FAQ

General remarks

What is the UID?

The unique enterprise identification number (UID) is a unique identifier allocated to every enterprise active in Switzerland. The UID consists of nine numbers, is randomly allocated and does not contain any information about the enterprise (anonymous number). The enterprise does not incur any cost through the allocation of a UID.

What is the UID used for?

When you give your enterprise's UID to an authority, they can automatically retrieve your enterprise’s reference data. You do not have to indicate your data every time you contact the authorities (“once only” principle).
Furthermore, all authorities connected to the UID register will automatically be informed of changes to your data (e.g. change of address).

What is a UID service?

The UID services are administrative offices of the Confederation, cantons and communes as well as institutions governed by public law. They are in regular contact with enterprises and manage the UID.

As an authority, how can we become a UID service?

Authorities wishing to register as a UID service should apply to the FSO.
If the authority satisfies the criteria for a UID service, they will receive a letter with their access data to the UID register.

What is the UID InfoAbo?

The InfoAbo system is only available to authorities. In it, information is automatically available on newly founded enterprises and any modifications to their data.
By using the InfoAbo, the authority is always up to date with its enterprises data.

What is the BER number?

The BER number is an 8-digit identification number from the FSO’s Business and Enterprise register.
In contrast to the UID, which identifies the legal entity of an enterprise, each establishment (local entity) of an enterprise is allocated a BER number.

My UID

How do I find out my UID?

You receive your UID from the FSO by post or by your next visit to the relevant authority.
You can also find your enterprise and its UID by using the search function on www.uid.admin.ch. If this does not work, please contact the UID help desk (e-mail: [e-mail], tel.: [phone]).

Why have I received a letter from the FSO with a UID?

Your enterprise has been announced to us by an administration office (e.g. commercial register, VAT, AHV/AVS compensation fund). Following this, you have received a UID and your enterprise is henceforth listed in the UID register.
We also send letters to older enterprises that have not yet received a letter from us. The enterprise does not incur any cost due to the UID.

Why have I received a letter from the FSO with a second UID?

If you have received two or more letters for the same enterprise with different UIDs, this may be due to a duplicate record.
In this case, please contact the UID help desk (e-mail: [e-mail], tel.: [phone]).

Who can see my UID data?

The enterprises’ key data can be seen by the public in the UID register (with the exception of entities in the Principality of Liechtenstein and the Customs Administration).
The additional data can only be seen by the UID services.

Why can I not find my enterprise in the UID register?

If you cannot find your UID in the UID register, please contact the UID help desk (e-mail: [e-mail], tel.: [phone]).

My UID entry is wrong or no longer up to date. How can I modify my UID data?

When you are logged into your user account in the UID register, you can record your email address, your website and an additional name (e.g. name of your sole proprietorship). Under “MyUID” and “Edit own data” you can change or complete this information yourself.
For other modifications please contact the authority responsible for your data. This authority is listed under “MyUID”, "View own data" and "Sources of information”.

What is my enterprise’s BER number?

When you are logged into your user account in the UID register (www. uid.admin.ch), under “MyUID” and “Get local units” you can download a list of the BER numbers of all the establishments of your enterprise.
Detailed instructions can be found on the Business and Enterprise Register internet page.

We are a simple partnership. Why do we have several UIDs and which UID should we use when?

In the case of a simple partnership, both the simple partnership and each individual partner receive a UID.
If the partner work for their own account, they should indicate their individual UID. For joint expenses, the UID of the simple partnership is used.

How can an association receive a UID?

If your association is already registered at an authority (e.g. in the commercial register or with an AHV/AVS compensation fund) it already has a UID.
For associations that are not registered, we require documental proof that the association exists. This is usually the association’s statutes.

I work in a paramedical profession (e.g. midwife, ergo therapist). Do I need a UID to be issued with the creditor code register number (CCR no.)?

No. You can obtain the CCR number from SASIS, also without a UID. You can obtain your UID from an OASI compensation fund and have three months’ time to submit your UID to SASIS. Further information can be found on the SASIS internet page (in German, French and Italian).

UID register

How can I log on to the UID register?

You can log on at www.uid.admin.ch using the access data you received in your UID letter from the FSO.

I have forgotten my password for the UID register. What should I do?

If you have already logged on once to the UID register, your email address is saved in the system and you can click on “Forgot your password?”.
For all other questions, please contact the UID help desk (e-mail: [e-mail], tel.: [phone]).

My login for the UID register is blocked. What should I do?

If you have entered the wrong password three times, your access to the UID register will be blocked.
Please contact the UID help desk (e-mail: [e-mail], tel.: [phone]).