Life insurers

Companies offering life insurance in Switzerland must obtain SFMA authorisation. SFMA issues licences to those companies which meet the statutory requirements and provide for the protection of the interests of insured persons.

This SFMA page gives applicants and supervised institutions a practical view of the life insurers topic. It explains when a licence, approval, notification or registration may be needed, what information should be prepared, and which changes may require contact with the authority.

Legal form

Applications should be submitted with the current forms, declarations and supporting documents required for the activity. A complete file usually shortens the review because the authority can assess the business model, responsible persons, financial position, internal rules and legal basis without repeated follow-up questions.

Preparing a complete file

Applicants should keep the submission concise but complete: describe the activity, legal structure, people responsible, control framework, financial resources, relevant documents and any cross-border elements. Where uncertainty remains, the issue should be highlighted early rather than left to emerge during review.