How to Get a Commercial Register Extract in Switzerland

A commercial register extract (Handelsregisterauszug, extrait du registre du commerce) is the single most requested document from Switzerland’s commercial register system. It is the official proof that a company exists, is properly registered, and is in good standing. Banks require it to open a corporate account. Notaries ask for it before authenticating transactions. Foreign authorities demand it when a Swiss company operates across borders.

This guide covers every practical aspect: what an extract contains, the different types available, how to order one from any canton, what it costs, and when a free alternative such as Zefix is sufficient instead. The register extract is one of several types of official commercial register records maintained by cantonal authorities.

What Is a Commercial Register Extract?

A commercial register extract is an official document issued by a cantonal register office (Handelsregisteramt) that certifies the current registered data of a company or other legal entity. It is the Swiss equivalent of a certificate of good standing, company search certificate, or Auszug aus dem Handelsregister in Austrian and German terminology.

The extract draws its legal authority from the Swiss Code of Obligations (OR Art. 930) and the Commercial Register Ordinance (HRegV). Because registered facts carry a presumption of correctness under OR Art. 933, the extract serves as legally reliable evidence of what it states. Third parties acting in good faith can rely on the information in a certified extract.

Every cantonal register office issues extracts for entities registered in its canton. A company registered in Zurich obtains its extract from the Zurich Handelsregisteramt. A company in Geneva obtains it from the Geneva registre du commerce. There is no federal-level extract — you always go to the canton where the company’s registered office (Sitz) is located.

What Information Does an Extract Contain?

A standard register extract lists every data field that is part of the public register record. For a typical GmbH or AG, this includes:

For a GmbH, the extract reveals the full ownership structure because every quota holder’s name and contribution is registered publicly. For an AG, shareholder names are never part of the public register — only the board of directors and authorised signatories appear.

The extract also references the most recent SOGC (Swiss Official Gazette of Commerce) publication number, linking the document to the official publication trail.

What Types of Register Extract Are Available?

Swiss cantonal registers issue several types of extract, each suited to different purposes.

The current certified extract is by far the most commonly ordered type. It shows the company’s status as of the date of issue and carries legal evidentiary value. When someone says “I need a register extract”, this is usually what they mean.

The historical extract is valuable for due diligence in acquisition scenarios. It reveals the complete chronology: when directors were appointed or removed, when capital was increased or reduced, when the purpose clause was amended, and when the registered office was moved. Each entry is timestamped and linked to the corresponding SOGC publication.

The uncertified extract is a plain printout of the same data, without the official stamp. Most cantonal register websites let you generate this for free by simply viewing and printing the company’s online register entry. It is useful for quick reference but carries no legal weight.

When Do You Need a Register Extract?

The situations that require an official (certified) register extract are predictable and well-defined.

Opening a corporate bank account. Every Swiss bank requires a certified register extract as part of the account opening process. This applies to all major banks (UBS, Credit Suisse successor entities, ZKB, Raiffeisen) and to cantonal banks. The extract proves the company’s existence and identifies who has signing authority — information the bank needs for its KYC (Know Your Customer) obligations under the Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA).

Entering into significant contracts. Counterparties in major transactions — real estate purchases, large supply agreements, joint ventures — routinely request a register extract to verify that the person signing has the authority to bind the company. A contract signed by someone without registered signing authority may be voidable.

Public tenders and government contracts. Swiss federal and cantonal procurement processes typically require a register extract as part of the bidding documentation. The extract confirms the company’s legal existence, its purpose (to verify it operates in the relevant sector), and its good standing.

Foreign authority requirements. If a Swiss company operates abroad, foreign regulators, tax authorities, or business partners may request proof of incorporation. A certified register extract, often with an apostille, serves this purpose.

Regulatory applications. Applying for licences — financial market authorisation from FINMA, cantonal trade permits, or professional licences — generally requires submitting a current register extract.

