What is the commercial register in Switzerland?
The Swiss Commercial Register is a public register that contains information about companies, such as their legal form, company name, address, share capital, business purpose, and the names of signing officers and members of the board of directors.
What is the commercial register in Switzerland?
The Swiss Commercial Register is a public register that records information about companies, such as their legal form, company name, address, share capital, purpose, as well as the names of persons with signing authority and members of the board of directors. The cantonal commercial registers are the competent authorities to keep and manage these registers, which are divided into sections for each canton.
Swiss companies are required to register in the commercial register in the canton where they have their registered office.
Registration in the commercial register is compulsory for all companies carrying out commercial activities in Switzerland.
The purpose of the commercial register is to ensure transparency of company information, to help third parties make informed business decisions and to provide a central database for public authorities.
Les registres du commerce cantonaux, comme le registre du commerce du canton de Genève, sont également chargés de la gestion des procédures d’inscription et de radiation des entreprises, de la tenue des registres des faillites, des liquidations et des suspensions de paiement, ainsi que de la publication des annonces légales obligatoires. Ils fournissent également des informations sur les entreprises aux tiers qui en font la demande.
It should be noted that the cantonal commercial registers are not responsible for companies that have their registered office abroad but are operating in Switzerland. In this case, the company must register in the commercial register of the canton where it operates.
What types of companies can be registered in the commercial register in Switzerland?
In Switzerland, several types of companies can be registered in the commercial register. These are the main ones:
1. The joint stock company (SA): This is a company whose capital is divided into shares. It is often used for large companies and may be listed on the stock exchange.
2. The limited liability company (SARL): this is a company whose partners' liability is limited to the amount of their capital contribution. This legal form is common for small and medium-sized enterprises.
3. General partnership (SNC): this is a company in which all partners have unlimited joint and several liability for the company's debts. It is often used for family businesses.
4. The limited partnership (SCS): this is a company composed of general partners, who have unlimited liability, and limited partners, who have limited liability.
5. Cooperative society: this is a society in which the members have equal rights and participate in the management of the enterprise. It is often used for social enterprises or for group economic activities.
6. The branch office: This is a company that does not have its own legal personality, but is an extension of an existing foreign company.
It should be noted that the conditions and formalities for registration may vary depending on the legal form of the company and the canton in which it wishes to register. It is recommended to consult the relevant authorities for more detailed information.
7. The sole proprietorship is also a legal form of business in Switzerland which can be registered in the commercial register. However, unlike the other legal forms mentioned above, the sole proprietorship is a sole proprietorship, i.e. it is operated by one person, without distinction between private and business assets. This legal form is often used by the self-employed, craftsmen, traders, consultants and the liberal professions.
To register, the person must complete a registration form with the commercial register of the canton in which he or she operates, provide information about the company, such as its name, address, main activity and the name of the person with signing authority, as well as a copy of the work permit and other documents specific to the canton.
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