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Buying a Company in Switzerland

Which company to buy in Switzerland: advantages and nuances of the procedure

If you decide to open a company “from scratch” or expand an existing business, achieving this goal may take a lot of effort and time. Switzerland is a country of strict rules and specific standards, so while anyone can engage in business here, not everyone is able to meet the requirements. The reason is that every procedure must be completed in strict accordance with legal regulations, otherwise you risk rejection by the Commercial Register, tax authorities, and other institutions.

The level of Swiss economic development and business culture is attractive for entrepreneurs, which is why they constantly try to register their company in this jurisdiction. However, it is often more rational to buy a ready-made company in Switzerland. Such companies have already completed all registration procedures, are registered with the tax authorities, have an open bank account, and have their authorized capital fully paid in accordance with the law.

Steps

01

Choosing a company in Switzerland

You need to find a company to buy and discuss the terms of the transaction. This can be done independently or with our assistance. We have clients and partners looking for buyers for their companies.

02

Company audit

Before purchasing, the company should be checked for debts to state authorities, including taxes, as well as for receivables and payables.

03

Document preparation

Personal documents of the buyer, powers of attorney, and re-registration forms must be prepared.

04

Submission of documents for re-registration

The collected package of documents is submitted to the Commercial Register. After this, the registrar processes the documents and updates the company’s information in the Register database.

05

Confirmation of re-registration

Once the company’s information has been updated in the Register, its registration details can be viewed and official statutory documents can be ordered in paper form, with or without certification. Our specialists can assist with all necessary certifications (notarial certification, apostille) and translations into other languages if required.

Ready-made company in Switzerland: purchase specifics

Regardless of which company you choose to acquire, a Swiss bank is required to check the new beneficial owners. Based on this, the bank will decide whether to continue working with the company or to close the current account. This decision cannot be influenced, but even in case of an unfavorable outcome, we will assist you with opening a new corporate account.

The timeframe for this procedure varies and largely depends on the type of business and the particular bank. In some cases, new owners may be asked to provide additional documents, such as a business plan or proof of the legality of the source of funds.

Which type of company can be bought in Switzerland

If you are aiming for long-term business activity, the following legal forms are available in Switzerland:

1. Public limited company (AG).
Requires a capital of at least 100,000 CHF, at least 1 shareholder-resident and 1 director. This type of company allows for easy share transfers and provides a sufficient level of anonymity, which is attractive to certain groups of investors.

2. Limited liability company (GmbH).
Requires at least 20,000 CHF, at least 1 shareholder, and 1 director (the director must be a Swiss resident). The advantage of this form is the lower capital requirement, which is typically appealing to small business owners.

3. General partnership.
Requires at least 2 individuals. No minimum capital requirement is set by law. Buying such a company in Switzerland offers certain advantages, including flexibility in structuring business relationships, such as profit and share distribution.

4. Sole proprietorship.
Allows entrepreneurial activity without restrictions in business areas. A ready-made sole proprietorship in Switzerland can operate in any field, including trade, manufacturing, software development, etc. No minimum capital is required. The owner must be a resident of Switzerland.

Why it is profitable to buy a ready-made company in Switzerland

Even if you purchase a newly registered company in Switzerland, you will be able to benefit from all government business support programs. In recent years, the government has tripled funding for startups and small businesses. State support measures are constantly improving and expanding, and by purchasing a ready-made Swiss company, you will be able to use them at your discretion.

We have many years of experience in selling Swiss companies, so we can quickly and efficiently select the right option for your needs and requirements. Order the service by contacting our specialists via phone. We also provide clients with comprehensive consulting and support at every stage of the transaction.

Free initial consultation on legal issues, related to the daily activities of the business

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Frequently Asked Questions:

To purchase a company in Switzerland, you must provide copies of the participants’ passports and proof of address. Completed registration forms including information on the source of funds are also required. Beneficiaries may be asked to provide confirmation of the origin of funds for company establishment.
Buying a company in Switzerland takes about 2–3 weeks.
When buying a company in Switzerland, you only need to pay the registration fee. Tax obligations arise only after the company begins its activity or if the previous owner failed to pay taxes on prior activities.
Yes, a company in Switzerland can be transferred remotely through a power of attorney or in person.

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