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Shelf Companies for Sale

Buy Ready-Made Swiss AG & GmbH Shelf Companies for Sale

Immediate market entry. No capital lock-up. Transfer in 24–48 hours with a debt-free guarantee and established registration history.

See the Process
24–48h
Ownership transfer after signing
CHF 0
Capital re-deposit required
5–7
Working days for Zefix update
100%
Remote acquisition via Power of Attorney
Markus Pritzker
Markus Pritzker
Swiss Business Lawyer, Off-Counsel — Shelf company transfers since 2010
Updated: February 2026

Key Advantages

Why Buy a Ready-Made Swiss Company?

Acquiring a shelf company in Switzerland delivers immediate market entry without the 3–4 week incorporation delay. You skip the capital lock-up phase — CHF 100,000 for an AG or CHF 20,000 for a GmbH is already deposited and released. This frees cash flow for operations, not bureaucracy.

A shelf entity carries an established registration date. Banks and suppliers see a company founded in 2018 or 2021, not yesterday. That vintage status simplifies credit checks and accelerates financing approvals. You gain operational credibility from day one.

The transfer completes in 24–48 hours through a notarised share purchase agreement. The Commercial Register (Zefix) updates within 5–7 working days. Meanwhile, you issue invoices, sign contracts, and open bank accounts using the existing UID tax number.

SwissFirma verifies every entity through the Debt Enforcement Register (Betreibungsamt). You receive a written warranty confirming zero liabilities and complete inactivity since incorporation. Our legal team audits financial records before listing.

For UK, German, or Austrian residents, the process runs 100% remotely via Power of Attorney. Apostilled passport copies satisfy KYC requirements.

Request current inventory list & prices

AG and GmbH entities across Zug, Zürich, and Geneva

Immediate Operational Readiness

The entity is registered, capitalised, and listed in Zefix before you sign. After the notary appointment, you control the shares immediately. The UID tax number remains active, so invoicing starts the same day.

New incorporation requires 3–4 weeks for registry approval plus capital deposit verification. With a shelf company, those steps are complete. You trade within 48 hours, not months later.

No Initial Share Capital Lock-up

The CHF 100,000 (AG) or CHF 20,000 (GmbH) was deposited at founding and appears in the Articles of Association. You do not re-deposit this amount.

A new AG ties up CHF 100,000 in a blocked account until registry confirmation. Buying an existing company releases that cash immediately for inventory, payroll, or marketing. You pay only the purchase price and notary fees.

Instant Credibility & Established Corporate History

A company registered in 2015 or 2021 signals stability to banks and partners. Suppliers run credit checks against the registration date, not your personal history.

Banks prioritise established entities for account opening. A vintage AG or GmbH demonstrates substance, reducing compliance scrutiny. Financing applications move quicker with a multi-year Zefix record.

Available Entities

Available Swiss Shelf Companies for Sale

SwissFirma maintains a curated inventory of debt-free entities across Zug, Zurich, and Geneva. Each listing includes legal form, vintage year, share capital status, and canton. All companies hold a valid UID tax number and clean Betreibungsamt extract dated within 7 days.

Ready-Made Swiss AG (Aktiengesellschaft)

The AG structure suits international transactions and financing. Shareholders remain private — only directors appear in the public register. This anonymity appeals to buyers prioritising confidentiality.

Minimum capital is CHF 100,000, fully paid at incorporation. Shares transfer through a simple purchase agreement without notarisation (unless registered shares apply). Ideal for holding structures, cross-border deals, and bank account applications.

2018–2023 vintage CHF 100,000 paid Shareholder privacy No notary for share transfer

Ready-Made Swiss GmbH (Limited Liability Company)

The GmbH requires CHF 20,000 minimum capital, making it cost-effective for SMEs and family businesses. Shareholder names appear in the public register, so transparency is higher than an AG.

Share transfers require notarisation, adding 1–2 days and CHF 1,000–2,000 in fees. The lower capital threshold and simpler accounting make the GmbH attractive for trading companies and service providers.

2015–2022 vintage CHF 20,000 paid Cost-effective Simpler accounting
Popular
Aktiengesellschaft
AG
CHF 100,000 capital
  • Fully paid — no re-deposit
  • Shareholder names remain private
  • Ideal for holding & cross-border structures
  • Remote transfer via Power of Attorney
  • Preferred by banks & institutional investors

Best for: International business, fintech, holding companies, fundraising

Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung
GmbH
CHF 20,000 capital
  • Lower cost entry point
  • Simpler accounting requirements
  • No audit if revenue < CHF 500,000
  • Notarisation required for share transfer
  • Shareholder names publicly visible in Zefix

Best for: SMEs, trading companies, service businesses, family businesses

Shelf vs. New Incorporation

Swiss Shelf Company vs. New Incorporation: What's the Difference?

