Website legal requirements in Switzerland

Under the revised Federal Act on Data Protection (DSG), personal data means information relating to an identified or identifiable natural person. Data about legal entities is no longer covered by the DSG. When planning forms and account features, identify the information they collect about people.

Under Art. 3 Abs. 1 lit. o of the Swiss Unfair Competition Act (UWG), mass advertising by telecommunications such as email without prior consent, correct sender details and a simple, free opt-out is unfair competition. There is an exception for advertising similar own products to existing customers who were told they could refuse it. Plan your sign-up forms and advertising emails around these conditions.

Since 1 January 2024, Swiss VAT (MWST) has been charged at a standard rate of 8.1%, a reduced rate of 2.6% for items such as food, medicines, books and newspapers, and a special rate of 3.8% for accommodation. Account for the applicable rate when setting up your shop.

TWINT is a payment method used in Switzerland. Customers approve payments in a TWINT mobile app, and Stripe supports it for online businesses charging customers in Switzerland in Swiss francs. You can consider it when planning checkout.

Under the Swiss Federal Constitution, the national languages are German, French, Italian and Romansh. The official languages of the Confederation are German, French and Italian, with Romansh also official in dealings with Romansh speakers. Consider your audience when choosing the languages for your site or app.

New .ch domains are registered through accredited registrars. SWITCH is the registry for .ch domain names, acting on behalf of the Federal Office of Communications (OFCOM).

Under Art. 3 Abs. 1 lit. s UWG, businesses selling goods or services online must give clear and complete information about their identity and contact address, including email. Make those details available on your site or app.

Your ordering process must also point out the technical steps to conclude a contract, provide ways to correct input errors before ordering, and confirm orders electronically without delay.

Plan your site languages for your audience. According to the Federal Statistical Office, German was the main language of 61% of the Swiss population in 2024, French of 23% and Italian of 8%.

• Identify information your forms and account features collect about people.
• Plan advertising sign-up forms and emails around the consent and opt-out conditions.
• Account for the applicable Swiss VAT rate in your shop.
• Consider TWINT when planning checkout.
• Choose site or app languages for your audience.
• Use an accredited registrar if you want a new .ch domain.
• Show your business identity and contact address, including email.
• Explain the contract steps and let customers correct input errors before ordering.
• Confirm orders electronically without delay.