Shelf companies

A newly emerged shelf company always raises doubts among potential investors and partners. Therefore, many of our clients prefer to purchase of a shelf company or ready-made company in Switzerland rather than open one from scratch. In this case, they receive an enterprise with a proven reputation, which has existed for several years and has no problems with banks and authorities. Foreign investors and large brands are happy to cooperate with such enterprises.

Swiss shelf companies have other advantages, including a good reputation and a long history. They can also significantly reduce processing time.

Shelf companies

Advantages of a ready-made enterprise

The proposed Swiss shelf companies already have:

  • A sonorous name that does not overlap with other brands.
  • A clearly defined scope of activity.
  • Paid-in share capital.
  • Legal address.
  • Account in a reliable bank.
  • Registration in the social service insurance and tax.

Therefore, buying Swiss shelf companies is much easier and faster than registering it from scratch. All proposed businesses are checked for the absence of debts and any claims. Certified inspection documents of vintage companies confirm this.

Why business prefers Switzerland

According to the constitution, any foreign person can own a business in Switzerland or earn financial profits there.

Purchasing a shelf company in Switzerland is as simplified as feasible, but you need details on language and local legislation to take full benefit of this. Not least because the documents are presented to the management of a detailed canton. The laws of the cantons have profound disparities, including in the costs of registration and taxation. The Swiss shelf company zug must have a particular name registered in the state register and a country resident as its managing director. Thus, it is better to entrust all legal work to a specialist.

Why business prefers Switzerland

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Types of legal entities in Switzerland

To purchase a shelf company in Switzerland, you must select a country-resident director to represent the Swiss shelf company. A considerable advantage of registering a shelf company in Zurich, Switzerland is the option of depositing the authorized capital in cryptocurrency.

For non-residents in in Zurich, Switzerland, the beginning of companies of 2 classes is available:

1GmbH – limited liability companies for small and medium-sized enterprises
2AG is an empty joint stock shelf company zug for medium and large enterprises

GmbH

To create a limited liability company, capital is required in the amount of CHF20,000, but not more than 2 million Swiss francs. It can be shown as movable or unmovable property and is paid in full at the time of registration. This is a flexible management structure with less initial capital. As the name indicates, in the event of bankruptcy, the founders equally risk only the funded capital, excluding personal capital.

Registration with the Trade Register is required. Information is provided about all founders. Shares can be transferred to third parties only with the approval of at least 2/3 of the founders or by the company’s charter by making changes to the trade register followed by notarization.

A.G.

The minimum capital required to register a joint stock Swiss shelf company is CHF100,000, which can also be presented in the form of corporate assets. At least 50% must be paid upon registration. The authorized capital is a fairly large amount, but shareholders can freely dispose of it at their own discretion. Corporate shares owned by shareholders are used to repay debts to creditors in the event of bankruptcy. Responsibility for managing a public limited shelf company Zurich rests with the appointed director.

Shareholders have the right not to provide personal data, maintaining anonymity. The only exceptions are directors and signatories. Shares can be sold or transferred to third parties without going to the commercial register or a notary.

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Swiss banking system

Any Swiss bank is, as a rule, a branch of a large financial institution. The owner of a Swiss shelf company can open a corporate technical account in any of them. At the same time, a high level of capital confidentiality is maintained, which is one of the main reasons why foreign businesses seek to open accounts in Swiss banks. Swiss banks manage a third of the world’s capital.

However, any bank will check your financial history and require you to confirm the legality of the sources of capital.

Swiss banking system

Accounting and taxes in Switzerland

Switzerland’s complex tax structure has been shaped by the country’s three levels of government: federal, cantonal, and municipal. Swiss federal tax legislation is uniform throughout the country, but each canton has its cantonal tax law. Since tax laws and tax rates vary significantly between cantons, the choice of place of registration is an essential element of tax planning.

The general federal income tax rate is 8.5%. Various cantonal and municipal taxes are also levied at progressive rates, with a maximum aggregate rate of approximately 36%. In addition, cantonal and municipal taxes are levied on net property.

Also, when deciding to buy a shelf company in Switzerland, you should consider that all businesses must maintain proper books of accounts and retain accounting records and related documents for 10 years. By law, private Swiss companies require mandatory audits if certain thresholds are met when purchase of a shelf company.

FAQs

A Swiss shelf company is a pre-registered company that has been established but remains inactive, ready for purchase by investors who want to start a business quickly. These companies come with a history of existence, no financial liabilities, and all necessary legal documentation, making them an attractive option for those looking to bypass the lengthy incorporation process

Purchasing a Swiss shelf company offers several advantages, including immediate business operations, a reputable business history, and reduced processing time. These companies come with a pre-existing legal structure, a registered name, a paid-in share capital, a legal address, and a bank account. This allows new owners to focus on business activities without worrying about the initial setup procedures.

Switzerland is a favourable business destination due to its political and economic stability, robust legal framework, and favourable tax regime. The country’s strategic location in Europe, excellent infrastructure, and highly skilled workforce also attract businesses. Furthermore, Swiss laws allow foreign individuals to own and profit from businesses, providing a supportive environment for international investors.

In Switzerland, the main types of legal entities are GmbH (limited liability company) and AG (joint stock company). GmbH is suitable for small and medium-sized enterprises, requiring a minimum capital of CHF 20,000. AG is designed for larger enterprises, with a minimum capital requirement of CHF 100,000. Each entity type offers different benefits and responsibilities, catering to various business needs.

GmbH, or Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung, is a limited liability company ideal for small and medium-sized enterprises. It requires a minimum capital of CHF 20,000, which can be in the form of cash or assets. The GmbH structure offers flexibility in management and limits the liability of its members to their initial investment, protecting personal assets in case of bankruptcy.

AG, or Aktiengesellschaft, is a joint stock company suitable for medium and large enterprises. It requires a minimum capital of CHF 100,000, with at least 50% paid upon registration. AG offers the advantage of limited liability for shareholders, who are only liable up to the amount of their shares. This structure also allows for greater anonymity, as only directors and signatories are required to disclose personal information.

The Swiss banking system is known for its stability, confidentiality, and efficiency. Owners of Swiss shelf companies can open corporate accounts in any Swiss bank, benefiting from high levels of privacy and security. Swiss banks manage a significant portion of the world’s capital, ensuring robust financial services. However, banks will perform due diligence to verify the legitimacy of the funds.

Swiss shelf companies must adhere to the country’s complex tax structure, which includes federal, cantonal, and municipal taxes. The federal income tax rate is 8.5%, with additional cantonal and municipal taxes that can bring the total tax rate to approximately 36%. Businesses must maintain accurate accounting records for at least 10 years and may require mandatory audits if certain financial thresholds are met.

Cantonal laws in Switzerland vary significantly, impacting registration costs, tax rates, and regulatory requirements. Each canton has its own legal framework, making it essential for investors to understand these differences when purchasing a shelf company. The choice of canton can influence the overall cost and tax burden, making it crucial for effective tax planning and compliance

Hiring a specialist for purchasing a Swiss shelf company ensures compliance with local laws and regulations, as well as a smooth transaction process. Specialists can navigate the complexities of cantonal legislation, handle necessary documentation, and provide valuable advice on tax planning and corporate structure. This expertise helps investors avoid legal pitfalls and optimize their business operations in Switzerland.

Would you talk with someone in our company regarding any issues? Just drop us a line!

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