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Business registration in Vetroz follows the federal framework for the commercial register and cantonal procedures in Valais. The commercial register records companies and certain business entities, providing public notice of the company name, legal form, registered office, and directors. In practice, most commercial activities in Vetroz require registration to obtain legal personality, open a business bank account, and enter into enforceable contracts.
The process is coordinated through the Swiss central platform Zefix, which aggregates data from cantonal registers. While the cantonal authorities administer filings, Zefix offers a single point to verify company data and ensure compliance with Swiss registration standards. This system helps local businesses in Vetroz access reliable, publicly available information about other entities and their status.
This guide is informational and does not substitute for legal advice. If you are unsure whether your activity requires registration or how to prepare the proper filings, consult a local avocat or legal counsel with Swiss corporate experience.
The central Swiss company index Zefix provides access to official information from the commercial registers of all cantons, including Valais.
These are real-world, location-specific scenarios in Vetroz where a lawyer specialized in business registration can help you avoid risk and save time.
The Swiss system relies on federal statutes implemented through cantonal offices. The primary laws and concepts that govern business registration in Vetroz include the following:
Handelsregistergesetz (HRG) - Federal Act on the Commercial Register governs the registration of commercial entities, the public nature of the register, and the basic procedures for filing and amendments. It is implemented by cantonal registers, including Valais, and is supported by online tools like Zefix for consistency across cantons. Recent trends emphasize digitization and electronic filing across cantonal offices.
Code of Obligations (OR) - Swiss Company Law outlines the forms of business entities (for example GmbH and AG), required corporate documents, and governance provisions that must be reflected in the registration documents. It covers articles of association, capital requirements, and duties of directors and company secretaries.
Swiss Civil Code (ZGB) - General Civil Law Framework provides background on contracts, capacities, and corporate relationships that underlie registration filings, especially for partnerships and joint ventures. While not a registration act by itself, ZGB concepts influence how businesses structure and report their affairs to the register.
The central registry process is supported by online services and information to help new businesses register in Switzerland.
Zefix consolidates official data from cantonal commercial registers and offers public access to company information nationwide.
Recent changes and ongoing reforms emphasize digital submissions, faster processing, and clearer guidance for small and medium enterprises starting up in cantons like Valais. For step by step guidance tailored to Vetroz, consult cantonal or local avocat who can interpret how HRG, OR, and ZGB apply to your case.
The commercial register records details of registered businesses to ensure transparency and enforceability of contracts. It helps third parties verify a company’s legal status and leadership.
Decide the legal form, prepare the articles of association, appoint directors, and file the registration with the cantonal registry via Zefix. A notary or avocat may be required for certain forms like GmbH or AG.
A GmbH is a limited liability company with moderate capital and governance requirements. An AG is a joint stock company with stricter capital rules and board responsibilities. Both must be registered with the commercial register.
Not for every form, but for many registrations in Switzerland, particularly for AGs and some GmbH filings, a notary signature is required for legal validity. A Swiss avocat can coordinate with a notary on your behalf.
Costs vary by entity type and filing method. Expect notary fees, registration fees, and potential translation costs if documents are in a non-official language. An avocat can provide a precise quote for your case.
Typical timelines range from 2 to 6 weeks, depending on form, completeness of documents, and cantonal processing times. Banks may require quicker confirmation for opening accounts.
While not always mandatory, a lawyer or avocat can prevent common errors, draft charter documents, ensure proper signatories, and handle substitutions for notaries where needed.
Yes, cantonal and federal processes increasingly support online submissions and electronic signatures, facilitated through Zefix and cantonal portals.
Typically you will need identification, a draft of the articles of association, details of directors and shareholders, registered office address, and proof of capital where applicable. Requirements vary by entity type.
Before registering a name, conduct a conflict check in Zefix to ensure the name is not already in use or protected. Registering a name provides public notice and prevents later disputes.
Yes, changes such as a capital increase, changes in boards, or changes of address must be filed with the registry. Timing and documentation depend on the business form.
The registry will specify the reason for rejection. You may need to amend documents, provide missing information, or obtain additional approvals from authorities or NOTARIES before re-filing.
