What is a QR invoice
The QR invoice (QR-Rechnung / QR-facture) is the new Swiss payment standard, introduced to replace the traditional payment slips (BVR/ESR) with a modern, secure digital format compliant with the ISO 20022 standard.
It is an invoice — or more precisely a payment section — containing a Swiss QR Code with all the information needed to make a payment: beneficiary IBAN, amount, currency and a structured reference that enables automatic reconciliation.
Since 30 September 2022, the QR invoice is the only accepted format for payments in Swiss francs and euros through the national banking system. The old red (PV) and orange (BVR/ESR) payment slips are no longer accepted.
From payment slips to QR invoices
The transition to the QR invoice took place in several phases, managed by SIX Group in collaboration with Swiss banks:
SIX publishes the technical specifications for the QR invoice based on the ISO 20022 standard. The development phase begins for banks and software providers.
The QR invoice is officially launched on 30 June 2020. The coexistence phase with old payment slips (BVR/ESR and PV) begins.
The coexistence phase ends on 30 September 2022. Old payment slips are definitively abolished. The QR invoice becomes the only accepted format.
Standard consolidation: all Swiss banks fully support the QR invoice. Growing adoption of eBill as a digital complement.
Structure of a QR invoice
A Swiss QR invoice consists of two main parts: the payment section (Zahlteil) and the receipt (Empfangsschein). The QR code is embedded in the payment section and contains the following elements:
Swiss QR Code
A 46×46 mm two-dimensional QR code with a Swiss cross in the centre. Contains all payment information in a structured format according to SIX specifications.
IBAN or QR-IBAN
The beneficiary's account. The QR-IBAN (with QR-IID participant number) enables the use of the QRR structured reference, equivalent to the former ESR number.
Amount and currency
The amount to be paid in CHF or EUR. Can be left open (empty field) to allow the payer to enter the amount manually.
Structured reference
Three possible types: QRR (QR reference, 27 digits — compatible with former ESR), SCOR (Structured Creditor Reference, ISO 11649) or no reference.
Creditor data
Name, address and country of the payment beneficiary. This data is also printed in plain text next to the QR code.
Additional information
Free field for unstructured communications (e.g. invoice number, due date) and a field for structured billing information (Swico, SIX).
The payment section must comply with precise dimensions (105 × 210 mm) and be positioned at the bottom of the document, separated by a perforation or cutting line.
Legal requirements since 2022
With the abolition of payment slips, Swiss companies must comply with specific requirements in payment management:
- All invoices requiring payment by bank or postal transfer must include a QR invoice section compliant with SIX specifications.
- The old red and orange payment slips have been invalid since 30 September 2022 — banks and PostFinance no longer accept them.
- The QR code must be printed in Swiss QR Code format (46×46 mm) with the Swiss cross in the centre, on white paper with perforation or cutting indication.
- The data in the QR code must exactly match the data printed in plain text in the payment section — no discrepancies are allowed.
- Companies issuing serial invoices must use a QR-IBAN with a QRR or SCOR structured reference to enable automatic reconciliation.
Invoices without a valid QR invoice section cannot be automatically processed by banks. This can cause payment delays and additional costs for manual payments.
How to create a QR invoice
Creating a QR invoice is a standardised process. Here are the main steps:
Get a QR-IBAN from your bank
Contact your bank or PostFinance to obtain a QR-IBAN linked to your account. This special IBAN (with QR-IID) allows you to use the QRR structured reference for automatic payment reconciliation.
Choose compatible software
Use accounting or invoicing software that supports generating QR invoices compliant with SIX specifications. AccountEX generates native QR invoices automatically, including QRR reference calculation and correct formatting.
Enter the invoice data
Fill in the mandatory fields: beneficiary QR-IBAN, amount, currency (CHF or EUR), creditor and debtor data, structured reference and any additional information.
Generate and verify the QR code
The software automatically generates the Swiss QR Code with all data. Always verify that the QR code data matches the plain text data. Use a QR reader for a final check before sending.
Print or send digitally
The QR invoice can be printed on paper (with perforation line) or sent as a PDF. When sent digitally, the recipient can scan the QR code directly from the screen using their mobile banking app.
Integration with accounting software
One of the main advantages of the QR invoice is the ability to automate the entire payment flow through integration with accounting software:
Automatic issuance
Modern accounting software like AccountEX automatically generates compliant QR invoices from accounting entry data. The structured reference is calculated automatically and uniquely for each invoice.
Automatic reconciliation (camt.054)
Thanks to the QRR reference, when a payment is credited, the bank's camt.054 file contains the structured reference. The software automatically matches it to the open invoice, closing the receivable without manual intervention.
Scanning and payment (supplier side)
When you receive a QR invoice from a supplier, the accounting software scans the QR code, extracts all data and performs the automatic accounting entry. The payment can be approved and sent to the bank with one click.
ISO 20022 compatibility
The QR invoice is fully integrated into the ISO 20022 ecosystem adopted by Swiss banks (pain.001 for payment orders, camt.053/054 for account statements). This ensures complete interoperability with any Swiss banking institution.
Benefits for SMEs and fiduciaries
Adopting the QR invoice offers numerous concrete benefits for businesses and accounting professionals:
Elimination of typing errors
All payment data is encoded in the QR code: no more errors in manually entering IBANs, amounts or reference numbers.
Automatic reconciliation
The QRR structured reference enables automatic matching between payment and invoice, drastically reducing time spent on reminders and receivables management.
Cost reduction
Payments via QR invoice have lower bank fees compared to manual transfers. Automation also reduces administrative staff time.
Format versatility
The QR invoice can be printed on paper, sent as a PDF or integrated with eBill for a fully digital workflow. It adapts to any operational need.
Guaranteed compliance
Using certified software, generated QR invoices are automatically compliant with SIX specifications and Swiss banking regulations.
Multi-mandate management
For fiduciaries managing multiple clients, the QR invoice standardises the invoicing process and makes multi-mandate reconciliation much more efficient.
Common errors and how to avoid them
When implementing QR invoices, some companies make recurring mistakes. Here are the most common ones and how to prevent them:
- Standard IBAN instead of QR-IBAN: To use the QRR reference, a QR-IBAN (with QR-IID) is required. A standard IBAN does not support QRR and the payment may not be automatically reconciled.
- Discrepancy between QR data and plain text: The data printed in plain text next to the QR code must exactly match the code's content. Any discrepancy can cause the invoice to be rejected.
- Incorrect print format: The payment section must measure exactly 105 × 210 mm and be located at the bottom of the page. Incorrect margins or scaling compromise QR code readability.
- Missing structured reference: Without a QRR or SCOR reference, automatic reconciliation is not possible. For serial invoices, a structured reference is essential.
- Missing or incorrect Swiss cross: The Swiss QR Code must contain the Swiss cross in the centre (7×7 mm). A generic QR code without the Swiss cross is non-compliant and may not be recognised by bank readers.
- Pre-filled amount when not needed: For donations or variable-amount payments, the amount field must be left blank. Pre-filling it prevents the payer from modifying the amount.
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