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How to verify UID Number in Switzerland?

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UID check on Central Business Name Index on Zefix website​

UID number search option is available for free on the Switzerland Zefix website under the Central Business Name Index. You can access the UID search here. You can search an entity either by business name or UID.

Example: CHE-110.474.423

UID Verification on zefix website
UID Verification on zefix website

A successful verification of the UID on the UID lookup tool will return the following details:

  • Name of the business
  • Address
  • ZIP / Town
  • Legal form
  • Seat
  • Status of UID
  • UID
  • CH-ID
  • FRC-ID
  • Auditor/s
  • Purpose of business
  • SOGC publications
Successful UID Verification on zefix website
Successful UID Verification on zefix website

UID check on UID-Register FSO website​

UID number search option is available for free on the Switzerland Federal Statistical Office (FSO) website under the UID Register. You can access the UID search here. You can search an entity either by company name or UID.

UID Verification on FSO website
UID Verification on FSO website

A successful verification of the UID on the UID lookup tool will return the following details:

  • UID
  • UID status
  • UID extension
  • Name
  • Additional name
  • Translation
  • c/o
  • Street / No.
  • Complement
  • ZIP / Town
  • Canton
  • Country
  • Municipality
  • Municipality no.
  • EGID
  • Deliverable
  • Last validation
  • PO box number
  • ZIP/Town of PO box
  • Legal form
  • Register of commerce data
    • RC status
    • UID headquarter
    • Reference number
  • VAT data
    • VAT register status
    • VAT number — example: CHE-110.474.423 MWST
    • Start of obligation
    • End of obligation
    • VAT-group member
UID Verification on FSO websiteUID Verification on FSO website
UID Verification on FSO website
Successful UID Verification on FSO website
Successful UID Verification on FSO website

For more details on Swiss tax identifiers, see our Switzerland Tax ID Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions​

What is the format of a Swiss UID, and what do the digits mean?​

A Swiss UID follows the format CHE-XXX.XXX.XXX: CHE is the ISO country code for Switzerland, followed by 9 digits in groups of 3 separated by dots. The first 8 digits are randomly assigned; the 9th is a Modulo 11 check digit. For VAT purposes, the MWST number is the UID with "MWST" appended: CHE-110.474.423 MWST. [1]

What is the difference between a Swiss UID, MWST number, and Handelsregisternummer?​

Three distinct identifiers: (1) UID — the master identifier for all Swiss entities (CHE-XXX.XXX.XXX), assigned by the Federal Statistical Office; (2) MWST number — the Swiss VAT number = UID + "MWST" suffix; only VAT-registered businesses have one; (3) Handelsregisternummer (HR-Nr.) — the cantonal commercial register number. The FSO UID-Register shows all three where applicable. Check the "VAT data" section to confirm VAT registration status. [1] [2]

Switzerland is not in the EU — can I verify a Swiss MWST number on VIES?​

No. The EU VIES portal only covers EU member state VAT numbers. Swiss MWST numbers must be verified via: (1) the FSO UID-Register (uid.admin.ch), which shows MWST registration status; (2) the Swiss Federal Tax Administration (ESTV) at estv.admin.ch; or (3) Zefix (zefix.ch) for general company verification. Swiss VAT is not reclaimable via the EU VAT refund system — a separate CH-EU bilateral procedure applies. [1]

What is Switzerland's VAT registration threshold?​

Switzerland's mandatory VAT registration threshold is CHF 100,000 annual worldwide taxable turnover — one of the highest in Europe. Businesses below this threshold have a UID but no MWST number. Voluntary registration is possible from CHF 0. Non-resident digital service providers must register if their Swiss turnover exceeds CHF 100,000 (since 2019). [1]

What does the Zefix status "deleted" or "cancelled" mean?​

A deleted/cancelled (gelöscht / radiée) company has been struck from the commercial register following voluntary dissolution, merger, or compulsory strike-off. A deleted company no longer exists as a legal entity. Any invoice issued after the deletion date is from a non-existent legal entity — a significant due diligence red flag. [1]

Can the Zefix API be used to verify Swiss UIDs programmatically?​

Yes. The Zefix REST API (zefix.ch/api/swagger-ui/) allows programmatic queries by UID or company name, returning JSON with status, address, legal form, and UID — no authentication required for basic queries. The FSO UID-Register also provides SOAP and REST interfaces with VAT status. Both are suitable for bulk verification of Swiss business partners. [1] [2]

I received a Swiss invoice with "MWST" but cannot verify the supplier in the UID-Register — is this a red flag?​

Yes. An unverifiable MWST number on an invoice is a significant red flag. Possible causes: (1) Fraudulent invoice — supplier is not MWST-registered but charging VAT; (2) Format error — check CHE prefix and dot separators; (3) Recent registration — may take 2–5 business days to appear; (4) Deregistered — MWST obligation ended. Unverifiable Swiss VAT cannot be claimed as input tax, and incorrect charging may constitute tax fraud. Request the supplier's MWST registration confirmation from ESTV. [1]

How Lookuptax can help you in UID validation?

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