Swiss QR Bill: The Complete Guide for Businesses in 2026

If you're doing business in Switzerland, you've probably noticed a Swiss cross sitting in the middle of a QR code on invoices. That's the Swiss QR bill—and since October 2022, it's the only payment method accepted for invoices in Switzerland and Liechtenstein.

The old red and orange payment slips? Gone. Every invoice you send or receive now needs to include this standardized QR code.

Here's everything you need to know about creating, sending, and paying Swiss QR bills—including the important changes that took effect in November 2025.

What is a Swiss QR Bill?

A Swiss QR bill (QR-Rechnung in German, QR-facture in French) is a standardized digital payment slip that replaced traditional paper payment slips in Switzerland. The defining feature is a QR code with a Swiss cross in the center—this cross distinguishes it from regular QR codes.

The QR code contains all payment information in digital format:

• Beneficiary details (name, address, account)
• Payment amount
• Reference number
• Currency (CHF or EUR)
• Additional payment information

Why Switzerland Made the Switch

Before June 2020, Swiss businesses used color-coded paper payment slips:

• Red slips (IS) for standard payments
• Orange slips (ISR) for payments with reference numbers

These required pre-printed forms from banks, manual data entry, and were prone to errors. Processing them was slow and costly for businesses and banks alike.

The Swiss QR bill solves these problems:

• No pre-printed forms needed - Generate and print on standard paper
• Automated payment processing - Scan the code, no typing required
• Fewer errors - No manual entry means no typos
• Works digitally or on paper - Send via email or print
• International standards - Uses ISO-compliant reference formats

The transition happened gradually between June 2020 and October 1, 2022, when old payment slips were officially discontinued.

When Do You Need a QR-IBAN?

You must use a QR-IBAN if you want to include a QR reference (QRR) on your invoices. The QR-IBAN and QR reference work together to enable automated payment reconciliation.

You don't need a QR-IBAN for:

• QR bills without reference
• QR bills with SCOR reference (though some banks may require it)

How to Get a QR-IBAN

Contact your Swiss bank and request a QR-IBAN for your account. Most banks provide this free of charge. You'll receive a new IBAN specifically for receiving QR bill payments—your regular IBAN continues to work for everything else.

Example:

• Regular IBAN: CH44 0812 3456 7890 1234 5
• QR-IBAN: CH44 3012 3456 7890 1234 5

Some banks automatically assign a QR-IBAN alongside your regular IBAN. Check your account documents or e-banking portal.

How to Pay a Swiss QR Invoice

Paying a QR bill is remarkably simple, whether you're using mobile banking, e-banking, or prefer paper.

Method 1: Mobile Banking App (Fastest)

1. Open your Swiss banking app
2. Select "Pay" or "Scan QR"
3. Point your camera at the Swiss QR code
4. All payment details auto-fill
5. Review and confirm

Payment sent in under 30 seconds. This method is now the most common in Switzerland.

Method 2: E-Banking on Computer

1. Log into your e-banking portal
2. Select "Pay invoice" or similar option
3. Use your webcam to scan the QR code, or upload a PDF
4. Details populate automatically
5. Approve the payment

Method 3: Manual Entry

If scanning isn't possible, you can still type in the payment details manually—just like the old days. All information is printed on the payment part in human-readable text.

Method 4: Physical Payment Order

Print the payment part and take it to any post office counter in Switzerland. They'll scan the QR code and process your payment (fees apply).