Service of judicial documents in criminal matters

The direct service of judicial documents by post from abroad enjoys the same status as the performance of official acts on Swiss territory. It is permitted only insofar as it is provided for in state treaties or declared permissible by the Federal Council. Under the terms of the Decree on International Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters SR 351.11), all documentation (with the exception of summonses) may be served directly by post to persons in Switzerland who are not themselves being prosecuted abroad. Even documentation relating to criminal matters connected with infringements of road traffic regulations may be served to recipients in Switzerland directly by post. Bilateral agreements that are even broader in scope exist with neighbouring countries and a few other states.

Where documents are to be served through official mutual legal assistance channels, the executing Swiss authority will serve them by post (recorded delivery), by personal delivery to the addressee or, upon special request, in accordance with the law of the applicant state.