Swiss QR Invoice 2025: Complete Guide for SMEs and Freelancers

Why the QR Invoice Has Become Essential in Switzerland

Since September 30, 2022, the QR invoice is the only payment slip format accepted in Switzerland. The old orange payment slips (BVR) and red ones (BV/ES) were permanently discontinued by SIX Group and the Swiss financial infrastructure. For any SME or freelancer, understanding and mastering the Swiss QR invoice is no longer optional: it is a legal obligation and a practical lever to accelerate your collections.

This complete guide explains everything you need to know about the QR payment slip: its history, technical specifications, how to create a compliant one, mistakes to avoid, and best practices for optimizing your payments.

From BVR to QR Invoice: A Look Back

The Old BVR/ESR System

For decades, Swiss businesses used two types of payment slips:

The orange slip (BVR/ESR): with a structured reference number enabling automatic payment reconciliation. It was the standard for SMEs and large companies.
The red slip (BV/ES): without a structured reference, primarily used for one-off payments between individuals.

These slips worked well but had several limitations: manual entry prone to errors, paper-only format, and incompatibility with modern digital payment processes.

The Transition to the QR Invoice

The modernization project was led by SIX Group in collaboration with Swiss banks and the Swiss Payments association. Here are the key milestones:

June 2020: official introduction of the QR invoice. Both systems (BVR and QR invoice) coexisted.
September 30, 2022: permanent discontinuation of BVR/ESR. Only the QR invoice is accepted.
2023-2025: consolidation of the standard and continuous improvement of banking and invoicing tools.

This transition represented a considerable effort for Swiss SMEs. Those already using a compliant invoicing software were able to migrate automatically. Others had to manually adapt their processes.

Technical Specifications of the QR Invoice

The Swiss QR Code: What Is It?

The core of the QR invoice is the Swiss QR Code, a standardized QR code compliant with ISO 18004. It contains all the information needed for payment in a structured format readable by banking applications.

The Swiss QR Code is always accompanied by a Swiss cross at its center, which visually distinguishes it from regular QR codes.

Data Encoded in the QR Code

The QR code contains the following information, structured according to the Swiss Payment Standards:

Header: QR invoice type (SPC) and standard version
Creditor account: Swiss IBAN or QR-IBAN
Creditor: name, address, postal code, city, country
Amount: exact amount in CHF or EUR (can be left blank for an open amount)
Debtor: payer's name and address (optional)
Payment reference: QR reference (26 characters + check digit) or SCOR reference (Creditor Reference ISO 11649)
Additional information: free-text message or structured billing information (Swico)

QR-IBAN vs Standard IBAN

There are two types of accounts that can be used with the QR invoice:

Feature	Standard IBAN	QR-IBAN
Reference	Creditor Reference (SCOR) or none	QR reference mandatory
Reconciliation	Manual or semi-automatic	Fully automatic
Reference format	ISO 11649	27 digits (former ESR format)
Recommended for	One-off payments	Recurring SME invoicing

Practical tip: for optimal SME QR invoicing, use a QR-IBAN with a structured reference. This enables automatic payment reconciliation, exactly like the old BVR system. ToBill automatically generates unique QR references for each invoice, which greatly simplifies tracking.

Dimensions and Layout

The payment section of the QR invoice consists of two sections printed at the bottom of the invoice:

The receipt (on the left): 62 mm x 105 mm, containing essential information in text
The payment section (on the right): 148 mm x 105 mm, with the Swiss QR Code (46 mm x 46 mm) and detailed information

These dimensions are strictly defined by the standard. Any deviation may result in rejection by bank scanners or postal counters.

How to Create a Compliant QR Invoice

Method 1: With Invoicing Software (Recommended)

The simplest and most reliable way to generate compliant QR invoices is to use invoicing software designed for the Swiss market. With ToBill, the process is fully automated:

Configure your Swiss IBAN in your account settings (standard IBAN or QR-IBAN)
Create your invoice by entering the usual information: client, services, amounts, VAT rate if applicable
Generate the PDF: ToBill automatically adds the QR invoice section at the bottom of the document, with the Swiss QR Code, the receipt, and all structured information
Send the invoice by email directly from the platform

The main advantage: you don't have to worry about formatting, dimensions, or QR code validity. The software handles everything for you, in compliance with Swiss Payment Standards.

Method 2: With an Online Generator

Some online tools allow you to generate QR invoices on a one-off basis. This method may work for very occasional needs, but it has drawbacks:

No payment tracking
No automatic reconciliation
Risk of errors in manually entered data
No sequential invoice numbering

Method 3: Custom Development

Large companies with existing ERP systems can integrate QR invoice generation through technical libraries (for example in Python, Java, or .NET). This approach requires technical expertise and rigorous format validation.