Notarial transactions. Notaries authenticating corporate transactions (share transfers, capital changes, mergers) require a current extract to verify the company’s registered status and authorised signatories.

Court proceedings. When a company is party to litigation, the court may request a register extract to confirm the entity’s existence and proper representation.

How Do You Order a Register Extract?

There are three ways to obtain a register extract, and the process varies slightly by canton.

1. Online (fastest method)

Most cantonal register offices offer online ordering through their websites. The typical process:

1. Go to the cantonal register website (see the full list in our commercial register guide).
2. Search for the company by name or UID number.
3. Select the company from the search results.
4. Choose the extract type (certified, uncertified, historical).
5. Select the delivery format (PDF by email or physical copy by post).
6. Pay by credit card, PostFinance, or invoice.
7. Receive the extract — digital extracts are often available within minutes.

Cantons with fully digital ordering include Zurich, Zug, Bern, Geneva, Vaud, Basel-Stadt, St. Gallen, and Lucerne. These cantons generate the extract automatically and deliver a digitally signed PDF to your email.

2. In person

You can visit the cantonal register office during business hours and request an extract at the counter. Some offices issue extracts on the spot; others prepare them within one to two hours. Bring the company name or UID number.

This method is useful if you need the extract immediately with a physical stamp and signature, or if you need to discuss your request with a register officer (for example, when ordering a historical extract with specific date parameters).

3. By post or email

Send a written request to the cantonal register office, including:

• The company name and/or UID number
• The type of extract you need
• Your delivery address
• Payment details or a request for an invoice

Processing by post typically takes three to five business days. Some cantonal offices accept requests by email, which can speed up the process.

Canton-by-canton ordering portals

Each canton operates its own portal. The major cantons’ ordering pages are accessible directly from their commercial register websites. For the complete list of all 26 cantonal register websites, see the table in our Swiss commercial register guide.

Key portals for the most commercially active cantons:

• Zurich (ZH): Online ordering via zh.ch/handelsregister — fully digital, PDF delivery
• Zug (ZG): Online ordering via zg.ch/de/wirtschaft-arbeit/handelsregister — fast digital processing
• Geneva (GE): Online ordering via ge.ch/registre-du-commerce
• Bern (BE): Online ordering via hra.dij.be.ch
• Vaud (VD): Online ordering via vd.ch/registre-du-commerce
• Basel-Stadt (BS): Online ordering via bs.ch/handelsregister

How Much Does a Register Extract Cost?

Fees vary by canton and extract type. The federal fee ordinance (Gebührenverordnung zum HRegV) sets a framework, but cantons have some discretion in setting their rates.

Most cantons fall within the CHF 17–40 range for a standard certified extract. Zurich is the least expensive at CHF 17. Larger cantons with French- or Italian-speaking populations tend to charge slightly more, typically CHF 25.

If you need the extract sent by registered post, some cantons add a postal surcharge of CHF 5–10.

How Long Does Processing Take by Canton?

The speed of delivery depends on whether you order a digital or physical extract and which canton you are dealing with.

Digitally advanced cantons such as Zurich, Zug, and Bern deliver PDF extracts almost instantly after payment. The document carries a digital signature that is legally equivalent to a physical stamp.

Smaller cantons that still process requests manually may take longer, particularly for historical extracts that require compiling data from older records.

When Does Certification Matter?

The distinction between a certified and uncertified extract is straightforward but consequential.

A certified extract (beglaubigter Auszug) bears the official stamp and signature (or digital signature) of the cantonal register office. It has legal evidentiary value under Swiss procedural law. Courts, banks, notaries, and authorities accept it as proof of the facts it states. Under OR Art. 933, third parties can rely on certified register data in good faith.

An uncertified extract is an informational printout. It shows the same data but without official authentication. It has no legal evidentiary value. You cannot submit it to a bank for account opening, to a court as evidence, or to a foreign authority for legalisation.

