Buy a Shelf AG
in Switzerland.
Acquire a ready-made Swiss corporation and start doing business within 48 hours. Every AG in our portfolio is verified, debt-free, and managed by a qualified lawyer.
Share Capital
Minimum (50% paid in)
Operational
Transfer & register update
Status
Zero liabilities confirmed
Jurisdiction
Seefeld district
What Is a Shelf AG?
A shelf AG (Aktiengesellschaft) is a pre-registered Swiss corporation that has been incorporated, entered into the Commercial Register, and held dormant without any business activity. When you purchase a shelf AG, the shares are transferred to you, and the board of directors is updated to reflect your chosen management structure.
The AG is Switzerland's most prestigious corporate form. Governed by Articles 620-763 of the Swiss Code of Obligations, it is the preferred legal structure for international businesses, holding companies, enterprises seeking investor capital, and situations requiring shareholder privacy.
Unlike the GmbH, the AG does not publish shareholder names in the Commercial Register. Only board members are publicly listed — shareholders are recorded in a private share register maintained by the company. This makes the AG the natural choice for investors and entrepreneurs who value discretion.
Why Buy a Shelf AG?
Immediate Operability
Forming a new AG takes 2-4 weeks (notarisation, capital deposit, register entry). A shelf AG is already registered. Share transfer and board changes complete within 24-48 hours. You can begin operations, sign contracts, and onboard clients immediately.
Established Commercial History
Certain contracts, tenders, banking relationships, and regulatory applications require a company with an existing registration date. A shelf AG provides that corporate history — valuable when applying for licences, opening bank accounts, or bidding on contracts that specify minimum company age.
Banking Advantage
Swiss banks are more receptive to existing entities than newly formed ones. A shelf AG with a clean track record can streamline the account opening process, especially for businesses in regulated sectors like fintech, commodities trading, or wealth management.
Operational Simplicity
No need to draft articles of association, open a capital deposit escrow account, coordinate a notarised founding assembly, or wait for Commercial Register processing. We handle the share transfer agreement, board resolutions, and all register updates on your behalf.
Clean Track Record Guarantee
Our shelf companies have never traded. They have no debts, no tax liabilities, no employees, no social insurance obligations, and no pending disputes. We provide a full due diligence package including financial statements and tax clearance before sale.
What Is Included.
Corporate Documents
Articles of association, board minutes, founding documents
Share Register
Updated share register reflecting new ownership
Commercial Register Extract
Current extract confirming company details and directors
Debt-Free Certificate
Legal representation of zero liabilities, tax clearance
Paid-In Capital
Minimum CHF 50,000 capital already deposited
Full Legal Support
Lawyer-managed transfer from consultation to handover
The Purchase Process.
Strategy Consultation
We discuss your business objectives, preferred canton, timeline, and whether an AG or GmbH is the right structure. You receive a curated list of available shelf companies with registration details, canton, and age.
Due Diligence & KYC
We verify your identity and beneficial ownership structure per Swiss AML requirements. Simultaneously, we provide a comprehensive due diligence report confirming the shelf AG has zero liabilities, no tax obligations, and a clean register history.
Share Transfer & Board Resolution
Shares are transferred via written assignment agreement. Board resignations and appointments are executed by resolution. If needed, the company name and business purpose are amended at the same time — requiring a general assembly resolution.
Commercial Register Filing
We prepare and file all changes with the cantonal Commercial Register office. Depending on the canton, processing takes 1-3 business days. Zurich is typically fastest at 1-2 days.
Handover & Operational Setup
You receive all corporate documents, updated share register, board minutes, and access credentials. Parallel services — bank account, registered office, nominee director, accounting — can be activated simultaneously.
Costs & Timeline.
| Component | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Share Capital (paid-in) | CHF 50,000 - 100,000 | Included in company. Yours upon transfer. |
| Legal & Transfer Fees | CHF 3,000 - 8,000 | Depends on complexity, name change, canton. |
| Commercial Register | CHF 600 - 1,200 | Government fee. Varies by canton. |
| Notary (if required) | CHF 500 - 1,500 | For articles amendment or name change. |
| Timeline | 24-48 hours | Share transfer. Register update: +1-3 days. |
Shelf AG vs. Shelf GmbH.
| Feature | AG | GmbH |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Capital | CHF 100,000 | CHF 20,000 |
| Paid-In at Formation | 50% (CHF 50,000) | 100% (CHF 20,000) |
| Shareholder Privacy | Private register | Public (names published) |
| Share Transfer | Written agreement | Notarised + register |
| Best For | Holdings, investors, international | SMEs, startups, cost-conscious |
| Governance | Board of Directors | Managing Director(s) |
Not sure which form suits you? Read our detailed AG vs. GmbH comparison or view shelf GmbH options.
Frequently Asked Questions.
How much does a shelf AG cost in Switzerland?
Can I change the company name after purchase?
Do I need to be a Swiss resident to buy a shelf AG?
How long does the full transfer process take?
What documents and deliverables are included?
Is the shelf AG truly debt-free?
Can I complete the entire purchase remotely?
What is the difference between a shelf AG and a shelf GmbH?
Can I open a bank account for the shelf AG?
Do I need a Swiss registered office address?
What are the ongoing obligations after purchase?
Why choose Rohrer Consulting over other providers?
Complete Your Setup.
Nominee Director
Swiss-resident director to meet legal domicile requirements.
Bank Account Opening
Corporate bank account at leading Swiss banks.
Registered Office
Premium Zurich business address at Seefeldstrasse 69.
Accounting & Tax
Ongoing bookkeeping, annual accounts, and tax filings.
ALEX ROHRER.
Founder & Managing Partner of Rohrer Consulting. Corporate and tax lawyer with Big Four experience. Alex personally oversees every client engagement, providing direct expert counsel from initial consultation through to completion.
Corporate & Tax Law, Big Four International Consulting
Seefeldstrasse 69, 8008 Zurich
Secure Your Shelf AG.
Contact Alex Rohrer for a personalised quote and a list of available shelf AGs. Free initial consultation.
Request Inventory