Is the QR-bill mandatory in Switzerland?
Since 1 October 2022, the QR-bill is the payment standard in Switzerland: the old red and orange payment slips are no longer accepted.
Sevyos · Suisse
The Swiss QR-bill: the complete guide (updated 2026)
Standard, how it works, obligations and best practices for freelancers and small businesses.
In short
The Swiss QR-bill is the Swiss invoicing standard with integrated payment. It is based on the international ISO 20022 standard and, since 1 October 2022, replaces the old red (BV) and orange (BVR) payment slips. Every invoice includes a payment section with a QR code (the “Swiss QR Code”, recognisable by its Swiss cross) that holds all the data needed for payment.
What does a QR-bill contain?
The QR code encodes all the payment information, removing any manual re-entry:
- the creditor’s IBAN or QR-IBAN;
- the amount and currency (CHF or EUR);
- the creditor’s and debtor’s address;
- the reference (QR reference, Creditor Reference, or none);
- an optional message or note.
The debtor scans the QR with their banking app and the payment is pre-filled automatically.
QR-IBAN or IBAN: which to use?
Two cases:
- QR-IBAN + QR reference — the modern equivalent of the old orange BVR. The structured reference enables automatic payment reconciliation.
- Standard IBAN — with a Creditor Reference or none. Simpler, but reconciliation is done manually.
What the standard says (type S)
The QR-bill follows the “Implementation Guidelines QR-bill” published by SIX. The most common format is type S (structured), with addresses in separate fields rather than free text. A structured address is now recommended to ensure readability by all Swiss banks.
Creating a compliant QR-bill
You can generate a QR-bill from desktop software or, more simply, from a mobile app. Sevyos creates compliant QR-bills directly from your phone, sends them as PDF, and also lets you scan and pay the QR-bills you receive.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a QR-IBAN and a normal IBAN?
The QR-IBAN is used to generate a structured QR reference (the equivalent of the old BVR reference number). A standard IBAN also works, with a Creditor Reference or none.
Can you create a QR-bill from a phone?
Yes. An app like Sevyos generates compliant QR-bills (ISO 20022, type S) directly from an iPhone or Android, ready to send as PDF.
Does the QR code contain all the payment data?
Yes. The QR section contains the creditor’s IBAN, the amount, the currency, the debtor’s address and the reference. The bank reads it all in one scan.