How it works
How it works: four steps, one point of contact
Whether you buy a ready-made company or form a new one, the path is the same: request, identification, signing, register. Here is what happens and what you need to prepare.
- 01 · Same day
Ask or reserve
Send the form. Within 2 business hours you get matching companies or a formation plan with a written all-in quote.
- 02 · 1–3 days
Identity & compliance
Identification of every buyer or founder and of the beneficial owner, origin of funds: the checks Swiss anti-money-laundering rules require.
- 03 · Signing
Documents
Share or quota transfer, new board or managers, changes to name, purpose or seat before a notary where needed. Remote signing can often be arranged.
- 04 · Register
Filing & follow-up
We file with the commercial register, follow up until publication and help with the transparency register and bank introductions.
Documents to prepare
- A valid passport or Swiss/EU identity card for each shareholder, partner, manager or board member
- Proof of residential address (less than 3 months old) for each of them
- For a company shareholder: a recent certified register extract (apostilled if foreign) and its ownership chart
- A short description of the planned activity and the origin of the capital
- Your preferred company name (2–3 options), seat (canton) and capital currency
Why we ask for them
Since 1 October 2026 the revised Swiss Anti-Money Laundering Act covers advisers who form, administer or sell non-operating companies. We therefore identify every buyer or founder and the beneficial owner, and document the origin of funds, before signing. The same information is needed by the notary, the commercial register, the transparency register and the banks.
Signing remotely
Many documents can be signed abroad with certified signatures (and an apostille where needed) or by power of attorney. Where a notarial deed requires presence, we tell you in advance which options the canton accepts.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the whole process take?
Matching within 2 business hours, identification usually within 1–3 days, then signing and the register entry, whose timing depends on the canton.
What if I change my mind?
Until you sign, you owe nothing. Our quote states clearly what is payable and when.
Reply within 2 business hours
Tell us what you need
A specialist replies within 2 business hours (Mon–Fri) with matching companies or a written all-in quote.
contact@swissshelf.ch
Geneva · Switzerland