Karpeo · Business in Switzerland
Changing a company address or registered office in Switzerland
When moving a Swiss LLC or company limited by shares, first check whether the political municipality changes. A move within the same municipality generally changes only the registered address. A move to another municipality changes the statutory seat and requires a notarised amendment to the articles of association. Here is how to prepare the paperwork and organise the updates after the move.
By Sarah Prieur · Swiss certified public accountant
At a glance
The key points
- Same municipality: the articles of association usually remain unchanged; the registered address is updated.
- Different municipality: changing the statutory seat requires a notarised amendment to the articles.
- Different canton: the new commercial register coordinates the entry with the old register.
- After the move: banks, insurers, authorities and business documents also need the new address.
Video: the difference between an address and a statutory seat
Changing a company address or registered office in Switzerland
In this French-language video, Romain explains the procedure, the main steps and the checks to make when changing a company address or statutory seat.
With Romain Prieur · French · 8 min 07 sec Watch on YouTube Explore the channel
Keep the current commercial register extract, the articles of association and the full new address to hand. First compare the municipality stated in the articles with the municipality of the future business address.
A postal locality, postcode and political municipality do not always match exactly. Check the municipality against official information instead of choosing a procedure from the postcode alone.
The steps below concern moves within Switzerland by LLCs (Sàrl/GmbH) and companies limited by shares (SA/AG). A transfer into or out of Switzerland requires a separate assessment.
Which procedure applies to your move?
| Your situation | What changes | Paperwork to prepare |
|---|---|---|
| New street, same municipality | Registered address | Application to the register and evidence of the address |
| Another municipality, same canton | Statutory seat and registered address | Resolution, notarial deed and amended articles |
| Another canton | Statutory seat, address and competent register | Filing with the new register and coordination between cantons |
Illustrative example: an LLC moves from one address in the City of Geneva to another address within the same municipality. If only the address changes and the articles do not specify that exact address, an amendment to the articles is generally unnecessary.
If it moves to Carouge, it changes municipality while remaining in the canton of Geneva. The statutory seat in the articles must then be amended, even if the members and business activity remain the same. A short move can therefore involve more formalities than moving to another street within the same municipality.
Information and documents to collect
Prepare a clear, consistent file before requesting signatures:
- The exact registered company name and business identification number (UID/IDE).
- The current commercial register extract.
- The current articles of association.
- The new street, building number, postcode and political municipality.
- The intended date of the change.
- The people who must approve and sign the documents.
- Evidence of the address or a domiciliation declaration where required.
If the company uses a third-party business address, the register requires a declaration from the address provider in the appropriate form. Make sure that mail can be received and dealt with at the new address.
For a change of statutory seat, the documents include the resolution and amended articles in the required form. The notary or professional handling the filing will identify the signatures and powers of attorney needed. Avoid signing different templates in parallel: dates and wording must remain consistent.
How to organise the change, step by step
- Check the new address. Confirm the municipality, premises or domiciliation arrangement, and mail handling.
- Choose the procedure. Distinguish an address update from a change of statutory seat.
- Pass the appropriate resolution. Follow the company’s rules on decision-making powers, voting majorities and formalities.
- Prepare the filing. Coordinate the application, supporting documents and notarial deed where required.
- File with the competent office. Use its accepted channel and comply with its documentary requirements.
- Check the result. Review the updated extract and the published entry.
For an inter-cantonal transfer, the new register informs the old register and coordinates removal of the previous entry. The company continues to exist: the process does not mean liquidating the company and creating another one.
Tell the professional preparing the file about any other proposed changes, such as a new company name or signing authority. Our article on updating a company in the Swiss commercial register explains how these changes fit together.
What costs and timeframe should you expect?
The cost depends on the type of change. Updating an address without amending the articles involves different formalities from a transfer of statutory seat that requires a notarial deed.
Ask for a clear breakdown of commercial register fees, document preparation, notarial work, signature certification and any extracts. A commercial quotation should state its exclusions and the work covered. A package price for a seat transfer should not be presented as a compulsory administrative charge for every change of street.
The timeframe depends on signatures, the completeness of the file and processing by the offices involved. If timing matters for a lease or contract, start preparing early. Do not treat the change as confirmed until the required formalities have been checked.
Karpeo’s registered-office and address change service sets out the scope of assistance and associated costs.
Checklist after changing your company address
The commercial register entry does not update every organisation you deal with. Keep a list showing when each notification was sent and when confirmation was received.
| Organisation or document | Useful update |
|---|---|
| Bank and payment providers | Legal address and any supporting evidence requested |
| Insurers and social security compensation office | Employer and business establishment details |
| Tax authorities and VAT administration | Address and any consequences of the move |
| Geneva REG, if the business operates in the canton | Check operating locations and information taken from the commercial register; report other relevant changes |
| Customers and suppliers | Administrative and billing details |
| Contracts, quotations and invoices | Updated business address |
| Website, Google Business Profile and relevant directories | Consistent contact information |
| Post | Mail forwarding and monitoring of important correspondence |
A move to another canton may have tax and administrative consequences that a postal notification does not resolve. Coordinate these questions with your accountant. A lower headline tax rate in the destination canton is not enough to establish the overall tax outcome.
Keep the new extract, articles and resolutions in the company’s permanent records. If you find an error in an address or signing authority, have it corrected promptly instead of copying it into every document.
Frequently asked questions
Does a different postcode necessarily mean a change of registered office?
No. The political municipality determines the statutory seat. A postal locality name or postcode is not always enough. Compare the municipality stated in the articles of association with the municipality of the new address, then confirm the required documents with the competent register or the professional preparing the filing.
Must the articles of association change when the company stays in the same municipality?
Generally not, if only the registered address changes and the articles do not contain that precise address. You must still notify the commercial register and provide the required documents. Signatures and the filing channel must meet the register’s requirements; an informal notification does not replace the formal application.
Can a company use another business’s address?
A third-party domiciliation arrangement may be possible if it meets the applicable requirements. A c/o entry and a declaration from the address provider are generally required. Check the right to use the address, mail handling and suitability for the activity. Domiciliation does not replace a professional licence or the requirement for company representation by a person resident in Switzerland.
Does the commercial register automatically notify every organisation?
It coordinates certain steps, including between the old and new registers when the company changes canton. Do not assume all partners or authorities have been informed. Keep a checklist for banks, insurers, the social security compensation office, tax authorities, customers and suppliers, and verify the confirmations received.
Sources and references
Information checked on 10 October 2026. The official sources below explain the relevant procedures and documentary requirements.
About the author
Sarah Prieur
Sarah Prieur is a Swiss certified public accountant, a partner and head of operations at Karpeo. She supports businesses, self-employed professionals and entrepreneurs with accounting, tax and VAT matters. Before joining Karpeo, she spent eight years in financial audit at PwC Switzerland, progressing to manager.
Read more about Sarah Prieur →