Swiss invoices do not all become time-barred after three years. Article 127 of the Code of Obligations (CO) sets the ordinary period at ten years. Article 128 lists shorter periods. Article 130 governs when the clock starts: when the claim becomes due.

Which period applies?

The nature of the claim matters more than the document’s title. A project invoice may fall within the ordinary ten-year period, but check the exceptions. Monthly invoicing alone does not settle the legal classification.

Start with the due date

Under Article 130 CO, limitation starts when the claim becomes due. Keep the contract, accepted payment terms and evidence of the work. The invoice issue date and due date may differ.

Hypothetical example: work is invoiced in July with an agreed August due date. Count from when the claim becomes due in August, using the period appropriate to the claim. Sending a reminder does not move that starting date.

How can limitation be interrupted?

Article 135 CO covers acknowledgment by the debtor and specified creditor actions, including debt enforcement proceedings, a conciliation application or a court action. A partial payment or interest payment may also acknowledge the debt. Keep evidence of it.

A reminder requests payment and can place the debtor in default. It does not interrupt limitation, even if it sets a new deadline. A Swiss payment reminder template — German document helps with the wording but cannot replace an interrupting legal act.

Keep an enforceable paper trail

File the contract, invoice, evidence of delivery, due date, correspondence and payments together. Review older claims before their deadlines approach. If the classification is uncertain, have the contract assessed.

Swiss invoicing software helps organise invoices and reminders. Administrative tracking itself does not interrupt the legal limitation period.

Source: Code of Obligations, Articles 127–135. Updated September 2026.