The Swiss Commercial Register (Handelsregister / Registre du Commerce / Registro di commercio) is the official public register of Swiss companies, partnerships, and other legal entities. It is maintained at cantonal level — each canton has its own Commercial Register office (Handelsregisteramt or HRA). The central federal search platform, Zefix.ch, provides free online access to all cantonal registers in one place.
Understanding which cantonal office governs your company, how to obtain official extracts, and how registration works across cantons matters from day one of your Swiss business. This guide covers each canton, the Zefix search portal, and the practical steps for registrations and certified extract requests.
Why Your Canton Choice Affects Registration Speed
The Commercial Register contains publicly available information for every registered Swiss entity: company name, address, legal form, purpose, share capital, directors with signatory authority, date of registration, and all subsequent changes.
But not all cantonal offices operate at the same speed:
| Canton | Typical GmbH Registration | Typical AG Registration |
|---|---|---|
| Zug | 10-15 business days | 15-20 business days |
| Zurich | 15-20 business days | 20-25 business days |
| Geneva | 15-25 business days | 20-30 business days |
| Bern | 15-20 business days | 20-25 business days |
Summer filings (July-August) process faster across all cantons. The pre-Christmas period (November-December) is consistently slower. In problem cases — complex foreign ownership, incomplete documentation — registration can take 3+ months regardless of canton.
The Commercial Register is the authoritative source for Swiss entity information and is updated upon every change in company details. Its public nature means that counterparties, banks, and authorities rely on it for due diligence.
Processing Speed in Practice: What the Official Timelines Do Not Tell You
The table above shows standard processing windows. In practice, the spread is wider. Zug consistently processes clean GmbH filings in 5-10 business days — sometimes faster if the examiner has no queries. Zurich takes 2-3 weeks for the same filing. Geneva runs 3-4 weeks and occasionally longer when the registre du commerce requests additional documentation on foreign directors.
These timelines assume a complete, error-free filing. One missing document — an expired bank confirmation, a passport copy without apostille, a director whose commune registration has not yet been processed — resets the clock by 2-4 weeks per round of correction.
Real Rejection Stories
Name conflict: A client filed a GmbH registration in Zurich with the name “Alpine Capital Partners GmbH”. The cantonal register rejected it within three days — an existing AG in Bern was already registered as “Alpine Capital Partners AG”. The HCO treats names across all legal forms and all cantons as potentially conflicting if they create confusion in commercial dealings. The client had checked Zefix but missed the Bern entity because the search was filtered by canton. Cost of the rejection: CHF 400 in re-filing fees plus three weeks of delay while choosing and clearing a new name.
Missing documents from abroad: A UK parent company submitted articles of association without apostille and a certificate of incorporation older than six months. The Zug register rejected both. Obtaining fresh apostilled documents from Companies House took 14 business days. The registration that should have taken 10 days took 38 days in total.
Decision Framework: Choosing Your Canton
Beyond tax rates, three factors should drive your canton selection:
| Factor | Zug | Zurich | Geneva |
|---|---|---|---|
| Effective corporate tax rate (2026) | ~11.85% | ~19.7% | ~14.0% |
| GmbH registration speed | 5-10 business days | 2-3 weeks | 3-4 weeks |
| Registration fee (GmbH) | CHF 600 | CHF 650 | CHF 700 |
| Experience with international structures | Very high | High | High |
| Banking onboarding difficulty | Low-moderate | Moderate | Moderate-high |
If tax efficiency is the primary objective, Zug saves a company with CHF 500’000 in annual profit roughly CHF 39’250 per year compared to Zurich (7.85 percentage points x CHF 500’000). Over five years, that is CHF 196’250 — enough to cover the formation costs many times over.
If physical presence matters — client-facing offices, access to financial district talent — Zurich or Geneva may justify their higher tax rates.
If speed matters — a client contract requires a Swiss entity within two weeks — Zug is the only canton where this timeline is realistic for a clean filing.
Zefix: The Federal Commercial Register Search
Zefix (zefix.ch) is the free federal search portal providing access to all Swiss cantonal commercial registers. It is maintained by the Federal Commercial Registry Office (EHRA).
What Zefix shows:
- Current registration data for all Swiss entities
- Historical changes (previous names, addresses, directors)
- PDF extracts (Handelsregisterauszug) — some cantons provide direct PDF access; others redirect to the cantonal office
How to search:
- Go to zefix.ch
- Enter the company name (full or partial), UID (Unternehmens-Identifikationsnummer), or canton
- Results show matching entities with their current status
- Click through to the cantonal registry for the full extract
Free access: Zefix is free and requires no registration. It is the standard first step for any Swiss company due diligence search.
