To obtain a Swiss VAT number, a business registers with the Federal Tax Administration (FTA) once its worldwide taxable turnover reaches CHF 100,000. The number is built on the company identification number (UID) followed by the suffix “VAT” — in the form CHE-123.456.789 VAT. A company based abroad must also appoint a fiscal representative in Switzerland. This guide covers the format, the registration steps, the timeline, and how to find or verify a Swiss VAT number.
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The Swiss VAT number: format and how it works
In Switzerland, the VAT number is not a separate identifier: it is based on the company identification number (UID), completed with the suffix “VAT”. It therefore takes the form CHE-123.456.789 VAT — with the variants “MWST” in German and “IVA” in Italian. A company entered in the Commercial Register already holds its UID; registering for VAT activates it as a VAT number.
This number must appear on your invoices, your VAT returns and your correspondence with the FTA. It confirms that you are registered and entitled to charge VAT and to recover input tax. For a full overview of Swiss VAT rates and obligations, see our guide on VAT in Switzerland.
The VAT number is specific to VAT and should not be confused with the broader Swiss tax identification number (TIN) — the UID for companies and the AVS/AHV number for individuals — used for tax reporting and the international automatic exchange of information.
How to get a Swiss VAT number: the steps
Registration is completed online with the FTA. The process follows four steps.
1. Confirm whether you must register
Registration is mandatory once your annual worldwide taxable turnover reaches CHF 100,000, provided part of it is generated in Switzerland (Art. 10 VAT Act). The threshold is assessed on your worldwide turnover, not only the Swiss portion. Below the threshold, you may register voluntarily to recover input tax — often worthwhile when your Swiss purchases or imports carry significant VAT.
2. Gather the required documents
The FTA requests information that varies with your legal form but generally includes:
- your company details (name, address, contact);
- the person responsible for tax matters within your company;
- your identification numbers — Commercial Register extract (UID) and, for a foreign company, your foreign VAT number;
- your financial data: turnover in Switzerland and abroad, imports and exports.
3. Submit the registration online to the FTA
Registration is filed through the FTA’s online portal, which guides the entry of the required information. A foreign company files the same way, together with its fiscal representation mandate (see below).
4. Receive your UID/VAT number
Once the FTA approves a complete file, it issues your UID/VAT number. Allow three to four weeks, depending on the FTA’s workload and the completeness of your file. The number is then required on your invoices, for commercial transactions in Switzerland and for customs operations.
Foreign companies: the fiscal representative
A company established abroad that carries out taxable operations in Switzerland must register once its worldwide turnover reaches CHF 100,000 — and, having no seat in Switzerland, must appoint a fiscal representative domiciled in Switzerland (Art. 67 VAT Act). This appointment is an administrative requirement and does not create a permanent establishment.
The representative handles registration, the quarterly VAT returns and dealings with the FTA on your behalf. This is precisely the scope of our fiscal representative service for VAT in Switzerland, which manages the whole process end to end.
How to find or verify a Swiss VAT number
Your own number appears on your FTA registration confirmation, then on your VAT returns and invoices. To verify another company’s Swiss VAT number — a supplier or a customer — use the official UID register (uid.admin.ch): it shows the company’s UID and whether it is registered for VAT.
A common point of confusion: because Switzerland is not a member of the European Union, a Swiss company does not have an intra-EU VAT number (VIES format). If you carry out taxable operations within the EU, a separate registration in the relevant country may be required.
FAQ: the Swiss VAT number
What is the format of a Swiss VAT number?
It is based on the company identification number (UID) followed by the suffix “VAT”: CHE-123.456.789 VAT. The language variants are “MWST” (German) and “IVA” (Italian). It is the same base number as the Commercial Register UID, activated for VAT.
How long does it take to get a Swiss VAT number?
Generally three to four weeks after a complete file is submitted to the FTA, depending on its workload. An incomplete file lengthens the timeline.
Where can I find my Swiss VAT number?
On your FTA registration confirmation, then on your VAT returns and invoices. To check another company’s number, use the official UID register (uid.admin.ch).
Can a foreign company obtain a Swiss VAT number?
Yes. Once it carries out taxable operations in Switzerland and exceeds CHF 100,000 of worldwide turnover, it registers for VAT and must, without a seat in Switzerland, appoint a fiscal representative domiciled on Swiss territory (Art. 67 VAT Act).
Does Switzerland have an intra-EU VAT number?
No. Switzerland is outside the European Union, so there is no Swiss intra-EU (VIES) VAT number. For taxable operations within the EU, a separate local registration may be required.
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Get your Swiss VAT number with confidence
Obtaining a Swiss VAT number comes down to a few landmarks: check the CHF 100,000 worldwide threshold, gather your documents, register online with the FTA and allow three to four weeks. The number is built on your UID, in the form CHE-123.456.789 VAT. For a foreign company, a fiscal representative in Switzerland is required. My Swiss Company SA — Corporate Services Provider in Geneva, Lucerne and Zug — handles registration and the ongoing management of your Swiss VAT. To assess your situation, speak with our VAT representation team or contact us.
