Inheritance · arranging key documents
Planning an inheritance in Switzerland: documents and decisions
Inheritance planning makes a person’s wishes understandable and can help loved ones manage later formalities. It involves identifying the applicable succession rules, preparing an overview of assets and choosing an appropriate legal instrument. A cross-border estate, a family business, a blended family or earlier gifts may require particular care. This article is a general preparation guide; it does not replace advice based on personal and cantonal circumstances.
Prepare a useful inventory
List important assets and obligations: bank accounts, real estate, business interests, insurance, debts and guarantees. Note where the documents are kept and who can access them. A dated inventory kept safely can be helpful without becoming an elaborate dossier. Jointly held assets, insurance benefits and property abroad may follow different rules. Record these features rather than assuming every asset belongs to one single estate.
Choose the right instrument
Swiss law provides, among other options, for a will and an inheritance agreement, which differ in how they are made and what effect they have. A handwritten will must meet statutory formal requirements; a public deed requires an authorized official and the required witnesses. An inheritance agreement requires consent and an official form. An informal letter or a document signed by several people does not automatically replace those requirements. Before drafting, clarify the goal: leave a particular asset, benefit someone within the disposable share or plan a business transfer.
Account for reserved shares and gifts
Freedom to dispose is limited by the reserved shares under the applicable law. The Swiss succession reform that took effect on 1 January 2023 changed those shares, so an old template should not be copied without checking whether it remains suitable. Gifts and advances on inheritance can also affect settlement. Keep records of relevant transfers, values and dates. Coherent planning considers wishes, reserved shares, gifts and heirs’ liquidity needs together.
Check international connections
Nationality, last domicile, location of assets and any choice of law may affect the competent authorities and applicable law. Private international law can be relevant when a person or estate is connected with more than one country. List the countries involved and available documents before signing a new instrument. Translations, certificates and local procedures can take time; early coordination may help avoid conflicting steps.
An organized file
A person domiciled in Vaud owns an apartment in Switzerland, a bank account abroad and a small family company. They collect land-register extracts, company articles, bank details and existing estate documents. They then clarify who should be able to continue the business and which assets they hope to leave to particular people. The file does not decide the legal distribution, but gives a notary or adviser the information needed to compare options, reserved shares and cantonal tax considerations.
Keep plans accessible and current
A useful instrument must be findable and remain consistent with changes in life. Tell trusted people where it is stored without sharing its contents unnecessarily. Review planning after marriage, separation, a birth, an international move or a significant asset sale. Check that insurance beneficiaries and succession documents do not conflict. Tax effects vary by canton and by the relationship between the deceased and beneficiaries, so they deserve a separate review.
Records to assemble for estate planning
- Inventory assets, debts and key records.
- Identify connections with other countries.
- Check legal formalities for a will or agreement.
- Review the plan after family or financial changes.
Documents and purpose
| Concern | Record to collect | Check |
|---|---|---|
| Real estate | Land-register extract and financing | Ownership, charges and location |
| Business | Articles, agreements and accounts | Continuity and transfer of interests |
| Wishes | Existing will or agreement | Form, date and consistency with current law |
The effect of an estate document depends on its form, date and the family and financial circumstances involved. This guide describes preparation steps and does not resolve an individual inheritance matter.
Keep signed instruments where they can be found when needed, and let a trusted person know how to locate them. Review the file after a significant change in family circumstances, residence or assets.