Shelf Companies in Switzerland
A shelf company is a pre-registered Swiss AG or GmbH that has never conducted business. Buying one allows you to skip the 2-4 week formation period and start operating within days. All our shelf companies have clean histories, no liabilities, and valid entries in the cantonal commercial register. We handle the share transfer, board changes, and bank signatory updates so you can focus on your business from day one.
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Why Buy a Shelf Company
Speed is the primary reason clients choose a shelf company over new formation. Certain transactions — such as real estate acquisitions, contract bids, or regulatory applications — require an existing legal entity. A shelf company provides an immediate solution without the delays of notarisation, capital deposit, and commercial register processing.
Shelf companies also appeal to foreign entrepreneurs who need a Swiss entity quickly but lack Swiss residency. Because the company already has a registered board and bank account, the transition involves transferring shares and appointing new directors rather than building everything from scratch.
Each of our shelf companies has been maintained in good standing: annual reports have been filed, domicile agreements are current, and the commercial register entry is up to date.
The Transfer Process
Acquiring a shelf company involves several coordinated steps. First, the buyer selects a company from our portfolio (AG or GmbH, with varying capital amounts and cantonal registrations). We then conduct a brief due diligence on the buyer, as required by Swiss anti-money laundering regulations.
Next, the share purchase agreement is executed. For an AG, share certificates are endorsed and delivered. For a GmbH, the quota transfer requires notarial authentication under Article 785 of the Code of Obligations. Simultaneously, a general meeting appoints the new board of directors and revokes the existing one.
Finally, we file the amendments with the commercial register, update bank signatories, and transfer all corporate documents to the buyer. The entire process takes 3 to 5 business days.
AG vs GmbH Shelf Companies
Shelf AGs are more common because AG share transfers are simpler — they do not require notarial authentication or commercial register disclosure of shareholders. This makes the AG the preferred vehicle for clients who value privacy or anticipate future share sales.
Shelf GmbHs are available for clients who prefer the lower capital requirement (CHF 20,000 vs CHF 100,000) or whose business partners expect the transparency that GmbH shareholder registration provides.
We maintain an inventory of both types across multiple cantons. If you need a company registered in a specific canton (such as Zug, Zurich, or Schwyz), contact us to check current availability. You may also be interested in forming a new company if no suitable shelf company is available, or explore our SECO permit services if your operations require work authorisation.
Post-Acquisition Steps
After acquiring a shelf company, most clients make several changes: renaming the company, updating the purpose clause, changing the registered office address, and appointing auditors (if required). Each of these amendments must be filed with the cantonal commercial register.
We also assist with VAT registration, social insurance enrolment, and setting up payroll — particularly important if you plan to hire employees in Switzerland. Our accounting team can handle the ongoing bookkeeping and annual financial statements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Enquire About Availability
We maintain shelf companies in several cantons. Contact us to receive a current list with pricing, or to discuss which type best suits your needs.
Morgan Hartley
Senior Corporate Lawyer & Partner