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Why Not All Shelf Companies Are Equal: Key Due Diligence Steps

Entrepreneur conducting due diligence on a Swiss shelf company

A Fast Start—But With Care

Purchasing a shelf company—a pre-registered, inactive Swiss entity—offers an efficient way to start business operations immediately. You skip the incorporation process and gain a company with a clean registration history.
However, not all shelf companies are equal. Some may have incomplete documentation or hidden liabilities. That’s why performing proper due diligence before purchase is crucial to ensure your investment is safe and compliant.
At RB Swiss Group GmbH, we specialize in verified Swiss shelf companies that meet all legal and financial standards—ready for immediate transfer to new owners.

1. Confirm the Company’s Legal and Financial Cleanliness

Before purchasing, it’s vital to confirm that the shelf company is free of any debts, pending taxes, or legal disputes.
You should always review:
  • An official commercial register extract confirming the company’s inactive status
  • A tax clearance certificate
  • A declaration of no previous commercial activity
  • Updated Articles of Association
RB Swiss Group provides all these documents transparently so that you can be confident in the company’s integrity from day one.

2. Work Only with Verified Providers

The reputation and compliance of the provider matter as much as the company itself. Reliable firms follow strict Swiss KYC (Know Your Customer) and AML (Anti-Money Laundering) procedures.
As a licensed fiduciary and corporate services provider, RB Swiss Group ensures full legal compliance, with all transactions verified by Swiss notaries and commercial registries.
Our experts handle:
  • Ownership transfer
  • Board of directors registration
  • Shareholder documentation
  • Domiciliation updates and company seat changes

3. Check Compliance and Administrative Standing

Even dormant companies must comply with certain administrative obligations, such as maintaining a registered address and filing any required declarations.
When you buy through RB Swiss Group, each company is:
  • Fully registered and compliant with Swiss law
  • Ready for immediate ownership transfer
  • Linked to an active domicile address in Zug, Zurich, or other Swiss cantons
We also assist in setting up your domicile address in Zug or transferring it to another canton if needed.

4. Align Structure with Your Business Plans

A shelf company should match your business goals. Check:
  • The legal form (GmbH or AG)
  • The share capital and ownership structure
  • Whether the company’s name and purpose suit your intended activity
Our team can help you rename the company, update its purpose, or modify its share capital to align perfectly with your operations.
You can also combine this with our other services, such as:

5. Ensure Secure and Transparent Transfer

Transferring ownership requires official filings, notarized documents, and registry updates. RB Swiss Group coordinates this entire process so you can focus on your business launch, not bureaucracy.
You receive a company that’s:
  • Legally yours within a few days
  • Fully compliant with Swiss corporate regulations
  • Ready to operate immediately with a Swiss address and structure

Partner with RB Swiss Group for a Safe Start

Buying a shelf company can be a smart shortcut to start your Swiss business—but only when it’s done properly.
By verifying the provider, reviewing all documentation, and ensuring compliance, you protect yourself from hidden risks.
At RB Swiss Group, every shelf company we offer is carefully vetted, debt-free, and ready for a smooth transfer. Our clients benefit from full transparency, expert legal support, and reliable aftercare services.
Start your Swiss business the smart way—with a verified shelf company from RB Swiss Group.
Contact our experts for a consultation and learn how you can take ownership of a ready-to-use Swiss GmbH or AG within days.
📞 +41 41 410 61 61
🏢 RB Swiss Group GmbH, Blegistrasse 7, CH – 6340 Baar