Signing Online in Switzerland: What You Need to Know About Electronic Signatures 

Signing documents online can remove unnecessary administrative steps from company formations and Commercial Register changes. But is an electronic signature valid in Switzerland? Here is what professional advisers need to know and how digital signatures can become part of a more efficient client workflow.

Is an electronic signature valid in Switzerland?

Yes, electronic signatures can be valid in Switzerland. However, their legal effect depends on the type of electronic signature and the formal requirements applicable to the document in question.

Swiss law distinguishes between different forms of electronic signature under the Federal Act on Electronic Signatures (ZertES). A particularly important form is the qualified electronic signature (QES). When combined with a qualified electronic timestamp, it is treated as equivalent to a handwritten signature under the Swiss Code of Obligations.

This does not mean that every signature added digitally to a document has the same legal effect. The applicable formal requirements must always be considered.

When are electronic signatures valid and which type should be used?

The required signature depends on the document and the transaction. Where no specific legal form is required, a simpler electronic signature may be sufficient depending on the circumstances.

Where Swiss law requires written form, a handwritten signature is generally required. A qualified electronic signature (QES), when combined with a qualified electronic timestamp, is treated as equivalent to a handwritten signature.

Certain transactions may also require additional formalities, such as notarisation. An electronic signature does not automatically replace these requirements.

Professional advisers should therefore determine the required form before deciding which digital signing method to use.

Are electronic signatures valid for Commercial Register processes?

Company formations and Commercial Register changes involve different documents, each potentially subject to different requirements. The appropriate form of signature therefore depends on the specific document and procedure.

For fiduciaries, law firms, notaries and corporate consultancies, the operational advantage comes from integrating signing into the wider process.

Instead of emailing documents, collecting signatures separately and keeping track of multiple versions, key steps can be coordinated within a structured digital workflow.

Hoop integrates electronic signing through DeepSign into supported corporate processes. Where required, a qualified electronic signature can be used.

When does electronic signing with Hoop make a difference?

Electronic signing becomes more valuable when it is connected to the steps that come before and after the signature itself.

With Hoop, key elements of a company formation or Commercial Register change can be brought together digitally: collecting information, preparing documents, identifying the relevant people, obtaining electronic signatures and processing the documentation digitally.

This reduces fragmented workflows and manual coordination. Clients can also complete required steps remotely rather than organising additional physical appointments or exchanging documents through separate channels.

For professional advisers, this means less time spent coordinating administrative tasks and more time available for client work.

Want to make signing easier to manage across company formations and Commercial Register changes? Discover Hoop and see how identification, electronic signatures and Commercial Register processes can work together digitally.

This blog article does not constitute legal advice. It is provided “as is” and makes no claim to completeness or accuracy. Hoop provides no warranty and accepts no liability in relation to its content; to the extent permitted by law, any such warranty and liability are excluded. Use is at your own risk and legal advice should be sought where necessary.