What is a debt enforcement register extract?

A debt enforcement register extract (also called a debt collection extract) is an extract from the register kept by the competent debt enforcement office. It indicates whether debt enforcement proceedings have been initiated against a natural or legal person in the relevant debt enforcement district within the last five years. If no entries exist, this is also confirmed; in everyday language, such an extract is then referred to as a "clean" debt enforcement register extract. In Switzerland, the debt enforcement register extract is frequently requested for flat applications, banking and credit transactions, by employers, authorities or for other credit checks. Important: the extract only reflects the register status of the competent debt enforcement district. If you have moved within the last five years, you may need extracts from several previous places of residence to obtain complete information.

What information is contained in a debt enforcement register extract?

The debt enforcement register extract lists all non-deleted entries from the last five years of the competent debt enforcement district. For each entry, the following are shown: the date and amount of the initiated debt enforcement proceedings, the name of the creditor, the current procedural status as well as any certificates of loss and objections raised. Typical status designations are "Payment order served" (proceedings opened), "Objection raised" (the debtor disputes the claim), "Attachment" (the debtor's assets are attached to cover the claim) or "Certificate of loss issued" (the attachment did not cover the claim).

What time period does a debt enforcement register extract cover?

By default, the debt enforcement register extract covers the last five years from the issue date. Older entries are no longer displayed on the extract and are not accessible to private individuals. Certificates of loss have a special status: under DEBA they remain legally valid for up to 20 years and entitle the creditor to initiate new debt enforcement proceedings — but they no longer appear in the public part of the register after the five-year period has elapsed. Under certain conditions (for example in connection with a procedure under foreigner law or a permit application), authorities may also access older entries.

How long is a debt enforcement register extract valid?

The debt enforcement register extract is a snapshot at the time of issue. There is no legally defined validity period. In practice, it is generally accepted by landlords, banks and employers if it is not older than two to three months. For time-sensitive matters such as a flat application, it is advisable to provide the most current extract possible.

What is the difference between a debt enforcement register extract and a debt collection extract?

There is no substantive difference — both terms refer to the same document. "Debt collection extract" is the commonly used short form; it is used in everyday language, in flat applications and most often in search engines. "Debt enforcement register extract" is the precise legal term taken from the Federal Act on Debt Enforcement and Bankruptcy (DEBA), used in laws, ordinances and administrative documents. In practice, whoever uses one or the other refers to the same thing.

What is the difference between a digital and a physical debt enforcement register extract?

The digital debt enforcement register extract is signed by the debt collection office with a qualified electronic signature (QES) and delivered as a PDF by email. Under Swiss law (CO Art. 14 Para. 2bis, ZertES SR 943.03), it is equivalent to a handwritten signature and is therefore fully legally valid. The physical extract is delivered by post and bears a handwritten stamp. Both are identical in content. The advantage of the digital extract: It is available faster, can be forwarded as many times as needed, and authenticity can be verified at any time on validator.ch.

Where can I order a debt enforcement register extract?

There are several ways to order a debt enforcement register extract: Directly from the debt collection office: You can visit the counter of the competent debt collection office in person. The office fee is CHF 17.00–18.00. Opening hours are limited (generally weekdays during business hours). You will receive the extract either immediately at the counter or by post within a few days, depending on the office. By post (Swiss Post): You can order the extract online through Swiss Post. It will be delivered electronically. The cost is CHF 24.90. Online via EAMT: EAMT is the leading digital provider of debt collection extracts in Switzerland. As an authorised eSchKG participant (ID 1417), EAMT forwards your order directly to the competent debt collection office. The price is CHF 29.90 (CHF 18.00 office fee + CHF 11.90 EAMT service fee). In return, you receive the digitally signed, legally valid debt enforcement register extract as fast as possible by email — nationwide, around the clock, even from your smartphone. Ordering takes only a few minutes (your ID can be photographed). The choice of ordering method depends on your personal priorities: cost, speed or convenience.

What does a debt enforcement register extract cost?

The costs consist of the office fee and any service fees: At the debt collection office counter: CHF 17.00–18.00 (office fee only, depending on canton) Via Swiss Post: CHF 24.90 Via EAMT: CHF 29.90 (CHF 18.00 office fee + CHF 11.90 service fee incl. VAT) The EAMT service fee of CHF 11.90 includes: digital forwarding via the eSchKG system, delivery by email as fast as possible, 24/7 ordering service (also in the evenings, at weekends and on public holidays) and the option to capture your ID using your smartphone camera. No printing, no scanning, no visiting the office — conveniently from home or on the go, paperless and environmentally friendly.

How quickly will I receive my debt enforcement register extract?