Official Commercial Register Extracts (Handelsregisterauszug)
An official Handelsregisterauszug (HR extract / Légalisé) is a certified copy of the commercial register entry, commonly required for:
- Bank account opening
- Contract negotiations (counterparty KYC)
- Government authority submissions
- International legal transactions (legalisation / apostille)
How to obtain an official extract:
- Online via Zefix: some cantons deliver certified PDFs directly
- Direct order from the cantonal Handelsregisteramt: by post, in person, or via cantonal online portal
- Fee: CHF 20–40 per official extract
Legalisation for international use: For use abroad, the extract may need:
- An apostille (under the Hague Convention) from the cantonal authority
- Consular legalisation for countries not party to the Hague Convention
- Translation by a sworn translator
Cantonal Commercial Register Offices
German-Speaking Cantons
Zurich (ZH) — Handelsregisteramt des Kantons Zürich Largest commercial register in Switzerland (approximately 150,000+ registered entities). Online extract requests via hr.zh.ch. Standard processing: 1–3 days for simple changes.
Zug (ZG) — Handelsregisteramt des Kantons Zug Second only to Zurich in international company registrations. Zug’s register handles a disproportionately high number of international holding companies, crypto entities, and financial firms. Known for efficient processing — standard GmbH registrations typically complete in 10-15 business days, AGs in 15-20 business days from complete filing. Summer filings move faster; pre-Christmas filings are consistently slower. Online extract orders: hr.zg.ch.
From our experience with over 1,000 formations: Zug processes filings more reliably and predictably than most other cantonal registers. We pre-check every filing before submission because incomplete documentation — missing notarial authentication, bank confirmation, or statutory requirements — generates rejection notices that add weeks to the timeline.
Berne (BE) — Handelsregisteramt des Kantons Bern Cantonal register for the federal capital region. Bilingual (DE/FR) canton.
Lucerne (LU) — Handelsregisteramt des Kantons Luzern
Basel-Stadt (BS) — Handelsregisteramt des Kantons Basel-Stadt Commercial hub — significant for pharmaceutical and chemical companies (Novartis, Roche headquarters).
Basel-Landschaft (BL) — Handelsregisteramt des Kantons Basel-Landschaft
St. Gallen (SG) — Handelsregisteramt des Kantons St. Gallen
Aargau (AG) — Handelsregisteramt des Kantons Aargau
Thurgau (TG) — Handelsregisteramt des Kantons Thurgau
Schwyz (SZ) — Handelsregisteramt des Kantons Schwyz Significant for companies in Wollerau and Freienbach (known for low tax rates).
Other German-speaking cantons: Solothurn (SO), Schaffhausen (SH), Glarus (GL), Uri (UR), Nidwalden (NW), Obwalden (OW), Appenzell Ausserrhoden (AR), Appenzell Innerrhoden (AI).
French-Speaking Cantons (Registre du Commerce)
Geneva (GE) — Registre du Commerce de Genève Major international business registry. Second busiest after Zurich for international companies. Online: rc.ge.ch.
Vaud (VD) — Registre du Commerce du Canton de Vaud Includes Lausanne — significant for biotech, EPFL-related companies, and international NGOs.
Valais (VS) — Registre du Commerce du Canton du Valais
Neuchâtel (NE), Jura (JU), Fribourg (FR): Cantonal offices serve their respective territories.
Italian-Speaking Canton
Ticino (TI) — Registro di commercio del Cantone Ticino Lugano-based; significant for Italian-market holding companies and cross-border financial structures.
UID: Swiss Business Identification Number
Every Swiss company registered in the Commercial Register receives a UID (Unternehmens-Identifikationsnummer) — a unique federal identifier in the format CHE-123.456.789.
The UID is used for:
- VAT registration (MWST number) — see our VAT Switzerland guide
- AHV/social insurance reporting
- All interactions with Swiss federal authorities
- Identifying companies in Zefix and other federal systems
The UID is searchable on Zefix and is the most reliable way to find a company when the name is uncertain. The UID does not change even if the company changes its name or moves canton. Additional information on the UID system is available from the Federal UID Office (EUID).
Registering a New Company
New company registrations are filed with the cantonal Handelsregisteramt where the company’s registered address is located:
- Notarial deed of incorporation (AG) or public deed (GmbH) signed before a Swiss notary
- Bank confirmation of capital deposit (Kapitaleinzahlungsbestätigung)
- Application for registration filed by the company or its representative at the cantonal HRA
- Processing: typically 2-4 weeks (summer is faster, pre-Christmas is slower)
- Publication in SHAB (Swiss Official Gazette of Commerce — shab.ch)
- UID assigned upon registration
The operating shortcut: Your company can legally begin operating from the moment of notarial signing — before the register entry or ZEFIX publication. This is useful when a client contract or banking arrangement requires immediate action.
Before 2022: Expedited registration was available at a surcharge of approximately 60% above standard fees. This option no longer exists at any cantonal register.
2025 shell company rules: For Mantelgesellschaft (shell company) transfers, the register now requires changes in two stages — first name and board, then business activity. Single-stage filings are rejected. The register can also void transfers it considers lacking genuine commercial substance.
Case Study: The Domain Squatting Problem
A holding group purchasing a vintage Zurich AG discovered that domain squatters monitor SHAB (Swiss Official Gazette of Commerce) publications. The SHAB publishes new company names as part of the registration process. Within 48 hours of the SHAB publication showing the new company name, the matching .ch domain was registered by a speculator. The cost of recovering a squatted domain through WIPO dispute resolution exceeded CHF 5’000 and took four months. The cost of registering the domain before filing with the notary: CHF 12 per year. Always register your domain before the notarial appointment.
