Nowadays, there are many websites, which claim they can register a Swiss company for you at a low price,
and even online. While the others promise you to open a private account in Swiss bank, without visiting
Switzerland in person.
Some mediators are ready to assist you with acquisition of real property in Switzerland, before
you obtain a Swiss residence permit.
How is it possible? These websites are mostly run by companies or individuals, who are
not even located in Switzerland. Sometimes these companies or individuals have post boxes in
Switzerland, but nothing else. Please be aware that this kind of companies can do nothing for
you, rather than to lay hold on your money.
So, how do you know if you are dealing with a real Swiss company, proficient in company formation
and able to assist you?
Our advice is to follow a few simple steps.
Steps to follow
1. The company has to be registered in Switzerland in the official Central Business Names Index
(Commercial Register / ZEFIX).
If you can't find the name of the company in this index, it simply
means that you are not dealing with a real Swiss company. No exception.
2. The company running a Swiss website, must have a valid address in Switzerland. PO Box
numbers should not be considered as a valid address. All companies in Switzerland must have at
least a street address. No exception.
3. Then, you should ask yourself "Who is the owner of this website?". There are many online sources,
which can provide you this kind of information called WHOIS, like whois.net or networksolutions.com, for example. For ".ch" domains, check
the WHOIS information, provided by SwitchPlus (the official registrar for ".ch" domains).
If you can't see, who
the owner of a website is because of a so-called "private registration", then you should ask
yourself, why the owner of the website do not want you to see, who he is and where he is located.
Issues of time and cost
To incorporate a company in Switzerland, one has to go through a certain procedure, which involves
various third parties: Lawyers, Swiss bank, Notary Public, Cantonal Commercial Registry Office,
Federal Commercial Registry Office, etc. Hence it is physically impossible to form a company
in 3-5 days. No exception.
To purchase commercial property in Switzerland, one has to set up a legal entity before investing;
while for purchasing residential real estate, one has to obtain a Swiss residence permit, prior to
making advance payments.
Do not be in hurry! Please be aware that acquisition or real property by foreigners is restricted
in Switzerland. No exception.
As to the issue of costs involved, be afraid of hidden cost. When comparing different offers, keep
in mind that our incorporation fees include payment to third parties: Notary and Commercial
Registry Office, while other offers – not always.
In addition, our company incorporation fees include payment for opening an account in
reputable Swiss bank, while other offers – not always. |
Investing & saving in Switzerland
About MB GROUP
