child and the municipality in which you live. First choose the appropriate situation - then you will only see the steps that apply to you.

Select the appropriate registration method

What applies to you?

Choose your situation

You will then see the appropriate path. The selection is not saved.

4 to 5 years · City of Basel

Use the kindergarten registration. If you are moving from abroad or from another canton, please enclose copies of your ID. An existing school report can also be sent.

Open kindergarten registration

6 to 12 years · City of Basel

Use the registration for primary school. Please send existing school reports from the last two years and, if you are moving from outside the canton, copies of your ID.

Open primary school registration

Around 12 to 15 years · City of Basel

For secondary school, you agree on the registration process directly with the primary schools. Have ID cards, residence permits and existing school reports ready.

Call elementary schools

Riehen or Bettingen

Kindergarten and primary school are organized by the community schools. Therefore, do not automatically use the form from the city of Basel.

Community schools open registration

In that order

You can do that now

01
Select age and municipality above.
02
Open the official registration path mentioned there.
03
Please send the requested copies. Missing certificates are not a reason to postpone contacting us.
04
Retain a copy of the application.

Know more

Details for your next step

Prepare these documents

ID cards of child and legal guardian
Residence permits, if available
Family booklet, if available
Existing certificates or school reports

What happens next

The responsible body checks the registration.
You will be informed of the school or the next contact.
For kindergartens and primary schools, information about allocation in the event of an immigrant is usually given about a week before the start.

Personal support

You can continue here

Official body

Elementary schools Basel-Stadt

Registration, allocation and questions about primary school

Call+41 61 267 54 60 Emailvolksschulen@bs.ch Open elementary school information

Kohlenberg 27, 4001 Basel

To check off

Prepare school registration

01Clarify the age of the child and place of residence
02Open the appropriate official registration channel
03Copy child and parent IDs
04Copy existing school reports or certificates
05Send registration and keep feedback

Sources and topicalityWhere this information comes from

The school systemCanton Basel-Stadt · checked July 11, 2026 →Entry into kindergartenCanton Basel-Stadt · checked July 11, 2026 →Entry into primary schoolCanton Basel-Stadt · checked July 11, 2026 →Primary school areaCanton Basel-Stadt · checked July 11, 2026 →Registration for community schoolsMunicipality of Riehen · checked July 11, 2026 →

Open Knowledge summarizes official information in an understandable manner. In case of differences, the linked official source applies.