Glossary
Objection (Rechtsvorschlag)
Opposition (FR) · Rechtsvorschlag (DE) · Opposizione (IT)
Updated on 28 July 2026
Definition
An objection is the declaration by which you dispute a debt enforcement proceeding. It is made within 10 days of service of the payment order, free of charge and without having to give any reason. It immediately suspends the proceeding.
The objection is the most powerful and least understood defence in Swiss debt enforcement law. It costs nothing, requires no justification, and blocks the procedure: it is then up to the creditor to go to court if they want to continue. Many creditors never do.
In practice you can declare the objection orally to the person handing you the payment order, or write to the debt enforcement office within the deadline. One sentence is enough: "I file a full objection to proceeding no. …". Keep proof of sending.
The objection has a second effect that often proves decisive later: if the creditor stays inactive for three months, it opens the way to a non-disclosure request, which makes the entry invisible to third parties. Without an objection, that route does not exist.
Key points
- 10-day deadline, free, no reasons required.
- Suspends the proceeding: the creditor must go to court.
- Essential precondition for any later non-disclosure request.
Legal basis : Art. 74 and 78 DEBA/SchKG