Hi
I am not sure if this is the correct place to post this question but here goes.

My wife and I have a holiday property in Villars-sur-Ollon and UBS bank account for mortgage purposes. We live in Scotland and visit Villars as frequently as we can.

We have recently arranged continuing financial and welfare powers of attorney for each other and I wondered if these are valid in Switzerland or do we need to make additional arrangements there?

I think you ought to ask the British Embassy in Berne for advice,
http://ukinswitzerland.fco.gov.uk/en...ukti-contacts/

Chances are, it is valid.

I studied economy many years ago, and did also have international trading laws for 2 semesters, but since i never worked with it, and never needed it, I only have faint memories left.

What I do remember is, that in principle, a contract/will/marriage agreement made in 1 country will also be valid in another country, however it will be invalid, if it too much in opposition to the local countrys law. One example, my teacher made was, that a couple married in saudi arabia under sharia laws, would be legally married, but they would not be divorced, just because the man said "I divorce you" 3 times, which would be enough under sharia laws.

But better hire a lawyer to get it clarified for sure (they charge ca. CHF 200 per hour here)

Doc.
Doc.

Thanks I fully intend to take advice when I am back in Villars.

Hope I am answering the question you asked?

Could be wrong, but I suspect there is a link with the ownership of the property; when you purchased it did you do so together; and indeed are both your names on the deed?

No, generally such documents from public officials of one country are not automatically valid in another, but need to be legalized or in case both countries are parties to Hague Convention, you need something called an apostille. Google to find where you can get yours, it varies.

What's the embassy got to do with a matter between a private person and a Swiss bank ?

Go to the UBS where your account is and ask them directly what they want, sign along the dotted line, end of story.