Factor Shelf Company New Incorporation
Time to trade 24–48 hours (ownership); 5–7 days (Zefix update) 3–4 weeks (registry approval + capital verification)
Capital blocked CHF 0 (already paid and released) CHF 100k (AG) / CHF 20k (GmbH) locked until registry confirms
Credibility Vintage registration date (e.g. 2018) boosts bank/supplier trust Registration date = today; no history
Risk Requires due diligence — we provide Betreibungsamt extract + warranty Clean slate; no past liabilities
Cost Purchase price + notary (CHF 1–2k) + transfer fees Notary (CHF 1–2k) + registry (CHF 600) + advisory
Customisation Name/purpose/address changed post-purchase (1–3 days) Fully customised from day one
When to choose

Shelf Company

You need immediate market access, financing applications, or a credible corporate history. The capital is already paid, so liquidity stays free for operations. SwissFirma mitigates risk through pre-verified solvency checks and notarised warranties.

When to choose

New Incorporation

You require a fully bespoke structure with specific Articles, or you operate in a niche where vintage age offers no advantage. You have 3–4 weeks and prefer to start with a clean slate with no prior history.

Step-by-Step

How to Buy an Off-the-Shelf Swiss Company

The acquisition process takes 1–3 days from selection to ownership transfer. SwissFirma coordinates every step, from due diligence to Commercial Register filing.

Step 01

Selection and Reservation of the Entity

Request our current inventory via the form below. You'll receive a list showing legal form (AG/GmbH), vintage year, share capital, canton, and price range. Each entry includes the Zefix registration number for independent verification.

Choose your preferred entity. We reserve it for 48 hours while you review the financial documents and Articles. No deposit required at this stage — just confirmation of interest.

48 hours Reservation period
No deposit required At this stage
Step 02

Due Diligence & Debt-Free Guarantee

SwissFirma orders a fresh extract from the Debt Enforcement Register (Betreibungsamt) dated within 7 days of your request. This official document confirms zero outstanding debts or enforcement proceedings.

You also receive:

  • Audited balance sheet (if applicable) showing assets/liabilities
  • Board resolutions confirming inactivity since incorporation
  • Written warranty from the previous owner indemnifying you against hidden liabilities

This documentation satisfies KYC requirements for Swiss banks and meets the 2025 Company Act standards.

7 days Betreibungsamt extract age
Written warranty From previous owner
Step 03

Notary Appointment & Share Purchase Agreement

For AG entities, the share purchase agreement can be signed remotely using a Power of Attorney. You send an apostilled passport copy and the notarised PoA document. The Swiss notary executes the transfer on your behalf.

GmbH transfers require in-person notarisation or a notarised PoA presented by a Swiss representative. SwissFirma coordinates the appointment and prepares all documents in advance.

Ownership transfers immediately upon signing. You receive the share certificate and updated shareholder register.

24–48 hours Transfer timeline
CHF 1,000–2,000 Notary fee
Step 04

Commercial Register (Zefix) Updates

After the notary appointment, SwissFirma files simultaneous updates to the Commercial Register:

  • Name change: Rebrand the entity to your chosen name (subject to availability check)
  • Purpose change: Update the business activity to match your operations
  • Director mutation: Replace outgoing director with your appointed representative
  • Address change: Register your new domicile or virtual office

The registry processes these changes in 5–7 working days. Zefix publishes the updated entry, and you receive the official extract confirming your ownership.

5–7 working days Registry processing
Included In transfer package

Skip the complexity — we handle everything from due diligence to Zefix filing

Complete transfer in 1–3 days. 100% remote for AG entities.

International Buyers

Purchasing a Swiss Shelf Company for Foreigners

Foreign buyers from Germany, Austria, the UK, and beyond acquire Swiss shelf entities through a 100% remote process. SwissFirma handles cross-border compliance, KYC documentation, and director residency requirements.

Key Considerations for Foreign Buyers

  • Passport legalisation: Your passport copy must carry an Apostille stamp (Hague Convention). We coordinate with your local authorities.
  • Tax residency: Owning a Swiss company does not grant tax residency. You remain taxable in your home country unless you relocate.
  • HMRC/EU reporting: UK buyers must update the PSC register. German and Austrian buyers report beneficial ownership under EU AML directives.

SwissFirma prepares all documents in English and German. Our legal team briefs you on cross-border tax treaties and substance requirements.

The Swiss Resident Director Requirement

Swiss law (Article 718 of the Code of Obligations) mandates at least one director with Swiss or EU residency. If you live outside Switzerland, SwissFirma provides a professional nominee director service.

