Statutory textStatus: 7 July 2025
Prosecution is subject to a statute of limitations of five years.
Source: Version on FedlexThis translation is not an official version. Only the German, French and Italian versions are legally binding.
Art. 66 FADP
Statute of limitations for prosecution
In brief
The right to prosecute becomes time-barred after five years.
What does this mean for me?
An offence can be prosecuted for up to five years after it was committed – but the deadline for a criminal complaint is only three months from when you find out about it.
Explanation by mydatenschutz.ch in plain language – not legal advice. The statutory text is authoritative.