Concrete Benefits of the QR Invoice for SMEs

1. Fast Payment with a Single Scan

Your clients no longer need to manually enter an IBAN, a reference number, or an amount. They scan the QR code with their banking app (e-banking, mobile banking) or TWINT, and all data is pre-filled. A simple "Confirm" button is all it takes to complete the payment.

Result: SME QR invoices are paid on average 5 to 10 days faster than invoices without a QR code.

2. Zero Data Entry Errors

With the old system, data entry errors (wrong IBAN, incorrect reference, wrong amount) were common. The Swiss QR invoice eliminates this problem: all data is encoded in the QR code and transmitted automatically to the bank.

3. Automatic Payment Reconciliation

When you use a QR-IBAN with a structured reference, your invoicing software can automatically match each received payment to the corresponding invoice. With ToBill, invoices automatically switch to "Paid" status upon receipt of the transfer, without any manual intervention.

To learn more about optimal deadline management, see our guide on payment deadlines in Switzerland.

4. Compatible with All Payment Channels

The QR payment slip works with:

E-banking from all Swiss banks (UBS, Credit Suisse, Raiffeisen, PostFinance, cantonal banks, etc.)
Mobile banking apps (scanning the QR code with the smartphone camera)
TWINT (direct payment via QR code)
Post office counters (the paper receipt remains usable for counter payments)
Payment orders by mail (the payment section can be sent to the bank)

5. Reduced Administrative Costs

Fewer errors, fewer reminders, less time spent on reconciliation: the QR invoice significantly reduces the administrative burden related to invoicing. For an SME processing 50 invoices per month, the savings can amount to several hours of work.

Detailed Comparison: QR Invoice vs Old BVR

Criterion	Old BVR (ESR)	QR Invoice
Format	Pre-printed orange slip	Section printed on the invoice
Data entry	Optical coding line	Scannable QR code
Payment channels	E-banking, post office counter	E-banking, mobile, TWINT, counter
Reference	ESR number (27 digits)	QR reference or SCOR
Payer information	Not included	Optional but possible
Open amount	Not possible	Possible (empty amount)
Currency	CHF only	CHF or EUR
Printing	Specific paper required	Standard white paper
Printing cost	High (pre-printed paper)	Low (ordinary paper)
TWINT compatibility	No	Yes

The QR invoice is therefore clearly superior on almost every front. One of the most appreciated advantages for SMEs is the ability to print the complete invoice (including the payment section) on standard white paper, eliminating the need to order pre-printed payment slips.

Integration with Banking Apps and TWINT

E-banking and Mobile Banking

All major Swiss banks have updated their e-banking platforms and mobile apps to support the QR invoice. The process is simple:

The client opens their banking app
They select the "Scan" or "QR invoice" function
They point their smartphone camera at the Swiss QR Code
All payment data appears pre-filled
They confirm the payment

This process generally takes less than 30 seconds, compared to several minutes for manual entry.

Payment via TWINT

TWINT, Switzerland's most popular mobile payment app, also supports the QR invoice. Your clients can scan the QR code directly from the TWINT app to make the payment instantly. This is particularly convenient for small amounts and clients who prefer mobile payments.

eBill: The Digital Alternative

In addition to the QR invoice, the eBill system allows you to send invoices directly to the client's e-banking portal, without PDF or paper. If you manage recurring invoices, the combination of QR invoice + eBill can further accelerate your collections.

Compliance and Legal Requirements

Standards to Follow

The QR invoice must comply with the Swiss Payment Standards published by SIX Group. The essential points are:

QR code format: compliant with ISO 18004, error correction level M, exact dimensions of 46 x 46 mm
Swiss cross: mandatory at the center of the QR code (7 x 7 mm)
Font: Liberation Sans, Arial, Frutiger, or Helvetica
Layout: receipt on the left (62 x 105 mm), payment section on the right (148 x 105 mm)
Perforation zone: cutting line (scissors) between the invoice and the payment section
Border: the payment section must include a thin border for cutting

In addition to these QR invoice-specific requirements, remember that your invoice itself must comply with the mandatory legal information in force in Switzerland.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

A non-compliant QR invoice may be:

Rejected by bank scanners: the client will not be able to scan the QR code and will have to enter the data manually, which slows down payment and increases the risk of error
Refused at the post office counter: PostFinance applies strict format checks
A source of disputes: an incorrect amount or reference in the QR code can lead to erroneous payments

There is no direct fine for a poorly formatted QR invoice, but the indirect consequences (delays, errors, unprofessional image) are very real.

Most Common Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

1. Poor Quality QR Code

A QR code printed too small, with insufficient resolution, or on a colored background can be unreadable by scanners. Make sure to:

Respect the minimum size of 46 x 46 mm
Print in black on a white background
Use a resolution of at least 300 DPI

2. Inconsistency Between QR Code and Text

The information encoded in the QR code must exactly match the information printed as text in the payment section (amount, IBAN, reference, address). Any inconsistency will be detected by banking applications and may block the payment.

