Author: Marco Colucci
-
Avoiding shell company transactions: what you need to know about transferring shares in inactive companies
Since January 1st, 2025, Swiss legislation has officially codified previous Federal Supreme Court rulings on the abusive transfer of inactive companies. This practice — known in Swiss legal terminology as Mantelhandel, or shell company trading — is now regulated under the Swiss Code of Obligations. The goal is to prevent the misuse of inactive companies…
-
Company seat change in Switzerland: a practical guide for fiduciary and legal professionals
Changing a company’s registered seat in Switzerland is a common operation, but it requires attention to specific bureaucratic procedures. Depending on whether the seat change takes place within the same municipality, to another municipality within the same canton, or to a different canton, the documentary requirements vary, and the involvement of a notary may or…
-
Beware of Misleading Invoices After Registering Your Business
After registering a new business or making changes to the Commercial Register, entrepreneurs may receive misleading invoices from private organizations with deceptive names. These payment requests do not originate from the official Cantonal Commercial Register and are part of a strategy aimed at getting companies to sign up for unnecessary subscriptions. How to Identify Suspicious…
-
Protected abbreviations and purpose checks: key regulatory tools for businesses in Switzerland
Switzerland boasts a robust legal framework designed to ensure ethical, compliant, and transparent business operations. Two key regulatory mechanisms integral to this system are protected abbreviations and purpose checks. Understanding these processes is vital for businesses aiming to operate legally within Swiss borders. This article explores both topics and highlights their importance. Protected abbreviations: safeguarding…
-
Qualified Electronic Signature: An efficient alternative to certifications and Apostilles
In discussions with lawyers, notaries, and fiduciaries, a recurring topic arises: signature certifications or the need for an apostille (a certificate authenticating the origin of a public document) for individuals living abroad. It is often overlooked that there is an efficient alternative to traditional certification: self-certification through a qualified electronic signature (QES). This modern solution…
-
When is a notary necessary? A guide to company changes in the Commercial Register
In the Swiss business world, the commercial register is a fundamental tool for ensuring transparency and security. However, not all company changes require the intervention of a notary. Understanding these differences can help optimize time and costs. With our Hoop platform, we offer a comprehensive service for fiduciaries: we prepare the documents, automatically send them…
-
What Is the Enterprise Identification Number (UID)? All About the UID in Switzerland
The Enterprise Identification Number (UID) is a vital tool for identifying businesses in Switzerland. Introduced to simplify administrative processes, the UID system enables businesses to be easily recognized by public and private authorities. In this article, we explore what the UID represents, how it works, and why it is essential for companies operating in Switzerland.…
-
Secure document storage and sharing with DeepBox: The Swiss solution for privacy-driven data management
In today’s digital landscape, protecting sensitive information and ensuring easy, safe access to documents is essential for both individuals and businesses. While there are numerous global services for cloud storage, finding a solution that combines strong data protection, privacy standards, and local expertise can be challenging in Switzerland. To meet these needs DeepCloud AG developed…
-
Collective signature, individual signature, and procuration: the key differences
In the corporate world, managing official documents and authorizations can often be confusing, especially when it comes to distinguishing between collective and individual signatures, as well as joint and individual procuration. This post will clarify these concepts, so you can ensure your business is operating efficiently and legally. What is a collective signature? A collective…
-
Legal guidelines for updating your commercial register entry in Switzerland
The Swiss commercial register is a crucial tool for ensuring transparency and trust in business transactions. Companies are required to regularly review their entries and promptly update them when changes occur. But what happens if this obligation is not met? In this article, we delve into the legal consequences of non-compliance and explain why it…