The nominee acts as the registered representative, signing official documents and liaising with authorities. You retain full control through a private management agreement. The nominee does not access bank accounts or make operational decisions without your written instruction.

Annual fee: From CHF 2,500 — included in our comprehensive corporate package.

Germany & Austria (DACH Region)

DACH

German and Austrian residents benefit from the DACH double taxation agreement, which prevents dual corporate tax on Swiss-source income. However, you must declare the Swiss entity to your local Finanzamt and report beneficial ownership under EU transparency rules.

SwissFirma coordinates with German-speaking notaries and provides all documents in German. Average timeline: 2–3 days from reservation to ownership transfer.

DACH buyers often choose Zug or Zurich for proximity and reputation. We assist with cross-border banking introductions to UBS, Credit Suisse, or cantonal banks.

UK & Non-EU Countries (Post-Brexit)

Post-Brexit, UK buyers face no additional legal barriers to acquiring Swiss companies. The process remains fully remote via Power of Attorney. You must update the UK PSC register within 14 days of ownership transfer.

Non-EU buyers (US, Asia, Middle East) follow the same procedure. Apostille requirements apply to passport copies. SwissFirma verifies compliance with Swiss AML standards.

UK and non-EU clients often prioritise AG structures for shareholder privacy. We facilitate banking introductions and VAT registration post-acquisition.

Post-Acquisition Support

Comprehensive Corporate Services for Your New Swiss Entity

Acquiring the company is step one. SwissFirma delivers end-to-end support to activate your Swiss presence and maintain full compliance.

Swiss Corporate Bank Account Opening

We introduce you to UBS, Credit Suisse, Zürcher Kantonalbank, and specialist fintech banks (Dukascopy, Swissquote). Our team prepares KYC dossiers, business plans, and compliance documentation.

Vintage companies with established registration dates often pass compliance faster than newly incorporated entities.

Timeline: 2–4 weeks post-acquisition

Domiciliation & Registered Office Address

Secure a prestigious Zug or Zurich address for CHF 1,200–3,000 annually. Packages include mail forwarding, phone answering, and meeting room access.

This satisfies the legal seat requirement while projecting a professional image to banks and clients.

From CHF 1,200 annually

Accounting & VAT Registration

Our certified accountants manage monthly bookkeeping, annual audits, and VAT filings. If your turnover exceeds CHF 100,000, we register you with the Federal Tax Administration (ESTV) within 30 days.

Rates: 8.1% standard, 2.6% reduced (food/books), 3.8% accommodation.

Full compliance support included

All services integrate seamlessly. You receive one point of contact, unified invoicing, and proactive compliance monitoring — from acquisition to ongoing operations.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

No. A shelf company is a dormant, debt-free entity held for resale. A shell company often implies tax evasion or concealment — illegal under the 2025 Company Act. SwissFirma sells only compliant, verified shelf entities with clean Betreibungsamt extracts.

Yes. The entire process runs remotely via Power of Attorney. You send an apostilled passport copy and notarised PoA. SwissFirma coordinates the notary appointment and registry filings. Ownership transfers in 24–48 hours without travel to Switzerland.

No. The capital was deposited at incorporation and appears in the Articles of Association. It remains in the company's balance sheet. You pay only the purchase price, notary fees, and transfer costs — no second capital injection required.

SwissFirma provides a Betreibungsamt extract (debt register proof) dated within 7 days, plus a notarised warranty from the previous owner. This indemnifies you against undisclosed liabilities. Our legal team audits financial records before listing any entity.

Yes. Name and purpose changes are filed simultaneously with the ownership transfer. The Commercial Register processes updates in 5–7 days. SwissFirma includes this service in the transfer package at no extra cost.

Ownership transfers in 24–48 hours after signing the share purchase agreement. The Commercial Register updates in 5–7 working days. You can trade immediately using the existing UID tax number while Zefix processes the name/director changes.

Annual costs include: accounting/audit (CHF 2,000–5,000), domiciliation (CHF 1,200+), nominee director (CHF 2,500+), and cantonal taxes (varies by revenue). SwissFirma offers bundled packages starting at CHF 6,500 annually for full compliance support.

Yes. Swiss law permits 100% foreign ownership of AG and GmbH entities. However, at least one director must be a Swiss or EU resident. SwissFirma provides nominee director services to satisfy this requirement while you retain full control.

No hidden taxes apply to the transfer itself. However, you must declare the pre-registered company to your home country's tax authority and report beneficial ownership under AML rules. SwissFirma briefs you on cross-border tax treaties and substance requirements during the acquisition process.

Ready to Acquire Your Swiss Shelf Company?

Request our current inventory list. Choose your entity today and trade within 48 hours — debt-free, verified, and fully compliant.

Call +41 44 51 52 591