Virtual hearings in civil proceedings have been possible since 1 January 2025

Following the revision of the Code of Civil Procedure, Swiss civil courts have had the ability to conduct oral proceedings virtually, either partially or entirely, since 1 January 2025. Hearings can take place via video conference (and, in exceptional cases, telephone conference), including in hybrid form where only certain participants join online. This applies to parties, witnesses, experts and legal representatives alike. Virtual participation can be requested or ordered by the court. However, if personal appearance is required by law, virtual proceedings require the consent of all parties involved and remain at the court's discretion.

In particular, witness examinations and expert opinions can now be conducted via video conference, even without the consent of the parties involved, provided there are no overriding public or private interests to the contrary (e.g. risks of influence or security). Such evidence must be recorded. At the same time, the legislator ensures that the public nature of the judiciary is maintained, even during virtual proceedings. This can be achieved by transmitting proceedings to a courtroom, for example, or by providing electronic access. The technical and data protection requirements are set out in the VEMZ and are intended to ensure the secure and data-protection compliant use of electronic means.