Frequently Asked Questions.

A shelf company (also known as an aged company or ready-made company) is a pre-registered legal entity that has been incorporated but has never traded or conducted business. It "sits on the shelf" until purchased. In Switzerland, shelf companies are fully registered in the Commercial Register and come with a clean history, allowing the buyer to begin operations within 24–48 hours after the share transfer. Learn more about our Shelf Company AG offerings.

Typically within 24 to 48 hours. Once the notary deed is signed and the share transfer is executed, you become the legal owner and can begin conducting business immediately. The Commercial Register is updated within a few business days, but you can operate from the moment of transfer.

Yes, absolutely. Buying and selling shelf companies is a well-established, fully legal practice in Switzerland. The transfer is executed through a Swiss public notary, ensuring complete legal validity. The transaction is recorded in the Commercial Register, and all applicable Swiss corporate laws and regulations are followed.

An AG (Aktiengesellschaft) is a corporation with a minimum share capital of CHF 100,000, where shareholder identity can remain private. A GmbH (Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung) is a limited liability company with a minimum capital of CHF 20,000, where all shareholders are publicly listed in the Commercial Register. The AG is preferred for larger operations and investor privacy, while the GmbH is ideal for SMEs and cost-conscious founders.

Yes. Every shelf company we offer comes with a notarized Certificate of Freedom from Debt. Our due diligence process ensures there are no hidden liabilities, pending legal actions, or outstanding tax obligations. We guarantee a completely clean slate.

Company formation in Switzerland involves several steps: choosing a legal form (AG or GmbH), drafting the Articles of Association, depositing the required share capital with a Swiss bank, executing the notarial deed of incorporation, and registering with the Commercial Register. The entire process typically takes 2–4 weeks. We handle all steps on your behalf. See our company formation service for full details.

For an AG (corporation), the minimum share capital is CHF 100,000, of which at least CHF 50,000 must be paid in at incorporation. For a GmbH (limited liability company), the minimum capital is CHF 20,000, which must be fully paid in at incorporation.

Yes. There are no nationality restrictions on forming a Swiss company. However, Swiss law requires that at least one person authorized to represent the company (director or officer) must be a Swiss resident. If you do not have a Swiss-resident director, we can provide a Nominee Director service to fulfill this requirement.

Standard company formation takes 2–4 weeks from start to Commercial Register entry. This includes name verification, notarization, bank account opening for capital deposit, and registration. If you need to start sooner, purchasing a shelf company allows you to be operational within 24–48 hours.

Yes. Swiss law requires that at least one member of the board of directors (for an AG) or one managing officer (for a GmbH) with individual signatory power must be domiciled in Switzerland. We offer a professional Nominee Director service to meet this legal requirement if you do not have a Swiss-based representative.

Yes, it is possible to open a Swiss corporate bank account as a non-resident, though the process requires thorough documentation and compliance checks. Banks will conduct KYC (Know Your Customer) and AML (Anti-Money Laundering) due diligence. We assist with the entire process and leverage our banking relationships to facilitate account opening. See our bank account service for details.

Typically, you will need: certified copies of passports for all beneficial owners and directors, proof of address, the company's Articles of Association, Commercial Register excerpt, a detailed business plan, proof of the origin of funds, and reference letters from existing banks. Requirements vary by institution, and we guide you through each bank's specific requirements.

The timeline varies by bank and the complexity of your case. Standard corporate account opening takes 2–6 weeks from submission of complete documentation. Some banks may take longer for non-resident or complex structures. We work to expedite the process through our established banking relationships.

Yes. We offer comprehensive accounting and tax services for Swiss companies, including bookkeeping, annual financial statements, VAT filings, corporate tax returns, and payroll administration. Our team ensures your company remains fully compliant with Swiss financial regulations.

Non-EU/EFTA nationals can obtain a Swiss residence permit (B permit) by establishing or acquiring a business that creates jobs and brings economic benefit to Switzerland. The application is assessed by cantonal and federal authorities based on factors such as investment amount, job creation, and business viability. We guide you through the entire application process. Learn more about our residence permit services.

Switzerland offers several work permit categories: L permit (short-term, up to 1 year), B permit (residence permit, renewable annually), C permit (permanent residence, after 5–10 years), and G permit (cross-border commuter). EU/EFTA nationals benefit from the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons, while non-EU nationals face stricter quotas and requirements.

It depends on the specific fintech activity. Payment services, lending, asset management, and cryptocurrency exchanges may require FINMA authorization. Switzerland offers a fintech license (banking license lite) for companies accepting public deposits up to CHF 100 million. We help you determine the required licenses and permits and guide you through the application process.

Yes. Once you hold a valid Swiss residence permit (B or C permit), you can apply for family reunification. Your spouse and children under 18 (under 21 for EU/EFTA nationals) can join you. Family members receive a residence permit of the same duration as yours and have the right to work in Switzerland.

Our office is located at Seefeldstrasse 69, 8008 Zurich, Switzerland. We are situated in the Seefeld district, one of Zurich's most prestigious business areas, conveniently accessible by public transport and close to Lake Zurich.

Your primary point of contact will be Alex Rohrer, our founder and lead consultant. Alex is a specialist in Swiss Corporate Law and M&A, with over 500 successful company transfers since 2012. Depending on your needs, additional specialists from our network may be involved.

We work in English, German, and French. All legal documents can be prepared in any of Switzerland's official languages. Our team is fully multilingual and accustomed to working with international clients from all regions.

Simply contact us via our contact form, email (info@swiss-shelf-company.com), or phone (+41 44 515 25 94). We will schedule an initial consultation to understand your needs and provide a tailored proposal. The consultation is confidential and without obligation.