UID number
The UID is the unique business identification number in the format CHE-123.456.789; it applies towards all authorities and replaces the former separate numbers, with the VAT suffix indicating VAT liability.
Definition
It is assigned to every business entered in the commercial register, accounting for VAT, remitting AHV contributions or acting as an employer — so practically every business. It is publicly viewable in the UID register of the Federal Statistical Office.
On invoices the UID must be stated with the VAT suffix where VAT is shown. An invoice without that detail jeopardises the recipient’s input tax deduction.
The numbers
- CHE + 9 digits
- structure of the UID, the last digit being a check digit Federal Statistical Office
What the software must be able to do
Check whether the UID is held in the company and customer master data, printed on invoices, and whether the check digit is validated. For the input tax deduction, the supplier’s UID matters as much as the amount.
Checked Aug 2026
More terms under Legal form and register: AG (public limited company) Association Auditor Commercial register Cooperative General partnership GmbH (limited liability company) Liquidation Signing authority (Prokura) Sole proprietorship