The functions of the commercial register

The commercial register in Switzerland primarily provides protection of trust and traffic safety but also fulfills other functions.

The Publicity Function of the Commercial Register

Through the official determination and publication of significant facts, the commercial register creates protection of trust and traffic safety. This function is comparable to that of the land register in real estate transactions. Each canton has an independent commercial register in which company law data are entered. The entries are legally regulated and associated with legal effects. The entries provide an important insight into the various conditions of a company. From the commercial register, for example, it is apparent who is liable for the debts of the company, how the representation relations are designed, what the purpose of the company is and also where the headquarters is located.

Connection and Legal Enforcement Function as well as Identification Function

An entry in the commercial register is associated with certain legal consequences. Those who utilize the connection function voluntarily register in order to be subject to the corresponding legal consequences. An entry has a positive effect on the areas of creditworthiness and company protection.

The commercial register office checks each fact to be registered for its legality, thus increasing legal certainty. The entries must not violate mandatory law and thus support compliance with the law and promote legal enforcement.

Every new company to be registered receives a unique and uniform company identification number (UID). The UID is also visible in the commercial register entry.