When certification is required:

• Opening or maintaining a bank account
• Signing notarised documents
• Participating in public tenders
• Submitting regulatory applications
• Providing proof to foreign authorities
• Court filings and legal proceedings
• Real estate transactions involving a company

When an uncertified extract is sufficient:

• Internal company records
• Preliminary due diligence and research
• Verifying basic company data for your own reference
• Sharing company details with a prospective business partner informally

In practice, if anyone outside your own organisation asks for a register extract, they almost certainly expect the certified version.

Do You Need an Apostille for International Use?

When a Swiss register extract is needed abroad, the receiving country typically requires authentication beyond the cantonal stamp. The process depends on whether the destination country is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention.

Hague Convention member states (approximately 125 countries):

An apostille is sufficient. The process:

1. Order a certified register extract from the cantonal register office.
2. Submit the extract to the cantonal chancellery (Staatskanzlei) for an apostille. Some cantons handle apostilles directly; others refer you to the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (EDA).
3. The chancellery or EDA affixes the apostille — a standardised certificate confirming the authenticity of the extract’s stamp and signature.
4. The apostilled extract is now valid in the destination country.

Cost: CHF 20–50 for the apostille itself, in addition to the extract fee. Processing time: two to five business days.

Non-Hague countries:

Full consular legalisation is required. This involves the cantonal chancellery, the EDA, and the embassy or consulate of the destination country in Switzerland. The process takes longer (one to three weeks) and costs more (CHF 50–200, depending on the consulate’s fees).

What Free Alternatives Exist?

Not every situation requires a paid, certified extract. Several free tools provide register data without official certification.

Zefix (zefix.ch)

The federal Zefix portal shows basic data — company name, legal form, UID number, registered office, and status — for every registered entity across all 26 cantons. It is free, requires no account, and returns results instantly. However, Zefix does not show directors, signing authority, capital details, or the purpose clause. And it has no legal evidentiary value.

Use Zefix when you need a quick verification that a company exists and is active. For details on using Zefix effectively, see our Zefix guide.

Cantonal register online search

Most cantonal register websites let you search for companies and view their full register entry online for free. This shows more detail than Zefix, including directors, signing authority, and the purpose clause. You can print the page, but the printout is not certified.

Moneyhouse (moneyhouse.ch)

A commercial data provider that aggregates register data with additional business intelligence (credit ratings, financial data, corporate networks). Basic company data is free; detailed reports require a paid subscription. Moneyhouse data is sourced from the commercial register but is not an official document and carries no legal weight.

UID register (uid.admin.ch)

The Federal Statistical Office’s UID register lets you verify a UID number and find the associated company name and address. Useful for UID verification but limited in scope.

None of these alternatives replaces a certified register extract for official purposes. They are research tools, not legal documents.

How We Verified Extract Costs and Procedures

All fees listed in this guide were verified directly against the ordering portals of the respective cantonal Handelsregisteramt offices, including Zurich (zh.ch), Zug (zg.ch), Geneva (ge.ch), and Bern (be.ch). Processing times reflect actual orders placed through these portals. Legal references cite the current HRegV (Commercial Register Ordinance) and the federal Gebuhrenverordnung (fee ordinance). Apostille procedures follow the guidelines published by the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (EDA). This guide is reviewed by Florian Rosenberg, who regularly orders register extracts on behalf of clients forming and managing Swiss companies.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Swiss commercial register extract cost?

A certified commercial register extract (beglaubigter Handelsregisterauszug) costs between CHF 17 and CHF 40, depending on the canton. Zurich charges CHF 17 for a standard certified extract. Zug charges CHF 20. Some cantons charge up to CHF 40. A historical extract showing all past changes typically costs CHF 30–50. Uncertified extracts are free or cost up to CHF 10 in most cantons. The fee is set by each cantonal register office within the framework of the federal fee ordinance (Gebührenverordnung zum HRegV).

How long does it take to get a register extract?

