3 August 2026
Buy a Swiss Shelf Company
Buying shelf companies in Switzerland is one of our company's areas of expertise. Read here about the benefits of a ready-made company.
A shelf company in Switzerland refers to a type of legal entity that is available for purchase. Our team of company formation representatives in Switzerland can offer more details on the costs related to the purchase of a Swiss shelf company and can assist you in buying one.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Legal entities available for shelf company | Private limited liability companies, public limited liability companies |
Time required for purchasing the company | 2 – 3 days |
Types of features it includes (corporate bank account, VAT number, etc) | Legal name and address, statutory documents, local director, tax identification number, bank account |
| The advantages of a shelf company | Quick purchase, possibility of starting operating after making the amendments, access to financing from Swiss banks |
| Appointing new directors (yes/no) | YES |
| Capital increase allowed (yes/no) | YES |
| Certificate of no commercial activities (yes/no) | NO |
| Modify the objects of activity (yes/no) | YES |
| Participants in the purchase procedure | Seller and buyer (local agent can also be used for representation) |
| The cost of buying a shelf company | The price depends on the legal entity, age and other features |
Can I buy a Swiss ready-made company if I am a foreigner?
Yes, Swiss shelf companies are available for sale for both natural persons and companies, local and foreign.
Are there specific steps that I need to follow when buying a shelf company in Switzerland?
No, there is no standard procedure, such is the case with the company formation process in Switzerland, for example; however, we recommend:
- searching for information about the available entities for sale and the providers, to make an informed decision;
- performing a minimum due diligence check (our specialists can help in this step);
- contacting the seller to agree on the terms of the purchase.
Do I need to come to Switzerland to complete the purchase of a ready-made company?
No, not necessarily. As a matter of fact, you have several ways to conclude the acquisition, one of them being you travelling here, if you are a foreigner. The other one is to use our representation services to complete the purchase remotely.
What are the documents that I need to buy a ready-made company in Switzerland?
The ID or passport, depending on your nationality. Then, the service provider will draft the sale-purchase agreement you will sign in order to become the shareholder – the new owner – of the company.
Should you decide to work with us, another document will be the power of attorney.
What documents will I receive when buying a Swiss ready-made business?
You will get the following:
- Memorandum and Articles of Association;
- Certificate of Incorporation;
- tax identification number (in certain cases, VAT number).
How long does it take to acquire a Swiss shelf company in 2026?
A few days, depending on how soon the documents are ready.
Here is also our infographic on such companies:
If you want to start a company in Switzerland, we invite you to discuss with our consultants your alternatives.
What are my choices in terms of Swiss legal entities registered as shelf companies?
Swiss service providers usually put for sale private and public limited liability companies. They can be recently registered or aged. In the case of the latter, you can even buy entities that have been on the shelf for more than 3 years.
How can I use a Swiss turnkey company after buying it?
A shelf company can be used for various activities, including starting an enterprise in a specific industry, but it can also be used for others, such as:
- it can be used to incorporate a company’s history from another country while conducting business in Switzerland;
- it can be used to secure loans from Swiss banks (most banks will evaluate a company’s actions, and a good track record is advantageous);
- it can be utilized to form partnerships with other Swiss companies, but also with governmental agencies;
- it is one of the most common ways to enter into joint venture agreements with other Swiss companies;
- it can also be acquired by foreign companies seeking to create subsidiaries in Switzerland, however, this option is rarely met.
Are there any restrictions on the use of a Swiss shelf company?
No, there are no restrictions imposed when operating a business after buying an aged company.
More details on the Swiss shelf company are available in the video below:
Why are aged shelf companies in so much demand in Switzerland?
Aged entities are not preferred in Switzerland only, but also in other countries where shelf companies are available because they are eligible to apply for loans with local banks. The reason is that they present credibility through their clean financial history.
How much does a 2026 Swiss shelf company cost?
There is no fixed price for a shelf company. In fact, the cost is influenced by the age of the entity – the older the company, the higher the price. Another factor is that ready-made companies also have the share capital deposited, so the cost will also include it.
You can rely on our team for other services. For example, we can offer information on how to use the EORI in Switzerland for foreign businesses trading goods here and we can also offer complete accounting services. In case you need an accountant in Switzerland, please contact us.
For more information regarding shelf companies in Switzerland, please contact our company formation consultants in Switzerland, who can offer professional assistance during the purchase procedures.