Data protection for private individuals in Switzerland

Art. 14 FADP

Representative

Chapter 2: General ProvisionsSection 2: Data Processing by Private Controllers with Registered Office or Domicile Abroad

Statutory textStatus: 7 July 2025

1 Private controllers with registered office or domicile abroad shall appoint a representative in Switzerland if they process the personal data of persons in Switzerland and the data processing meets the following requirements:

  • a.

    The processing is connected with the offer of goods or services or the monitoring of the behaviour of persons in Switzerland.

  • b.

    The processing is on a large scale.

  • c.

    The processing is carried out regularly.

  • d.

    The processing poses a high risk to the personality of the data subjects.

2 The representative shall serve as the contact point for the data subjects and the FDPIC.

3 The controller shall publish the name and the address of the representative.

Source: Version on FedlexThis translation is not an official version. Only the German, French and Italian versions are legally binding.

In brief

Foreign companies that process data of persons in Switzerland on a large scale and regularly, and thereby create a high risk, must designate a representative in Switzerland.

What does this mean for me?

If there is a representative in Switzerland, you can contact them with your concern – their name and address must be published.

Explanation by mydatenschutz.ch in plain language – not legal advice. The statutory text is authoritative.