When you order via EAMT, you will receive your debt enforcement register extract by email as fast as possible. The exact delivery time depends on the competent debt collection office and may vary. As a rule, delivery is significantly faster than by post, as the order is transmitted digitally via the eSchKG system directly to the debt collection office. For comparison: at the debt collection office counter you receive the extract immediately (provided the office is open); by post it generally takes one to several business days.

Which debt collection office is responsible for me?

The debt collection office responsible is always the one in your current place of residence (for natural persons) or your registered office (for legal entities). Switzerland is divided into debt collection districts — each municipality or region has a competent debt collection office. When ordering via EAMT, you only need to provide your home address, and EAMT will automatically forward your order to the correct debt collection office.

Can I order a debt enforcement register extract for another person?

In principle, each person can order their own debt enforcement register extract. For third parties, an order is possible if a legitimate interest can be credibly demonstrated (e.g. as a landlord, employer or business partner). When ordering via EAMT, you will need the personal details (name, date of birth, address) of the person being enquired about. Without a legitimate interest, the debt collection office may refuse the information.

Do I need multiple extracts if I have moved in the last 5 years?

Yes. Since the debt enforcement register extract only contains entries from the respective competent debt collection office at your place of residence, it only covers the time you were registered at that address. If you have moved in the last five years, you will need a separate extract from each former address to provide complete information. Many landlords and banks specifically require this.

Which identity documents are accepted for ordering?

To order a debt enforcement register extract, you will need a photo identity document that is valid at the time of ordering. Accepted are: Swiss identity card, Swiss passport, foreigner's permit (residence permit B/C/L) or foreign passport. Important: the identity document must not be expired — expired documents are rejected by the system. When ordering via EAMT, you capture both the front and back of the identity document conveniently with your smartphone camera in two steps; no copying or scanning required.

Is the digital debt enforcement register extract legally valid?

Yes, the digital debt enforcement register extract is fully legally valid. The qualified electronic signature (QES) is equivalent to a handwritten signature under Swiss law (CO Art. 14 Para. 2bis). It meets the requirements of the Federal Act on Electronic Signatures (ZertES, SR 943.03). The digitally signed debt enforcement register extract is accepted by authorities, banks, insurance companies and landlords throughout Switzerland.

What is a qualified electronic signature (QES)?

The qualified electronic signature (QES) is the highest level of electronic signature and the only one that is legally equivalent to a handwritten signature in Switzerland. It is based on a qualified certificate issued by a recognised certification authority. In the context of the debt enforcement register extract, the QES is applied by the debt collection office and confirms the authenticity and integrity of the document.

How can I verify the authenticity of my debt enforcement register extract?

You can verify the authenticity of a digitally signed debt enforcement register extract at any time on validator.ch — the Federal Government's validation service, operated by the Federal Information Technology Office (BIT). Simply upload the PDF document, and the validator will automatically check the validity of the qualified electronic signature. This way you can ensure that the document is unchanged and was actually issued by the competent debt collection office.

Will the digital debt enforcement register extract be accepted by landlords, banks and employers?

Yes. The digitally signed debt enforcement register extract is legally equivalent to the physical extract and is accepted throughout Switzerland by all common organisations: property management companies, landlords, banks (for loan applications and mortgages), insurance companies, employers and authorities (e.g. for residence permits). Since the digital extract bears the same qualified electronic signature as one obtained at the counter, there is no factual reason not to accept it. Should any organisation have doubts, you can refer them to verification via validator.ch.

What is debt enforcement?

Debt enforcement is the statutory procedure in Switzerland by which a creditor can enforce an outstanding monetary claim against a debtor. The procedure is governed by the Federal Act on Debt Enforcement and Bankruptcy (DEBA). Debt enforcement is initiated at the competent debt collection office and can be filed by any person or company against another person or company — even if the claim is disputed. Debt enforcement therefore does not necessarily mean that someone actually owes money.

What happens if I am subject to debt enforcement?

When debt enforcement is initiated against you, you receive a payment order from the debt collection office. You then have three options: pay the requested amount, raise a legal objection within 10 days (if you dispute the claim) or do nothing (which leads to continuation of the debt enforcement proceedings). Important: The entry appears in the debt enforcement register as soon as the payment order is delivered — regardless of whether the claim is justified or not.

What is a legal objection and how do I raise it?

A legal objection is your right to block debt enforcement if you dispute the claim in whole or in part. It must be raised with the debt collection office within 10 days of receipt of the payment order — verbally or in writing. The legal objection is free and requires no explanation. Once a legal objection has been raised, the debt enforcement proceedings are stopped. The creditor must then pursue legal remedies to continue the debt enforcement.

Can someone initiate debt enforcement against me without cause?

