The commercial register (CR, Handelsregister in German) is a public register maintained in each Swiss canton. It records essential information about companies: business name, registered office, legal form, management bodies, signatory powers, capital. CR inscription confers legal personality on capital companies (LLC, corporation) and ensures the legal publicity of commercial information.
This guide details the inscription procedures, required documents, costs and timelines, with a focus on the canton of Geneva.
The role of the commercial register
The commercial register fulfils several essential functions:
- Constitutive function: for LLCs and corporations, inscription is the moment when the company acquires legal personality. Before inscription, it does not exist as a separate entity.
- Declarative function: for sole proprietorships and partnerships, inscription makes the inscribed information enforceable against third parties.
- Publicity function: anyone can consult the inscriptions (Zefix.ch for online searches, SOGC for publications).
- Name protection: inscription protects the business name across the entire territory of Switzerland.
When is inscription mandatory?
| Legal form | Mandatory inscription | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Corporation | Yes, in all cases | Constitutive (legal personality) |
| LLC | Yes, in all cases | Constitutive (legal personality) |
| Sole proprietorship | If revenue >= CHF 100,000/year | Declarative. Optional below the threshold. |
| General partnership | If commercial operation | Declarative |
| Association | If commercial operation | Optional in other cases |
| Foundation | Yes | Constitutive |
Documents required for inscription
For an LLC
- Authentic deed of incorporation (drawn up by the notary)
- Signed articles of association
- Capital escrow certificate (bank)
- Managers' acceptance declaration
- Lex Friedrich declaration (law on acquisition of real estate by foreigners)
- Identity documents of managers and founders
- Where applicable: powers of attorney, proof of Swiss domicile of managers
For a corporation
- Authentic deed of incorporation
- Signed articles of association
- Capital escrow certificate
- Board members' acceptance declaration
- Lex Friedrich declaration
- Where applicable: incorporation report (if contribution in kind or special advantages)
- Identity documents of directors
For a sole proprietorship
- Inscription application form (available from the Geneva CR)
- Copy of the holder's identity document
- Proof of Swiss domicile (or residence permit)
- Where applicable: authorisation to practise (regulated activities)
Inscription costs by canton (selection)
| Canton | Sole proprietorship | LLC | Corporation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geneva (GE) | CHF 120 | CHF 550 | CHF 550 |
| Vaud (VD) | CHF 120 | CHF 600 | CHF 600 |
| Zurich (ZH) | CHF 120 | CHF 600 | CHF 600 |
| Bern (BE) | CHF 100 | CHF 540 | CHF 540 |
| Fribourg (FR) | CHF 100 | CHF 550 | CHF 550 |
| Valais (VS) | CHF 110 | CHF 500 | CHF 500 |
| Neuchatel (NE) | CHF 100 | CHF 530 | CHF 530 |
Note: these amounts are indicative for 2026 and may vary with cantonal regulatory changes. Fees generally include the SOGC publication.
The inscription process step by step
For an LLC or corporation in Geneva
- Incorporation at the notary: the notary draws up the authentic deed of incorporation and verifies all documents.
- Submission to the CR: the notary electronically transmits the file to the Geneva commercial register (rue du Puits-Saint-Pierre 4, 1204 Geneva).
- Review by the CR: the registrar examines the file (conformity of articles, validity of documents, name availability).
- Request for completion (if necessary): if the file is incomplete, the CR requests corrections. This can add 5-10 days to the timeline.
- Inscription: the company is inscribed in the commercial register. An extract is issued.
- SOGC publication: the inscription is published in the Swiss Official Gazette of Commerce (fosc.ch). This publication triggers the 30-day contestation period.
- IDE number assignment: the company automatically receives a business identification number (CHE-xxx.xxx.xxx).
For a sole proprietorship in Geneva
- Application preparation: complete the official Geneva CR form.
- Application submission: by post or in person at the Geneva commercial register.
- Review and inscription: 3 to 5 business days for a sole proprietorship.
- SOGC publication.
Modifications and deletions
Any modification to the information inscribed in the commercial register must be the subject of a modification application. Common modifications include:
| Type of modification | Approximate cost (GE) | Notary required? |
|---|---|---|
| Change of address | CHF 40 - 80 | No (unless articles are amended) |
| Change of manager/director | CHF 80 - 120 | No |
| Amendment of articles | CHF 120 - 200 | Yes (authentic deed) |
| Capital increase | CHF 150 - 300 | Yes |
| Unit transfer (LLC) | CHF 80 - 150 | Yes (for the transfer itself) |
| Deletion (dissolution) | CHF 80 - 150 | Yes (for LLC/corporation) |
Zefix and SOGC: search tools
Zefix (Zentraler Firmenindex)
Zefix.ch is the central index of Swiss business names. It allows you to:
- Check the availability of a company name (similarity search)
- Consult inscribed information for any Swiss company
- Obtain the IDE number (CHE-xxx.xxx.xxx)
- Access the commercial register extract
Checking the name on Zefix is an essential step before any formation. AX-Fiduciaire performs this check in advance and proposes alternatives if the desired name is already taken.
SOGC (Swiss Official Gazette of Commerce)
The SOGC (fosc.ch) publishes all inscriptions, modifications and deletions from the commercial register. It is the official source for tracking events affecting Swiss companies (formation, management changes, liquidation, bankruptcy).
Practical tips for a fast inscription
- Check the name in advance: a rejection for name similarity is the most common cause of delay.
- Prepare all documents: an incomplete file systematically leads to additional delays.
- Use a notary familiar with the CR: notaries who work regularly with the Geneva CR know the registrars' precise expectations.
- Engage a fiduciary: AX-Fiduciaire prepares complete files that are rarely rejected, ensuring an optimal timeline.
Need help with your commercial register inscription? Contact AX-Fiduciaire for professional support. CR inscription is included in all our company formation packages.