What is Trade register?
The Trade Register in Switzerland, also known as the Swiss Commercial Register, is an official public registry that records essential information about businesses operating in the country. It serves as a central repository for details about legal entities, ensuring transparency, legal security, and accountability in Swiss commerce.
Purpose and Function of the Trade Register
The Trade Register is a vital part of Switzerland’s business ecosystem. It provides information on a company’s legal structure, registered address, management, and financial details. Registration is mandatory for most types of businesses, such as limited liability companies (GmbH), corporations (SA), and partnerships, while smaller sole proprietorships may be exempt unless their annual turnover exceeds CHF 100,000.
Key functions include:
- Legal Recognition: Confirms a company’s legal status and grants it the right to operate under Swiss law.
- Transparency: Allows the public, creditors, and business partners to access reliable company data.
- Regulation Compliance: Ensures businesses meet Swiss legal requirements, such as proper representation and capital structure.
Access and Usage
The Swiss Commercial Register is accessible online via platforms like Zefix, the official Swiss business register portal. Users can search for company details by name, registration number, or other identifiers.
The Trade Register is a cornerstone of Switzerland’s business environment, promoting trust, stability, and legal clarity for businesses and stakeholders alike.