Yes, unfortunately this is possible. In Switzerland, in principle any person can initiate debt enforcement against any other person — even without a legitimate claim. The debt collection office does not check whether the claim actually exists. It automatically sends the payment order. This is why it is important to immediately raise a legal objection in the event of unjustified debt enforcement. The entry still appears in the debt enforcement register, but may under certain circumstances be deleted (see "How can I have debt enforcement deleted?").

What is a payment order?

The payment order is the legally valid document delivered to you by the debt collection office after a creditor has initiated debt enforcement against you. It contains the name of the creditor, the amount claimed, the reason for the claim and information about your rights (in particular the right to raise a legal objection within 10 days). The payment order is generally served personally by the debt collection office.

What is the difference between debt enforcement through seizure/attachment and debt enforcement through bankruptcy?

Debt enforcement through seizure/attachment applies to private individuals and companies not registered in the commercial register. If payment is not made, assets of the debtor are seized and realised. Debt enforcement through bankruptcy applies to companies and partnerships registered in the commercial register. The entire assets of the debtor are made subject to bankruptcy proceedings. Which type applies is determined automatically by law — the creditor cannot choose freely.

How can I have debt enforcement deleted?

There are several ways to have a debt enforcement entry deleted from the register: Paid debt enforcement: If the claim has been settled in full, you can request a written confirmation from the creditor that the claim has been settled and that they agree to deletion of the entry. With this withdrawal declaration, you can apply to the debt collection office for deletion. Unjustified debt enforcement: If the debt enforcement was demonstrably unjustified (e.g. the claim never existed), you can file a petition with the court for deletion or non-notification. Automatic deletion: After five years have elapsed, debt enforcement entries are automatically removed from public disclosure. After that, they remain only visible to authorities.

How long does a debt enforcement entry remain visible in the register?

Debt enforcement entries remain visible in the public part of the debt enforcement register for five years, calculated from the date of the respective procedural step. After this period has elapsed, they no longer appear on the debt enforcement register extract that is accessible to private individuals and companies. Entries may remain visible to authorities for longer.

What does it cost to delete a debt enforcement entry?

The cost of deletion depends on the method. Deletion by the debt collection office itself on the basis of a withdrawal declaration by the creditor is generally free or costs a small fee (depending on the canton). If court proceedings are necessary (e.g. for a petition for non-notification), court costs and possibly legal fees apply. Costs vary depending on the canton and complexity of the case.

Can I have an unjustified debt enforcement entry removed from the register?

Yes, there are two options. Firstly: you request a written withdrawal declaration from the creditor and submit it to the debt collection office. Secondly: you file a petition with the competent court requesting that the unjustified debt enforcement no longer be disclosed to third parties (so-called "petition for non-notification"). The entry remains in the register but no longer appears on the debt enforcement register extract. The prerequisite is that you credibly demonstrate that the debt enforcement was unjustified.

What is a petition for non-notification?

A petition for non-notification (pursuant to Art. 8a Para. 3 lit. d DEBA) is a legal remedy to prevent a particular debt enforcement entry from appearing on your debt enforcement register extract. You can file this petition with the competent court if you can demonstrate that the debt enforcement was unjustified or that you raised a legal objection and the creditor did not pursue their claim further. The entry then becomes invisible to third parties but remains internally in the register.

Do I need a debt enforcement register extract for a flat application?

Yes, in Switzerland the debt enforcement register extract is a standard document when applying for a flat. Most landlords and property management companies require it as proof of your financial reliability. It should be as current as possible — ideally not older than two to three months. Tip: Order the extract early so that you can submit a complete application immediately when you find a suitable flat. If you have moved in the last five years, you will need extracts from all previous addresses.

Do employers require a debt enforcement register extract?

Yes, many employers in Switzerland require a debt enforcement register extract when hiring — particularly for positions with financial responsibility, in banking, insurance, the public sector or positions of trust. The extract serves as proof of financial integrity. Employers may not order the extract without your knowledge — you must submit it yourself.

Do I need a debt enforcement register extract as a company?

Yes, a debt enforcement register extract can also be ordered for legal entities (GmbH, AG, sole proprietorship, etc.). Companies often need it for contract negotiations, tender submissions, loan applications or when entering into collaboration with new business partners. The extract is ordered from the debt collection office at the company's registered office. When ordering via EAMT, you provide the company address instead of a private address.

Do I need a debt enforcement register extract for a residence permit?

Yes, when applying for or renewing a residence permit (permit B, C or L), the cantonal migration authorities generally require a current debt enforcement register extract. It serves as proof that you are fulfilling your financial obligations in Switzerland. In some cantons, detailed extracts are required that also include certificates of loss. If you have moved in recent years, you will need extracts from all residential municipalities.

Do I need a debt enforcement register extract for a loan or mortgage?

