Permits
Certain events at ETH Zurich require prior internal approval. The assessment process usually takes two weeks.
Basic requirements
In line with ETH Zurich's regulations on the use of premises, external providers may only stage events, promotions, installations or direct marketing activities at ETH if these relate directly to ETH, education and research.
Confirmation that an event of a third or external party relates directly to ETH is given when an ETH unit Downloadassumes a supporting role (PDF, 134 KB).
Are you planning an event or activity that involves any of the elements below? If so, you'll need a permit. Please apply for this via Servix.
In general
- Running time (incl. setting up and dismantling) outside of normal opening hours
- Running time longer than two days
- Exhibition or trade fair
- Roadshow or company presentation
- Promotion (general)
- Sales campaign
- Celebration (apart from academic events) e.g. party, bar evening or Xmas party
- Use of barbecue or cooking facilities
- More than 500 people
- Sponsors
- Public tour, private group tour
- Filming or photo shoots
- Unmanned vehicles or aircraft (e.g. drones)
Outdoors
- Research, exercises (e.g. soil drilling, measurements)
- Open-air cinema
- Drink/food stalls
- Models (exhibits, buildings)
If on display for over a month, these require a permit from the City of Zurich. - Musical performances
- Sports events, grandstands and marquees
In particular
- Events organised by ETH-associated entities (extraordinary use)
- Institutions and bodies within the ETH domain; ETH authorities
- ETH partner organisations
- University of Zurich
- Institutions and bodies within the ETH domain; ETH authorities
- Events organised by external entities (third-party use)
- For every event in the Audi Max, you need to get the permission of the ETH Permits office.
Processing period
The processing of permit applications is based on ETH Zurich's regulations on the use of premises. There are also internal guidelines to ensure standardised practice for granting permits.
Whether a permit is required cannot always be judged conclusively. If in doubt, please contact us.
Permit requirement and process
Please note that we require some time for our internal enquiries. How much time we need depends on the complexity of the event or campaign in question.
Procedure
- Applicant: event organiser submits application or concept via Servix.
- Permits office: establishes whether there is a permit obligation; carries out initial evaluation of the concept (possibly with queries and corrections).
- Permits office: sends application under consultation to involved offices, and clarifies feasibility if necessary.
- Permits office: gathers feedback and makes a decision (permit, conditions, rejection).
- Applicant: receives the decision from the Permits office (by email or directly in Servix).
Involved offices
Complex applications are sent to the following ETH offices for evaluation:
- Facility Services
- Safety, Security, Health and Environment (SSHE)
- Rectorate and Academic Services
- Campus Services
- Coordinator for partner organisations
- Portfolio Management
- Corporate Communications (CC)
- Scientific Coordination Office
Permits from the City of Zurich
The permits issued by the ETH Permits office are internal. They do NOT replace permits from the City of Zurich.
For events at ETH Zurich, you require a permit from the City of Zurich Police Department if you are planning to:
- use loudspeakers outdoors.
- build temporary outdoor constructions (marquees, platforms, stages).
- dispense food and drinks for payment.
If any of these criteria apply to your event, please contact us at least six weeks in advance. We will send you the relevant application form.
Planning permission
The positioning of exhibits on the ETH Zurich site and any construction work may require a permit from the City of Zurich.
This can take up to 3 months to process! Please contact us well in advance.
A specific internal ETH process has been defined for the granting of permits for scientific exhibits and structures. There are different procedures depending on the positioning, size and characteristics of the project.
In the case of educational and research-related events that do not require a permit such as presentations, seminars, workshops or lectures (please refer to the Regulations on Room Use), the room permit is issued directly by the Rectorate's room reservation function as part of its scheduling activities.
The use of rooms by third parties and for sponsor exhibitions at academic events is subject to room rental charges in accordance with the charges for room use for events.
The invoice will be issued by the responsible department.
Submit application for permit
Please submit your application online at least 2 weeks before you plan to hold your event. We will notify you of our decision by email.
The permit process for large events such as conventions usually takes longer. Please therefore get in touch with us at least 6 weeks in advance
We are happy to help you with any questions you may have regarding the process.
Contact
ETH Zurich
Campus Services
Binzmühlestrasse 130
OCT G55
8092
Zurich
Switzerland