For a full walkthrough of the incorporation process, see our company formation Switzerland guide. For the specific rules on GmbH formation and AG formation, we have dedicated guides for each entity type.
Canton selection matters: Zug processes registrations efficiently and its administration is experienced with international structures. See our company formation in Zug guide for the canton-specific advantages. For Zurich-based companies, see company formation in Zurich.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I register my company in Zug if my office is in Zurich?
No. The company must have a genuine business presence in the canton of registration. However, a registered address in Zug satisfies the domicile requirement if you do not need physical office space. Many international companies maintain a registered address in Zug (for the 11.85% tax rate) while operating remotely or from co-working spaces.
Why was our registration rejected by the cantonal office?
The most common rejection causes: (1) director details incomplete — missing passport number, wrong domicile formatting, or the director’s commune registration not yet processed; (2) unsigned declarations; (3) bank confirmation expired (most are valid for 30 days); (4) company name confusingly similar to an existing entity. Each rejection requires correction and re-submission, adding 2-4 weeks per round.
What is the UID number for a Swiss company?
Every Swiss company receives a UID (Unternehmens-Identifikationsnummer) in the format CHE-123.456.789. It is the universal business identifier used across all Swiss authorities including tax, VAT, and social insurance filings.
Which cantonal commercial register handles the most international companies?
Zug handles a disproportionately high number of international holding companies, crypto entities, and financial firms relative to its size. Zurich is the largest by total registrations, and Geneva is the second busiest for international companies.
How do I get an official certified extract from the Swiss Commercial Register?
Official extracts can be ordered online via Zefix (where cantons deliver certified PDFs), or directly from the relevant cantonal Handelsregisteramt by post, in person, or via the cantonal online portal. Fees range from CHF 20 to CHF 40 per extract.
How long does it take to register a new company in Switzerland?
From the date of notarial deed execution, registration typically takes 2-4 weeks depending on the canton and time of year. Zug and Zurich are among the faster cantonal offices. Summer filings process faster; pre-Christmas filings are consistently slower. In problem cases with complex foreign ownership or documentation issues, registration can take 3 months or more. The company can begin operating from the moment of notarial signing, but formal legal existence vis-à-vis third parties requires the register entry.
Can I use the UID number to search for a company on Zefix?
Yes. Searching by UID is the most reliable method — company names can change, but the UID assigned at registration remains constant throughout the company’s life.
What is the SHAB and why does it matter?
The SHAB (Schweizerisches Handelsamtsblatt) is Switzerland’s Official Gazette of Commerce. All Commercial Register entries are simultaneously published there. Publication is the legal trigger for third-party effect — a change is only enforceable against third parties from the date of SHAB publication.
Do I need an apostille on a Swiss extract for use abroad?
For use in countries party to the Hague Convention, an apostille from the cantonal authority is required. For other countries, consular legalisation may be needed. A sworn translation to the relevant language is typically also required.
Which Commercial Register office is responsible for companies in Zurich?
The Handelsregisteramt des Kantons Zürich manages registrations for companies domiciled in Canton Zurich. It is the largest commercial register in Switzerland with approximately 150,000 registered entities. Online extract requests are via hr.zh.ch.
What happens when a company moves its registered address to a different canton?
A change of canton requires deregistration from the current cantonal register and registration with the register in the destination canton. This process involves notarial steps and filings in both cantons and is treated as a seat transfer (Sitzverlegung) under Swiss corporate law.
Shell Company Transfers: The 2025 Rule Change
Since 2025, the Commercial Register applies stricter scrutiny to Mantelgesellschaft (shell company) transfers. Previously, a buyer could acquire a dormant company, change the name, board, and business activity in a single filing. The register now requires changes in two stages — first name and board, then business activity. Single-stage filings are rejected.
More significantly, the register can now void transfers it considers lacking genuine commercial substance. A company that was dormant for three years, sold for CHF 5’000, and immediately reactivated with a completely different business raises red flags. The register will request evidence that the transfer serves a legitimate commercial purpose.
Practical consequence: Buying a shelf company is still possible and sometimes faster than forming a new entity (avoiding the capital deposit and notarisation steps). But the cost advantage has narrowed, and the regulatory scrutiny has increased. For most clients, a new formation in Zug — with a 10-15 business day timeline — is now preferable to a shell company purchase unless the shell carries a specific UID, VAT registration, or contractual position that the buyer needs.
How Lawsupport Can Help
Whether you need a commercial register Switzerland filing, certified extracts for banking or legal transactions, or guidance on registering a new Swiss entity, Lawsupport handles the full process across all major cantons. We work with the Zug, Zurich, Geneva, and other cantonal offices regularly and understand the practical requirements at each step.
Phone: +41 44 51 52 592 Email: [email protected] Address: Grafenauweg 4, Zug, Switzerland
Lawsupport (Morgan Hartley Consulting) | Grafenauweg 4, Zug | +41 44 51 52 592 | [email protected]