Appeal Time Limits in Swiss Law
The essential appeal deadlines in Swiss civil, criminal, and administrative law: do not miss them.
Last updated : 2026-04-19
Essential Time Limits
Civil appeal: 30 days (Art. 311 ZPO). Criminal appeal: 10 days for opposition to a criminal decree (Art. 354 StPO), 20 days for appeal (Art. 399 StPO). Administrative appeal: generally 30 days. Federal Supreme Court: 30 days (Art. 100 GTA). Challenge of dismissal: opposition before the end of the notice period + action within 180 days (Art. 336b OR). All these time limits are imperative and non-extendable. Judicial holidays (Art. 145 ZPO) suspend certain civil time limits but not criminal or administrative ones.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the appeal period in civil matters?
30 days from notification of the reasoned judgment (art. 311 CPC).
Are the time limits suspended during judicial holidays?
In civil law yes (Art. 145 CC): Christmas, Easter, summer. But not in criminal or administrative law.
What Happens If a Time Limit Is Missed?
The appeal is inadmissible. The right is lost permanently. Only in very exceptional cases is a restoration of time admitted (Art. 148 CPC).
Editorial note
This article is provided for general information on Swiss law. It does not constitute legal advice and is no substitute for consulting a professional.
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