Registered Address in Switzerland – A Complete Guide for Businesses & Entrepreneurs

rpcssolutions
Oct 29, 2025
4 min read

When setting up a company in Switzerland, one of the very first legal requirements is having a Registered Address in Switzerland. Whether you are an international entrepreneur, a startup founder, a holding company, or an established enterprise planning to relocate operations, your Swiss business cannot be incorporated without an official, physical registered address. This location serves as your company’s legal domicile for all government correspondence, commercial registration, tax compliance, and administrative communication.

In this detailed guide, we’ll cover what a registered address is, why it is mandatory, what types of companies need it, the benefits of choosing Switzerland as your business domicile, and how foreign-owned firms can obtain a Registered Address in Switzerland without renting a full office.

What is a Registered Address in Switzerland?

A Registered Address in Switzerland is the official, legally-recognized location where your Swiss company is headquartered for legal and tax purposes. It is shown in the Swiss Commercial Register (Handelsregister) and acts as the point of contact for:

Government notifications
Tax filings and communication
Legal correspondence
Company records and statutory documents
Auditor or notary communication
Shareholder notices

The address must be physically located in Switzerland, not a P.O. box alone, and must be accessible for official mail delivery.

Why Is a Registered Address Mandatory?

Swiss authorities require every company — GmbH, AG, branch office, subsidiary, foundation, or association — to have a legally valid domicile in the country. Without a Registered Address in Switzerland, your company cannot be incorporated or listed in the Swiss Commercial Register.

This ensures:

Transparency and legal accountability
Tax jurisdiction clarity
Clear governmental oversight
Proper handling of regulatory mail and correspondence

Even if you operate remotely or digitally with no physical employees in Switzerland, a domicile address is still compulsory.

Who Needs a Registered Address in Switzerland?

The following entities must have a Swiss registered address:

Business Type	Registered Address Required?
GmbH (Limited Liability Company)	✅ Mandatory
AG (Corporation / Joint Stock Company)	✅ Mandatory
Branch Office of Foreign Company	✅ Mandatory
Subsidiary	✅ Mandatory
Foundation or Association	✅ Mandatory
Trading, consulting, or holding companies	✅ Mandatory
Remote / offshore businesses with Swiss presence	✅ Mandatory

Benefits of Having a Registered Address in Switzerland

Switzerland is one of the most reputable business jurisdictions in the world, known for taxation advantages, confidentiality, political stability, and a strong banking ecosystem. Choosing a Registered Address in Switzerland offers numerous benefits, including:

✅ Prestigious business image

A Swiss registered office enhances credibility and international trust.

✅ Access to Swiss banking

Most Swiss banks require proof of a local registered office before opening an account.

✅ Tax advantages

Depending on the canton, companies can benefit from optimized tax rates and incentives.

✅ Legal security & property rights

Swiss law is business-friendly, predictable, and internationally recognized.

✅ Strategic European base

It offers access to EU markets with high operational stability.

Types of Registered Address Options in Switzerland

There are several ways to meet the registered address requirement, depending on your business structure and level of presence.

Option Type	Description	Best For
Virtual Registered Office	Legal address only (mail & compliance)	Remote or foreign-owned companies
Coworking Registered Address	Shared office + business presence	Startups, SMEs
Dedicated Office Address	Full physical office	Swiss-based teams
Domiciliation with fiduciary service	Legal + admin support	Foreign shareholders or holding companies

Foreign entrepreneurs typically choose a virtual Registered Address in Switzerland through a fiduciary or corporate service provider to keep costs low while remaining compliant.

Legal Requirements for a Registered Address

To ensure your Registered Address in Switzerland meets legal standards, it must satisfy:

Be a Swiss-based physical location
Be authorized for government mail delivery
Appear in the official commercial registry
Allow storage or handling of corporate documents (via fiduciary if virtual)

A P.O box alone is not sufficient — it can supplement but not replace the physical domicile.

Can Foreigners Get a Registered Address in Switzerland?

Yes. Foreign entrepreneurs do not need to be Swiss residents to set up a company, but they must have a Swiss registered address. Many international investors use a fiduciary (trust) company to maintain a Registered Address in Switzerland while operating remotely. This service often includes:

Official address hosting
Government correspondence handling
Mail forwarding
Administrative compliance
Legal notifications support

How to Get a Registered Address in Switzerland

The process is straightforward:

Choose your business structure (GmbH, AG, or branch).
Select the canton where you want to register (Zurich, Zug, Geneva, Lucerne, etc.).
Sign a domicile or fiduciary agreement for your Registered Address in Switzerland.
Submit the address details during incorporation.
Get entry approval from the Swiss Commercial Register.

Once approved, the address becomes your company’s official legal domicile.

Common Cantons Popular for Company Registration

Canton	Benefits
Zug	Low taxation & holding-friendly
Zurich	Corporate hub with prime business image
Geneva	International trade and multilingual environment
Lucerne	Growing SME ecosystem

Costs of a Registered Address in Switzerland

Costs vary based on the canton and service provider. A virtual registered office is the most affordable option and is ideal for remote or foreign shareholders. Full offices cost more but provide physical workspace.

Conclusion

A Registered Address in Switzerland is not just a legal formality — it is the foundation of corporate identity and tax compliance in one of the world’s most respected business jurisdictions. Whether you are starting a new company, relocating business operations, or establishing a Swiss presence as a foreign investor, securing a proper registered address is your first and most essential step toward successful incorporation.