3. Using a Foreign IBAN

The QR invoice only works with a Swiss or Liechtenstein IBAN (starting with CH or LI). If you also invoice in foreign currencies, see our guide on multi-currency invoicing.

4. Missing or Incorrect Payment Reference

If you use a QR-IBAN, a valid QR reference is mandatory. Without it, the payment will be rejected by the banking system. The reference must contain 27 digits, the last of which is a check digit (recursive modulo 10).

5. Forgetting the Receipt

The QR invoice consists of two parts: the payment section AND the receipt. Omitting the receipt renders the document non-compliant and prevents payments at the post office counter.

6. Incorrect Page Layout

The QR invoice section must be located at the bottom of the last page of the document. If your invoice spans multiple pages, only the last page contains the payment section. Verify that the layout does not cut off the QR code or the receipt.

Step-by-Step Guide: Generate Your First QR Invoice with ToBill

Here is how to issue a compliant QR invoice in just a few minutes:

Step 1: Create Your Account and Configure Your Details

Step 2: Add Your Swiss IBAN

In the billing settings, enter your Swiss IBAN (or QR-IBAN if your bank has provided one). ToBill automatically verifies the number's validity.

Step 3: Create an Invoice

Select your client (or create a new one), add your service lines with amounts and applicable VAT rates. ToBill automatically calculates the totals.

Step 4: Generate and Verify the PDF

Click "Generate PDF." ToBill produces a professional document with the QR invoice integrated at the bottom of the page. Visually verify that the QR code is present, readable, and that the receipt information is correct.

Step 5: Send the Invoice

Send the PDF directly by email from ToBill, or download it to send by mail. The system provides automatic tracking: you will be notified as soon as payment is received.

Best Practices to Maximize Payment Rates

Send Promptly

The sooner you send your invoice after delivering the service, the faster it will be paid. Ideally, issue your invoice on the same day or the day after service delivery.

Include a Clear Due Date

Explicitly state the due date on the invoice. A 30-day net payment term is the standard in Switzerland for B2B transactions. For smaller amounts, a 10-day term may be more appropriate.

Offer Multiple Payment Methods

In addition to the QR code, mention the available alternatives on your invoice:

Payment by QR scan (e-banking / mobile banking)
Payment via TWINT
Traditional bank transfer (for international clients)

Enable Automatic Reminders

Set up automatic reminders before and after the due date. ToBill allows you to schedule reminders at D-7, D+3, and D+14, with customizable messages. To explore this topic further, see our article on payment deadlines and late payment management.

Polish the Presentation

A clear, professional, and well-structured invoice inspires trust and encourages prompt payment. Use a compliant invoice template with your logo, your brand colors, and a clean layout.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is the QR invoice mandatory in Switzerland?

Yes, since September 30, 2022, the QR invoice is the only payment slip format accepted in Switzerland. The old BVR/ESR slips are no longer processed by banks and PostFinance.

Can the QR invoice be used for payments in euros?

Yes. The QR invoice supports two currencies: the Swiss franc (CHF) and the euro (EUR). The amount and currency are encoded in the QR code. Note: the IBAN must remain Swiss or Liechtenstein-based.

Do I need a QR-IBAN, or is a standard IBAN sufficient?

A standard IBAN is sufficient to issue QR invoices. However, the QR-IBAN allows you to use structured QR references, which facilitates automatic payment reconciliation. For SMEs issuing more than 10 invoices per month, the QR-IBAN is strongly recommended. Contact your bank to obtain one.

How can I verify that a QR invoice is compliant?

Several validation tools exist, including the SIX Group online validator. ToBill includes an automatic compliance check: each QR invoice generated is verified before the PDF is issued.

Can clients still pay at the post office counter?

Yes. The QR invoice receipt allows payment at the post office counter, exactly as with the old payment slip. The client can detach the receipt and the payment section, then present them at the PostFinance counter.

Can TWINT scan all QR invoices?

Yes, TWINT is compatible with the Swiss QR Code format. The client scans the QR code from the TWINT app and confirms the payment. The amount is debited from their bank account linked to TWINT.

What if my client cannot scan the QR code?

The payment information is always printed as text next to the QR code. The client can manually enter the IBAN, reference, and amount in their e-banking. This is precisely one of the advantages of the QR invoice: it remains usable even without a scanner.

Conclusion: Switch to the QR Invoice Stress-Free

The Swiss QR invoice is not just a regulatory constraint: it is a genuine opportunity to improve your cash flow, reduce your administrative tasks, and offer a modern payment experience to your clients.

For SMEs and freelancers who want to get started with confidence, invoicing software designed for the Swiss market makes all the difference. ToBill generates compliant QR invoices in just a few clicks, provides automatic payment tracking, and helps you digitalize your entire administrative management.

Whether you are in the process of starting your freelance activity or running an established SME, mastering the QR invoice is an essential asset for 2025 and beyond.