Cost to Safekeep & Deposit a Will in Switzerland

In Switzerland, the official safekeeping and deposit of a handwritten (holographic) or public will costs between CHF 50 and CHF 350 as a one-time administrative fee, depending on your canton of residence. Depending on cantonal jurisdiction, the competent deposit authority is either the district probate court (Erbschaftsbehörde / Justice de paix), the municipal inheritance office, or a licensed cantonal notary (Art. 504 and Art. 556 of the Swiss Civil Code).

Official deposit provides absolute legal certainty for international residents and expats: upon notification of death, the authority automatically opens the will and contacts all statutory and appointed beneficiaries. This completely prevents the document from being lost, damaged, or suppressed by dissatisfied family members.

Key Takeaways at a Glance:

Cantonal Fee Range: One-time fee typically between CHF 80 and CHF 250 (e.g., Zurich approx. CHF 150–250, Bern approx. CHF 80–150, Vaud/Geneva approx. CHF 100–250).
Central Swiss Will Registry (ZTR / RST): Registering the existence of the deposit with the national registry costs an optional CHF 50 to CHF 100 extra.
Legal Mandate: Guarantees official probate opening under Art. 556 ZGB immediately upon death registration.
Prerequisite: The will must meet formal Swiss validity requirements (100% written by hand, dated, and signed under Art. 505 ZGB).

Draft a Legally Valid Swiss Will Before Official Deposit

Download our lawyer-verified Swiss Will Template and Step-by-Step Instructions Guide to ensure full compliance before submitting your document for safekeeping.

Download Swiss Will Template & Guide

1. Cantonal Deposit Fees Comparison Overview

Because probate tariffs and court fees are set at the cantonal level in Switzerland, costs vary across regions. Below is a breakdown of typical official deposit fees across prominent Swiss cantons:

Canton	Competent Authority	One-Time Deposit Fee (approx.)
Zurich (ZH)	District Notary Office (Notariat)	CHF 150 – 250
Geneva (GE)	Justice de paix / Notary Public	CHF 120 – 250
Vaud (VD)	Justice de paix du district / Notary	CHF 100 – 150
Bern (BE)	Regierungsstatthalteramt / Notary	CHF 80 – 150
Basel-Stadt (BS)	Erbschaftsamt Basel-Stadt	CHF 100 – 180
Zug (ZG)	Gemeindekanzlei / Notariat	CHF 80 – 160

Learn more about standard storage alternatives in our detailed guide on where to register and store a will in Switzerland.

Expat Tip: Official safekeeping guarantees the preservation of the document, but court clerks do not examine whether your testamentary clauses infringe upon statutory forced heirship shares. Using our attorney-reviewed Swiss Will Template & Instructions Guide ensures complete statutory compliance before deposit.

2. Central Swiss Will Register (ZTR / RST)

The Swiss Notaries Association operates the Central Swiss Will Register (ZTR) in Bern. The register does not store your actual will digitally; instead, it registers metadata indicating your name, date of birth, and the exact official archive where your physical document is sealed.

When someone passes away in Switzerland, probate authorities routinely query the ZTR. Registration fees through a Swiss notary typically range between CHF 50 and CHF 100, ensuring your will is discovered even if you relocate to another canton or country.

To ensure comprehensive protection during your lifetime in the event of incapacity, you should also establish an Advance Care Directive in Switzerland alongside your estate plan.

3. Step-by-Step Procedure for Official Will Deposit

Step 1: Draft Completely by Hand: Ensure the will is written 100% by hand, clearly dated with day, month, year, location, and your signature (Art. 505 ZGB).
Step 2: Place in an Envelope: Place the original document in an envelope inscribed with "Last Will of [Full Legal Name, Date of Birth, Place of Origin/Nationality]".
Step 3: In-Person Submission or Registered Mail: Submit the envelope in person with a valid passport/ID to the official inheritance authority of your municipality.
Step 4: Keep the Official Receipt: You will receive a stamped official deposit certificate (Hinterlegungsschein). Keep this receipt with your vital records.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I withdraw my deposited will if I want to update it?

Yes. The testator can withdraw the deposited will in person at any time upon presenting a valid passport or ID card. Withdrawal is generally free of charge or involves a nominal administrative fee of CHF 20 to CHF 50.

Does the authority verify the legal validity of the will upon deposit?

No. The official authority only acts as a custodian. They do not verify handwritten formatting, statutory heir quotas, or testamentary capacity. Testators remain responsible for ensuring legal validity.

Is official deposit mandatory under Swiss law?

No, official deposit is optional. A holographic will stored at home is legally binding, provided it meets statutory criteria. However, home storage carries high risks of theft, loss, or accidental destruction.