Change the Registered Office of Your Swiss Company

Entrepreneurs who have already established a company in Switzerland are entitled to carry out a variety of modifications to their corporate data over time. One of the most frequently encountered changes involves updating the company’s registered office, alongside other changes such as modifying the business name, adapting the legal form, or amending the founding documents.

Holding a registered office is a legal requirement for any Swiss company. This address must be officially registered with the local Commercial Register, which maintains and updates corporate records. If the business relocates, this change must be reported to the registry immediately.

The registered office is also used for tax purposes and correspondence from authorities. It plays an important role in determining a company’s jurisdiction, especially when it comes to cantonal and municipal tax rates. Many entrepreneurs choose a specific canton for incorporation based on the tax implications of its registered office address.This is particularly relevant when setting up an AG in Switzerland, as this legal form is often chosen by larger businesses seeking favorable tax jurisdictions and access to capital markets.

Companies relocating within the same canton must still notify the Commercial Register and provide updated documentation, even if the physical move does not impact their tax position or scope of operations. In contrast, a move to a different canton typically triggers not only a change in address but may require additional administrative steps such as transferring the registry entry between cantonal registrars.

Our experts in company formation in Switzerland can provide step-by-step assistance for modifying your registered office address, including all legal updates, filings, and compliance requirements. The legal team at Goldblum and Partners specializes in managing such corporate changes, offering full support in structuring and updating Swiss companies in line with regulatory obligations. We also provide services for virtual offices and can advise on selecting a canton that suits your business strategy.

The registered office of a Swiss company refers to the official and legal address where it is domiciled. It serves as the contact point for clients, authorities, banks, and business partners, and is used for receiving all formal correspondence. This address is often referred to as the company’s legal domicile.

As specified under Article 2, Section C of the Swiss Commercial Register Code, a valid registered office must include:

This information must be provided at the time of incorporation and kept updated at all times. If a company changes its location — even within the same canton — this modification must be registered.

It’s important to understand that the registered office is not necessarily the company’s operational address. A business may operate production or service facilities elsewhere, but for legal and tax purposes, only the registered office is recognized as its formal seat. The address must also be physically accessible and allow for official correspondence to be delivered.

Some companies opt for virtual offices that fulfill legal address requirements without providing physical space for daily operations. This is particularly useful for startups, holding companies, or foreign-owned entities with no in-country staff.

Our team offers tailored support for updating your company’s registered office with the appropriate Swiss authorities, regardless of the canton where your business is based. We also offer advice on choosing optimal locations for tax or administrative purposes.

If a Swiss company decides to relocate its official business address, regardless of the reason (for example, expanding into larger premises or moving to another canton with better economic incentives), the company owners must adhere to several legal obligations.

Failure to notify the Commercial Register of a business address change can result in legal sanctions, as regulated under the Swiss Code of Obligations, Article 937. In cases of prolonged non-compliance, the authorities may initiate company liquidation in Switzerland. This measure serves as a last resort when companies fail to meet essential legal disclosure requirements, including address updates. This article prescribes penalties for not updating required company information.

The rationale is that during the Swiss company incorporation process, one of the key details submitted to the authorities is the company’s legal address. As such, if the company changes location, the registry must be promptly informed to maintain valid public records.

Furthermore, neglecting to provide updated data can trigger the provisions of the Swiss Criminal Code, Article 153, which may lead to penalties or imprisonment for responsible persons if it is determined that the company deliberately failed to declare the updated address.

Another key point is that the Commercial Register does not verify the accuracy of company data on its own initiative. It is solely the responsibility of the company’s management to submit correct and updated information.

This obligation stems from the Swiss Civil Code, Article 9, which stipulates that all entries made in the Commercial Register must be supported by authenticated documents or certified excerpts demonstrating the truthfulness of the changes. The same requirement applies during incorporation, when companies must file authenticated founding documents — any changes to this data must be updated accordingly.

In addition, if the company is engaged in regulated financial operations, it may be required to update banking details related to escrow account and services. Accurate registration ensures continuity of secure transactions and fund releases.

Changing the registered office may also influence the company’s eligibility for local grants, incentive programs, or participation in regional clusters and development zones. In some cantons, registration in specific municipalities brings access to reduced taxes or administrative benefits.

In conclusion, changing your registered office is a manageable legal process, but one that must be handled carefully to avoid penalties and to ensure seamless business continuity. Our experienced consultants are available to assist with the full procedure, ensuring that each step is documented and compliant with current Swiss regulations.