Information for enterprises

The UID simplifies contacts between the local and federal authorities and enterprises and institutions in Switzerland.
When you indicate your enterprise’s UID to an authority, they can automatically retrieve the reference data for your business, provided they are registered as a UID service in the UID register. 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).

Who receives a UID?

Enterprises or institutions receive a UID when they are announced to an authority that is connected to the UID register. The term “enterprise” is understood in its broadest sense and also includes foundations, associations and enterprises governed by public law.

A UID is allocated upon an entry in one of the following registers or an announcement to one of the following authorities:

Commercial Register

A UID is automatically allocated when an entry is made in the commercial register.
The UID is the official commercial register number (with addition of “HR” or “RC”).

Value added tax register

A UID is automatically allocated when an entry is made in the value added tax register.
The UID is the official value added tax register number (with addition of “MWST”, “TVA” or “IVA”).

Register of medical professions (MedReg)

Persons who are registered in the Federal Office of Public Health’s MedReg and who are announced to the cantonal health authorities as self-employed receive a UID.

Cantonal lawyer/solicitor register

All persons registered in a cantonal lawyer or solicitor register receive a UID.

Cantonal agricultural register

All farms and farming cooperatives that are registered in a cantonal agricultural register receive a UID.
Natural persons keeping animals in the sense of Article 7, 18a and 21 of the Epizootic Diseases Ordinances are also allocated a UID.

A UID is not allocated to farms that work collectively (Betriebszweiggemeinschaft) or in order to satisfy the ecological requirements (ÖLN/PER). Such farms are managed in the system by each partner being allocated their own UID.

AHV/AVS compensation fund

Self-employed persons, simple partnerships and associations are allocated a UID if they are assigned to a AHV/AVS fund.

State Administration of the Principality of Liechtenstein

Liechtenstein enterprises require a UID for the conduct of business with Swiss authorities. These include, amongst others, the Federal Customs Administration (FCA) and transnational commercial trade (import/export). Any enterprise domiciled in Liechtenstein can request allocation of a UID.

In the public sector, all communes and cantons have their own UID. At federal level, the Confederation, Departments and Federal Offices have their own UID.
An additional UID is allocated to entities attached to the Confederation, a canton or commune if they are subject to VAT or are themselves a UID service.

Allocation of UID only through authorities (UID service)

An enterprise cannot request its UID directly from the Federal Statistical Office. The enterprise will be automatically allocated the UID once it is announced to an authority that is connected to the UID register.

An enterprise that is registered in a commercial register or in an AHV/AVS compensation fund, for example, or that is subject to VAT, is automatically entered in the UID register and registered free of charge. The enterprise will then receive an official letter with its UID from the Federal Statistical Office.

Further information

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