Yes, banks and credit institutions in Switzerland virtually always require a current debt enforcement register extract for loan applications and mortgage enquiries. It is part of the creditworthiness assessment and shows the bank whether there are outstanding debt enforcement entries or certificates of loss against you. A "clean" debt enforcement register extract significantly improves your chances of credit approval.

Can I rent a flat despite debt enforcement?

Debt enforcement makes flat hunting more difficult, but does not rule it out. Some landlords refuse applicants with debt enforcement entries as a matter of principle, others assess the situation individually. Often what matters is: Has the claim since been settled? Was the debt enforcement unjustified? How many entries are there? Tips: Provide a written explanation of why the debt enforcement arose. Include evidence of settlement. Consider having the entry deleted (see "How can I have debt enforcement deleted?").

Can I obtain a loan despite debt enforcement?

A debt enforcement entry in the register impairs your creditworthiness and makes credit extension more difficult, but does not necessarily rule it out. It depends on the number and amount of entries, the age of the debt enforcement and your general creditworthiness. Some specialised credit providers do offer loans even with existing debt enforcement entries, but often at higher interest rates. Basically, you improve your chances if you settle outstanding claims and have entries deleted before applying for credit.

Does debt enforcement affect my mortgage?

An existing mortgage is generally not directly affected by new debt enforcement. However, debt enforcement can become a problem when the mortgage is renewed or when you apply for an additional mortgage, as the bank will conduct a new creditworthiness assessment. It is advisable to clarify outstanding debt enforcement before a mortgage renewal.

What is a certificate of loss and how long is it valid?

A certificate of loss is issued by the debt collection office when, during a seizure/attachment, there are insufficient assets to cover the creditor's claim. It certifies the remaining claim and entitles the creditor to initiate new debt enforcement within 20 years — without a new enforceable title. Within six months of issue, the creditor can even demand continuation without a new payment order. The certificate of loss expires after 20 years.

Can my employer see my debt enforcement entries?

No, not automatically. Your employer cannot access your debt enforcement register extract without your knowledge and participation. However, your employer can ask you to submit a debt enforcement register extract yourself — particularly for positions with financial responsibility. Without your consent and active participation, your employer has no access to the debt enforcement register.

EAMT GmbH is an authorised digital intermediary for debt enforcement register extracts in Switzerland. As a registered eSchKG participant (ID 1417) with the Federal Office of Justice and an active SEDEX participant (Sedex ID 4-800248-6) with the Federal Statistical Office, EAMT is directly connected to the systems of Swiss debt collection offices. You order your debt enforcement register extract conveniently online — EAMT forwards your request to the competent debt collection office and delivers the digitally signed, legally valid extract as fast as possible by email. The service is available nationwide for all debt collection offices.

Is EAMT a debt collection office?

No, EAMT GmbH is not a debt collection office and not a authority. EAMT is a private, authorised intermediary that makes it easier for you to access the debt enforcement register extract. As a registered eSchKG participant (ID 1417) with the Federal Office of Justice, EAMT is directly connected to the systems of Swiss debt collection offices and districts. You order via EAMT — the extract is issued by the competent debt collection office, digitally signed and delivered to you as fast as possible by email.

How is EAMT authorised?

EAMT GmbH is registered and listed with two Swiss Federal offices: With the Federal Office of Justice (FOJ) as a registered eSchKG participant with participant ID 1417 (viewable on eschkg.ch), and with the Federal Statistical Office (FSO) as an active SEDEX participant with Sedex ID 4-800248-6 (viewable on sedex.swiss). Additionally, EAMT is entered in the Commercial Register of the Canton of Schwyz (UID CHE-210.634.957, viewable on zefix.ch).

Yes. EAMT adheres to the highest security standards: Orders are transmitted via the secure eSchKG system — the same system used by Swiss debt collection offices for secure data exchange. The website is SSL-encrypted (HTTPS). Hosting is located in Switzerland (Nine Internet Solutions AG). Debt enforcement register extracts bear a qualified electronic signature (QES) in accordance with ZertES and can be verified on validator.ch. Payments are processed through established Swiss and international payment service providers (TWINT, PostFinance, Visa, Mastercard, PayPal).

42 FAQ

Debt Collection Guide Switzerland

Everything you need to know about debt enforcement register extracts

42 questions and answers — from basics to costs to clearing entries. Current, comprehensible and legally sound.

Fundamentals of the Debt Enforcement Register Extract

Ordering and Receiving

Order your debt collection extract now

Digital, legally valid and delivered as fast as possible — from CHF 29.90

Legal Validity and Security

Understanding Debt Enforcement

Deleting Debt Enforcement

Who Needs a Debt Enforcement Register Extract?

Effects of Debt Enforcement

About EAMT

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