Swiss IBAN, QR-IBAN and 27-digit QR reference explained
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Direct answer
A Swiss IBAN has 21 characters: CH, two check digits, a 5-digit institution ID and a 12-character account number. If the institution ID is between 30000 and 31999, it is a QR-IBAN and requires a 27-digit Modulo 10 recursive QR reference.
Key facts
- 21 characters
- Starts with CH (or LI for Liechtenstein)
- Checked with ISO 13616 mod-97
- QR-IID range: 30000–31999 (requires 27-digit QRR)
The checksum
Move the first four characters to the end, turn letters into numbers (A=10 … Z=35) and divide by 97. A valid IBAN leaves a remainder of 1. This proves the number is well-formed, not that the account exists.
QR-IBAN and 27-digit QRR
A QR-IBAN (IID 30000–31999) is used only with Swiss QR-bills that carry a 27-digit numeric QR reference (QRR) checked via Modulo 10 recursive. Regular IBANs use either no reference or an ISO 11649 Creditor Reference starting with RF.
FAQ
- How long is a Swiss IBAN?
- 21 characters.
- How do I know if a Swiss IBAN is a QR-IBAN?
- Check the 5-digit clearing number (IID) at characters 5–9. If it is between 30000 and 31999, it is a QR-IBAN.
- Does a valid IBAN checksum prove the account exists?
- No. The Modulo 97 check only proves the number is well-formed and free of typos. It says nothing about whether the account is open or belongs to the person you intend to pay.
- Can I use a 27-digit QRR reference with a regular Swiss IBAN?
- No. A 27-digit QRR reference requires a QR-IBAN (IID 30000–31999). With a regular Swiss IBAN, use either no reference or an ISO 11649 Creditor Reference starting with RF.
Related guides
- How to create a Swiss QR-bill that does not get rejectedA Swiss QR-bill is accepted only if the account and reference types match: a QR-IBAN (clearing number 30000–31999) requires the 27-digit numeric QR reference (QRR) with its Modulo 10 recursive check digit, while a normal IBAN takes an RF creditor reference (SCOR, ISO 11649) or no reference. Mismatched pairs are rejected by Swiss Interbank Clearing before the money moves.
- QRR vs SCOR and QR-IBAN vs normal IBAN: the pairing ruleThe rule is one sentence: a QR-IBAN (clearing number 30000–31999) must carry the 27-digit numeric QRR reference, and a normal IBAN must carry either the RF creditor reference (SCOR) or no reference, never a QRR. QRR uses a Modulo 10 recursive check digit and works only in Switzerland; SCOR starts with RF, uses Modulo 97 check digits, and works internationally.
- Einzelfirma vs. GmbH vs. AG: choosing a Swiss company form in 2026Switzerland's three main company forms are the Einzelfirma (CHF 0 minimum capital, unlimited personal liability, Commercial Register entry mandatory at CHF 100,000 turnover), the GmbH / Sàrl (CHF 20,000 minimum capital, company-only liability, partners public in Zefix), and the AG / SA (CHF 100,000 share capital with at least CHF 50,000 paid in, company-only liability, private shareholders).