QR-bill —

QR-bill - Pay and create invoices with ease

The Swiss QR Code contains all the key payment details. This simplifies the capture and processing of payments, reduces the need for manual data entry and supports automated payment reconciliation. Whether you wish to pay an invoice or issue QR bills yourself, you’ll find the key information and current requirements here.

Just like our previously used payment slips, the QR-bill is divided into two parts: a receipt and a payment section. The main difference is the Swiss QR code located in the payment section. It contains all the relevant information needed both to issue an invoice and to make a payment. The information is also clearly written on the bill so that it can still be read and entered manually.

Here we outline the three types of QR-bill:

This version replaces the orange payment slips and contains a QR-IBAN and a QR reference. The QR reference is equivalent to the ESR reference number and, like its predecessor, allows the bill issuer to check payments against the relevant invoices. Existing ESR reference numbers can still be used as before.

The QR-bill that features an IBAN and no reference replaces the red payment slips. This version enables invoices to be issued simply.

The Creditor Reference serves the same function as a QR reference. The difference is that the Creditor Reference can be used in international payment transactions while the above-mentioned payment sections are restricted to the Swiss franc area (Switzerland and Liechtenstein). The IBAN is also used for the account information.

Pay QR invoices with ease

With VP Bank e-banking, you can conveniently enter and pay QR invoices. Scan the Swiss QR Code using the VP Bank Connect app and transfer the payment details directly into the payment order.

Your benefits

• Less manual input thanks to the automatic transfer of payment details
• Quick and convenient payment entry in VP Bank e-banking
• Reduced risk of errors when entering payment details
• Option to enter multiple QR invoices using the multi-scan function
• Manual payment entry as an alternative to scanning

Check the imported payment details before authorising the payment order.

Create QR invoices easily

QR invoices also offer advantages for invoice issuers. You can send invoices digitally as PDFs or in printed form and streamline payment processing.

Your benefits

• Easy creation and transmission of invoices
• Support for payments in CHF and EUR
• Automated allocation of incoming payments using reference numbers
• Reduced manual effort in accounts receivable
• Improved data quality during payment processing

For QR invoices with a QR reference, you will need a QR-IBAN, which you can obtain from VP Bank.

If you use accounting or invoicing software, please ensure that it supports the current requirements for QR invoices. The relevant electronic account information is available for the automated reconciliation of incoming payments. Your client advisor will be happy to assist you with any questions regarding the solutions on offer.

Current requirements for QR invoices

Structured addresses

From November 2025, only structured addresses will be permitted in the Swiss QR Code. This means that address details – such as street, house number, postcode, town and country – are recorded in separate data fields. An extended character set, including additional umlauts and special characters, is also supported.

If you create QR invoices yourself, you should ensure that your invoicing software complies with these requirements. If necessary, check existing templates as well.

Swiss Payment Standards 2026

The Swiss payment standards are constantly being developed. On 14 November 2026, version 2.4 of the Implementation Guidelines for the QR invoice will come into force.

This will not require any additional technical adjustments for invoicing in Swiss francs. For QR invoices in euros, the specific requirements regarding permissible combinations of IBAN and reference must be observed.