Checklist for Debt Collection in Switzerland

10 years (ordinary term for commercial and civil debts, special regimes apply to certain claims)

Acknowledgement of debt, request for debt prosecution, court action

Not mandatory (but strongly recommended as preliminary proof and based on lawyer's ethical standards)

Depending on the value and the nature of the claim: Certain Cantons have a Commercial Court for disputes among companies (registered entities), otherwise District Court

No need of a formal proxy, but signed power of attorney is customary

Contract, invoices, statements of account, reminders, any acknowledgement of debt, useful correspondence

12 months

Request for Debt Prosecution (Betreibungsbegehren): without opposition you can proceed to enforcement; oppositon could be lifted in summary proceedings if there is an acknowledgement of debt

Out-of-court costs to be paid by the creditor; in court, legal fees may be recovered from the debtor

Stautory rate for interest on arrears is 5%. Due as from the date the debtor is put in default by creditor