Debt collection in Switzerland
Swiss debt enforcement starts with a single form: the Betreibungsbegehren. Filed at the local Betreibungsamt for CHF 100 or less, it triggers an official Zahlungsbefehl — a payment order served by a federal officer. The debtor has 20 days to object. No court involved. No lawyer required. In Switzerland, the state does the knocking for you.
- Collection Rate: 87%
- Avg Days: 52d
- Legal System: Civil law
- Currency: CHF
- Language: German / French / Italian
Switzerland is not in the EU. It has its own legal framework, its own currency, and its own enforcement apparatus. For foreign creditors, this creates both a challenge and an opportunity. The challenge: EU instruments do not apply. The opportunity: Switzerland's domestic enforcement system under the SchKG is one of the most structured and efficient in the world.
The SchKG: A Federal Enforcement Machine
The SchKG (Federal Debt Enforcement and Bankruptcy Act) governs all debt enforcement in Switzerland. The process is administrative, not judicial, and operates through the Betreibungsamt — a federal authority in every municipality. Filing costs CHF 50-100. No lawyer required. No court involved.
SchKG (Bundesgesetz über Schuldbetreibung und Konkurs)
Federal enforcement system. Betreibungsbegehren filed for under CHF 100. Zahlungsbefehl served by public official. 20 days to object. No court, no lawyer.
The 20-Day Window: Rechtsvorschlag
The debtor has exactly 20 days from service to file a Rechtsvorschlag (objection). If the debtor does nothing, the creditor proceeds directly to Pfändung (asset seizure) for individuals or Konkurs (bankruptcy) for registered companies.
Most Swiss businesses understand this mechanism intimately. A Zahlungsbefehl is not a polite letter. It is a formal state instrument that, if ignored, leads directly to seizure or insolvency proceedings.
- Enforcement request — Filed at local Betreibungsamt. Under CHF 100. No lawyer needed.
- Payment order — Served in person by public official. 20 days to pay, 10 days to object.
- Removal of objection — Provisorisch (documentary evidence, 2-4 weeks) or definitiv (court judgement).
- Seizure or bankruptcy — Assets seized by Betreibungsamt. Or: bankruptcy proceedings opened for companies.
Removing the Objection: Rechtsöffnung
Provisorische Rechtsöffnung under Article 82 SchKG is available with documentary evidence — resolved in 2-4 weeks. Definitive Rechtsöffnung under Article 80 is for final judgements or arbitral awards.
Interest and Costs
Interest defaults to 5% per annum under Article 104 OR. While lower than EU rates, Swiss enforcement speed compensates — timelines are measured in weeks, not months.
Cantonal Complexity
Switzerland operates across 26 cantons and four languages. Filing at the wrong Betreibungsamt, in the wrong language, or with incorrect debtor identification causes delays and procedural rejections. We operate across all 26 cantons, in all three commercial languages.
Switzerland operates across 26 cantons and four languages. Filing at the wrong Betreibungsamt, in the wrong language, or with incorrect debtor identification causes delays and procedural rejections. We operate across all 26 cantons, in all three commercial languages.
Cross-Border Enforcement
Switzerland is party to the Lugano Convention. EU/EFTA judgements can be recognised without re-litigation, though Exequatur is still required. For arbitral awards, enforcement follows the New York Convention.
- Pfändung — Asset seizure by the Betreibungsamt — bank accounts, receivables, property.
- Konkursandrohung — Bankruptcy warning for companies. Triggers insolvency proceedings if ignored.
- Betreibungsregister — Public enforcement register — visible to every bank and business partner.
- Lugano Convention — EU/EFTA judgements recognised without re-litigation (exequatur still required).
FAQ
How much does it cost to file a Betreibungsbegehren?
CHF 50-100 depending on the claim amount. No lawyer is required.
What happens if the debtor objects (Rechtsvorschlag)?
The creditor applies for Rechtsöffnung — either provisional (with documentary evidence, 2-4 weeks) or definitive (with an existing judgement).
What interest rate applies to Swiss commercial debts?
5% per annum under Article 104 OR, unless the contract provides otherwise.
Do you cover all Swiss cantons and languages?
Yes. We operate across all 26 cantons in German, French, and Italian.
Can EU judgements be enforced in Switzerland?
Yes, under the Lugano Convention. Exequatur declaration from the cantonal court is required.