Processing time depends on the canton and format. Digital extracts ordered online from cantons such as Zurich, Zug, and Bern are typically available within minutes to a few hours as a PDF download. Physical certified extracts sent by post take one to three business days. If you need an apostille for international use, add another two to five business days for processing by the cantonal chancellery or the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs.

Can I use a Zefix printout instead of an official register extract?

For informal purposes such as internal reference or preliminary due diligence, a Zefix printout is sufficient. However, Zefix data is not certified and has no legal evidentiary value. Banks, notaries, courts, and foreign authorities will not accept a Zefix printout as proof of a company's existence or current registration status. For any official, legal, or banking purpose, you need a certified extract (beglaubigter Handelsregisterauszug) from the cantonal register office.

Do I need an apostille on a Swiss register extract for use abroad?

It depends on the receiving country. Switzerland is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, so for use in any of the approximately 125 member states, an apostille is sufficient. You obtain the apostille from the cantonal chancellery (Staatskanzlei) or the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (EDA). For countries that are not party to the Convention, you may need full consular legalisation. The apostille confirms the authenticity of the extract's official stamp and signature, making it legally valid in the destination country.

How long is a Swiss commercial register extract valid?

Swiss law does not set a formal expiry period for a register extract, but most institutions impose their own requirements. Swiss banks typically accept extracts dated within three to six months. Foreign authorities often specify a maximum age of three months. Courts and notaries generally require an extract issued within the last month for active proceedings. Because company data can change at any time — a director may be replaced or a capital change registered — recipients want recent extracts to ensure the data is current. For time-sensitive transactions, ordering a fresh extract rather than reusing an older one is standard practice.

Can a register extract be delivered digitally?

Yes. Most major cantons now offer fully digital register extracts as digitally signed PDF documents. These digital extracts carry an electronic signature equivalent in legal weight to a physical stamp under Swiss electronic signature law (ZertES). Zurich, Zug, Bern, Basel-Stadt, and Geneva all offer instant digital delivery by email after online payment. Digital extracts are accepted by Swiss banks and most foreign authorities. Some foreign jurisdictions still require a physical stamp; in those cases, a physical extract sent by registered post remains necessary.

Who can order a Swiss commercial register extract?

Anyone. The commercial register is a public document and extracts may be ordered by any person or entity, regardless of whether they have a connection to the company. You do not need to be a shareholder, director, or legal representative. Swiss law does not require you to state a reason for ordering an extract. This is consistent with the publicity principle (Publizitätsprinzip) of Swiss commercial law: registered data is publicly available to all.

What is the difference between a current extract and a historical extract?

A current extract (Auszug) shows the company's registered data as of the date of issue — who the current directors are, the current share capital, and the current registered address. It does not show changes that have since been amended. A historical extract (historischer Auszug) shows the complete chronology of all registered facts from the date of formation to the present: every director change, every capital increase or reduction, every purpose clause amendment, and every address move, each with the date and SOGC publication reference. Historical extracts are essential for due diligence in acquisitions and are typically used in M&A transactions and regulatory investigations.

Do I need a certified extract to open a Swiss bank account for my company?

Yes. Every Swiss bank requires a certified register extract (beglaubigter Handelsregisterauszug) as part of the corporate account opening process. This is a standard Know Your Customer (KYC) requirement under the Swiss Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA). The extract must typically be dated within three to six months. Most banks also require the articles of association, identification documents for directors and beneficial owners, and in some cases a business plan or description of the company's activities. Online banks and fintech platforms may accept digital extracts with an electronic signature.

Can I get a register extract for a company that has been dissolved?

Yes. Cantonal register offices retain records of dissolved and deleted companies. You can order a current extract (which will show the deleted status and deletion date) or a historical extract (which shows the full corporate history up to dissolution). Deleted company records are kept permanently by cantonal registers and are not expunged. This is useful for historical research, tracing corporate predecessors, verifying claims about past business relationships, or gathering evidence in legal proceedings concerning the former company.