How to invoice in Switzerland
Switzerland is not in the EU, which means no reverse charge, no intra-community rules, and its own VAT system. QR-bills have replaced the old payment slips. Here is what you need to know.
Why Swiss invoicing rules matter
Switzerland plays by its own rules. The MWSTG (Mehrwertsteuergesetz) governs VAT obligations, and the rates are lower than in most European countries. Since Switzerland is not part of the EU, there is no reverse charge mechanism for cross-border services. Customs duties and import VAT apply for goods. Since October 2022, QR-bills are the only accepted format for domestic payment slips. If you invoice Swiss clients or operate from Switzerland, these differences are not optional knowledge.
Key tax and invoicing facts
Required invoice fields in Switzerland
- Full name and address of the seller
- Full name and address of the buyer
- Seller's UID-Nummer (CHE format) with MWST/TVA/IVA suffix
- A unique invoice number
- Invoice issue date
- Delivery or service date (or period)
- Detailed description of each product or service
- Quantity and unit price (net) per line item
- Applicable MWST rate per line item (8.1%, 2.6%, or 3.8%)
- Net amount, MWST amount, and gross total
- Currency (CHF or EUR)
- Any applicable MWST exemption reference
- QR-bill payment section or bank details (IBAN)
Invoicing guides for neighboring countries
Questions
Do I need to register for MWST in Switzerland?
If your annual revenue from taxable supplies exceeds CHF 100,000, registration is mandatory. Businesses below this threshold can register voluntarily, which allows them to reclaim input MWST. Foreign businesses providing services in Switzerland may also need to register if annual Swiss revenue exceeds CHF 100,000.
What is a QR-bill and do I need one?
A QR-bill (QR-Rechnung) is the standard Swiss payment slip format. It contains a Swiss QR Code with all payment details: amount, currency, creditor, and reference number. Since October 2022, it is the only accepted format. If you invoice Swiss customers and expect payment via bank transfer, your invoice should include a QR-bill section.
Can I invoice Swiss clients in EUR?
Yes. Invoicing in EUR is common, especially for international transactions and businesses near the border. However, if your business is MWST-registered, the MWST amount must be reported in CHF on your returns. Convert using the average exchange rate published by the FTA (Federal Tax Administration).
How does cross-border invoicing work without EU reverse charge?
Since Switzerland is not in the EU, the reverse charge mechanism does not apply. For services to Swiss businesses, you generally charge your local VAT or no VAT depending on the place-of-supply rules. For goods, Swiss import VAT (8.1%) is levied at the border. Each case depends on the type of service and the parties involved.
How long must I keep invoices in Switzerland?
10 years. All business records, including invoices, must be retained for 10 years from the end of the fiscal year. Storage can be digital if the records remain complete, organized, and readable. The records must be available in Switzerland or accessible from Switzerland.
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