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Last wishes
Without any hassles, you can ensure that your assets are divided the way you like when you die.
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The topic of wills is almost taboo in Switzerland. Seven out of ten people in Switzerland do not make arrangements for their assets after their death. It is good to know that your estate will be shared in keeping with your specific wishes. Apart from the statutory portions, which people are required to bequeath to their spouse, children or parents, you are free to allocate your assets as you wish. If you make clear arrangements, this could spare your family having to endure unpleasant disputes.
How a will is made
In order to draw up a will, you have to be 18 years of age and possess a sound health. There are three types of valid will: Handwritten will (written in your own hand), public (notarial) will and verbal will (only in exceptional circumstances). If you write your own (handwritten) will, you must take note of the following:
How a will is made
In order to draw up a will, you have to be 18 years of age and possess a sound health. There are three types of valid will: Handwritten will (written in your own hand), public (notarial) will and verbal will (only in exceptional circumstances). If you write your own (handwritten) will, you must take note of the following:
- State the place, day, month and year at the end of the document.
- You must write the entire text of the will (including the place and date) by hand.
- You must sign the end of the will in person.
- The will can be written in any language.
If you have complied with these points, your will is legally valid. Here is a general example of how a will can be worded and laid out (please remember to write it by hand!). Before writing your will, consider all aspects of your personal situation. We would recommend that you contact a specialist or an agency for advice.
Last Will and Testament
I, [first name, surname], born on [date of birth], from [home town], resident at [address], hereby declare this to be my Last Will and Testament:
Last Will and Testament
I, [first name, surname], born on [date of birth], from [home town], resident at [address], hereby declare this to be my Last Will and Testament:
- I revoke all my existing wills.
- I render my entire estate subject to the law of Switzerland.
- The statutory heirs to whom I will bequeath my estate are [relationship, name, date of birth, home town and address of the statutory heirs].
Examples of possible formulations:
- I leave [name and relationship of the statutory heir] the compulsory portion, changing their share of the inheritance.
- In settlement of the compulsory portion I bequeath [name and relationship of the statutory heir] [object or use of a property, etc.].
- From my estate I bequeath:
- [name, date of birth, home town and address of the beneficiary] [object];
- [name, date of birth, home town and address of the beneficiary] [object].
- I name [name, date of birth, home town and address of the heir] as heirs to the freely available quota.
- I name [name, home town and address of the executor] as executor. Banks and notaries can provide you with will executors.
- [Place of execution, date]
- [Signature of the testator]
A useful tip: The will can be submitted to an official authority for safekeeping.
Further options for arranging your estate
In addition to a Last Will and Testament, you can also conclude a contract of inheritance. Unlike a will, the contract of inheritance can only be amended with the permission of both parties. Thirdly, you can also make gifts while you are still alive.
Further information
Swiss Association of Notaries Public
Useful information on the will
