UID number: what is it for and how to obtain your business number
Introduction
Have you just started your self-employed activity or are you preparing to set up your business in Switzerland? You've probably heard about the UID number, this identifier that appears on all official documents. But what exactly is it for? How do you obtain it? And above all, is it really mandatory?
The UID number (Business Identification) is the unique identifier assigned to every business in Switzerland, whether it's a micro-enterprise, a self-employed person or an SME. It replaces the old numbering systems and unifies the identification of businesses with all Swiss administrations. Since 2011, it has become the reference identifier for all your administrative procedures.
In this article, we clarify what the UID number is, who must obtain it, how to complete the procedures according to your canton, and how to use it correctly on your invoices. You'll also discover the difference between the UID number and the VAT number, two identifiers often confused but which don't have the same function.
📌 Summary (TL;DR)
The UID number is the mandatory unique identifier for every business in Switzerland, assigned automatically when you register as a self-employed person with your AHV fund or when you register in the commercial register. It's used to identify your business with all Swiss administrations and must appear on your invoices.
The UID number should not be confused with the VAT number: the first identifies your business, the second indicates your VAT liability. You can find your UID number on your AHV affiliation certificate or consult it on the UID register online.
📚 Table of contents
What is the UID number?
The UID number (Business Identification) is a unique identifier assigned to every economic entity active in Switzerland. It appears in the format CHE-XXX.XXX.XXX and is listed in the federal business register.
This number has replaced the old UIDB number since 2011. It allows for the unambiguous identification of every business, self-employed person, association or foundation carrying out economic activity on Swiss territory.
The Federal Statistical Office manages this central register which brings together all the country's economic entities.
What is the UID number actually used for?
The UID number serves as a universal identifier in your dealings with Swiss administrations. You need it to:
Identify yourself with the AHV compensation fund
Manage your VAT obligations with the Federal Tax Administration
Communicate with cantonal tax authorities
Register in the commercial register
Appear on your official documents and invoices
It's the central reference number for all your economic activity in Switzerland.
Who must obtain a UID number?
Any person or entity carrying out economic activity in Switzerland must obtain a UID number:
Self-employed persons and freelancers
Companies (AG, GmbH, associations, foundations)
Sole proprietorships
Branches of foreign companies
The allocation is automatic when you register with the cantonal AHV fund or the commercial register. You don't have any specific procedure to carry out to request it.
How to obtain your UID number in Switzerland
Obtaining your UID number depends on your legal status. Two main situations arise depending on whether you're starting as a self-employed person or setting up a company.
In both cases, the allocation of the number is automatic and free. You'll receive it by post within weeks of your registration.
Registration as a self-employed person
If you're starting a self-employed activity, your UID number will be assigned to you automatically when you register with the AHV compensation fund in your canton.
The procedure is simple: contact the cantonal AHV fund, complete the registration form and provide the required documents (identity document, description of activity).
The allocation period is generally 1 to 2 weeks. You'll receive your UID number by official post.
To find out about all the administrative procedures for starting your activity, consult our complete guide.
Registration in the commercial register
For companies (AG, GmbH) and certain sole proprietorships, the UID number is assigned when registering in the cantonal commercial register.
This registration is mandatory for all capital companies. It's optional for sole proprietorships generating less than CHF 100,000 in annual turnover.
The procedure is carried out with the commercial register of your canton. The UID number then appears on your commercial register extract.
UID vs VAT number: what's the difference?
The UID number and the VAT number are often confused, but they serve different purposes.
The UID number (CHE-XXX.XXX.XXX) is assigned to all businesses, whether they're subject to VAT or not. It's a universal identifier.
The VAT number (CHE-XXX.XXX.XXX TVA/MWST/IVA) is reserved for businesses subject to VAT, generally those exceeding CHF 100,000 in annual turnover.
The VAT number is actually derived from the UID number, with the addition of the mention TVA/MWST/IVA depending on the language.
Where to find your UID number?
You can find your UID number in several places:
The confirmation letter from your cantonal AHV fund
Your commercial register extract
The UID register online at www.uid.admin.ch
Your correspondence with tax authorities
The official UID register also allows you to verify another company's number. This public database is freely accessible.
Using the UID number on your invoices
You must include your UID number on your invoices, unless you're subject to VAT (in which case, the VAT number is sufficient).
Place it in the header of your invoice, with your business contact details. This mention is mandatory to ensure your documents comply.
BePaid automatically integrates your UID or VAT number on all your invoices, thus guaranteeing their compliance with Swiss standards. You only need to enter it once in your settings.
The UID number is much more than a simple administrative identifier: it's your professional identity card in Switzerland. Mandatory from your AHV registration or commercial register entry, it accompanies you throughout your activity and simplifies your exchanges with authorities, banks and your business partners.
Obtaining this number is free and automatic in most cases. Remember to mention it on your official documents, particularly your invoices, to strengthen your credibility and respect good business practices.
Once you have your UID number, all that remains is to focus on the essentials: developing your business. With BePaid, create your invoices compliant with Swiss standards in just a few clicks, automatically add your UID number and manage your payments efficiently. Test our solution for free and simplify your invoicing today.
