How Do Company Naming Rules Work in Switzerland?
Every company name registered in Switzerland must include the correct legal form suffix (GmbH, AG, etc.), be distinguishable from all other registered names nationwide, and not mislead the public about the business. These three requirements are set out in Articles 944 to 956 of the Swiss Code of Obligations (Obligationenrecht, OR) and further specified in the Commercial Register Ordinance (Handelsregisterverordnung, HRegV). The Federal Commercial Registry Office (Eidgenössisches Amt für das Handelsregister, EHRA) oversees naming compliance across all 26 cantonal registers.
The three core requirements in detail:
- Include the correct legal form suffix — GmbH, AG, or the equivalent in French or Italian.
- Be distinguishable from all other names already in the commercial register.
- Not be misleading about the nature, scope, or geographical reach of the business.
These rules apply at the point of registration. The cantonal register office checks every application against these criteria and rejects names that fail any of them. Rejections are one of the most common reasons for delays in the company registration process, so understanding the rules before you choose a name saves time and money. Naming rules are part of the broader set of legal requirements that govern company formation in Switzerland.
Why Trust This Naming Guide?
This guide is based on the EHRA’s published naming practice directives and Articles 944–956 of the Swiss Code of Obligations. The naming rules and examples reflect real EHRA decisions reviewed over more than 300 company name submissions across multiple cantons. Canton-specific differences in name acceptance practice are drawn from direct experience with register offices in Zurich, Zug, Geneva, and Bern. Where the EHRA’s informal assessment process is described, the information comes from first-hand use of that procedure.
What Legal Form Suffixes Are Mandatory?
Swiss law requires every company name to include a designation of its legal form. This is not optional — a name without the correct suffix will be rejected by the commercial register.
Required suffixes by structure
| Legal Structure | German | French | Italian |
|---|---|---|---|
| Limited liability company | GmbH | Sàrl | Sagl |
| Corporation | AG | SA | SA |
| General partnership | Kollektivgesellschaft | société en nom collectif | società in nome collettivo |
| Limited partnership | Kommanditgesellschaft | société en commandite | società in accomandita |
| Cooperative | Genossenschaft | société coopérative | società cooperativa |
For the GmbH, the full form Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung can be used instead of the abbreviation. The same applies to the AG (Aktiengesellschaft). In practice, nearly all companies use the abbreviation.
Where does the suffix go? The legal form designation typically appears at the end of the company name (e.g., “Alpine Solutions GmbH”), but Swiss law does not strictly mandate its position. It must, however, be clearly identifiable as part of the official name.
Sole proprietorships (Einzelfirma) do not use a legal form suffix. Instead, they must include the owner’s surname, which serves as the identifying element.
What Language Can a Swiss Company Name Be In?
Company names in Switzerland can be in any language, including English, German, French, Italian, Romansh, or any other language. Switzerland has four national languages, but this flexibility extends to international naming.
The key language rules:
- The company name itself can be in any language. English names such as “SwissFinance Group AG” or “Alpine Tech Solutions GmbH” are common and fully permissible.
- The legal form suffix must be in one of the three official commercial languages: German, French, or Italian. You cannot register as “Alpine Solutions LLC” or “Alpine Solutions Ltd” — it must be GmbH, Sàrl, Sagl, AG, or SA.
- The suffix language does not need to match the canton. A company registered in Geneva (French-speaking) can use “GmbH” rather than “Sàrl”, and a company in Zurich (German-speaking) can use “SA” instead of “AG”. This is explicitly permitted under OR Art. 950.
- A company can register multiple language versions of its name. For example, a firm might register both “Helvetia Beratung GmbH” and “Helvetia Consulting Sàrl” as the same entity. Both versions appear in the commercial register.
This flexibility is particularly useful for companies that operate across language regions or serve an international clientele.
How Unique Must a Swiss Company Name Be?
Every company name must be clearly distinguishable from all other names already registered anywhere in Switzerland — this is a nationwide check, not limited to the canton of registration (OR Art. 951).
What “distinguishable” means in practice:
- Identical names are always rejected. If “Alpine Consulting GmbH” already exists, you cannot register the same name, even in a different canton.
- Confusingly similar names are also rejected. “Alpin Consulting GmbH” or “Alpine Consultants GmbH” would likely be considered too similar.
- The legal form suffix alone does not create distinctiveness. “Alpine Solutions GmbH” and “Alpine Solutions AG” are not sufficiently different — the distinguishing element must be in the name itself, not just the company type.
- Minor spelling variations (adding or removing a letter, using “ue” instead of “ü”) do not create sufficient distinction.
- Adding a geographic element can help. “Alpine Consulting Zurich GmbH” may be accepted even if “Alpine Consulting GmbH” already exists, provided the addition creates genuine distinctiveness and is not misleading.
The EHRA applies these criteria with some discretion. Borderline cases are assessed on a case-by-case basis, considering whether the names could cause confusion in normal business dealings.
Distinctiveness across language versions
Because Switzerland is multilingual, the EHRA also checks across languages. If “Lac Consulting Sàrl” exists, registering “See Consulting GmbH” (the German translation) could be challenged if the EHRA considers them confusingly similar in the context of Swiss commerce.
Which Words Are Prohibited or Restricted in Swiss Company Names?
Certain words and elements are either prohibited outright or subject to additional scrutiny when used in company names.
Outright prohibitions
- Government and authority names. Names that suggest a connection to the Swiss federal government, cantonal governments, or public authorities are not permitted. You cannot include “Bundesamt” (Federal Office), “Kanton”, or similar official designations.
- Protected international designations. Terms protected under international treaties — such as “Red Cross”, “Olympic”, or “United Nations” — are prohibited without authorisation from the relevant organisation.
- Names of existing public institutions. Using the name of a Swiss university, hospital, or other public body in a way that implies affiliation is not permitted.
Restricted elements (permitted with conditions)
| Element | Rule | Example |
|---|---|---|
| “Swiss” / “Schweiz” / “Suisse” | Permitted but may attract EHRA scrutiny. The company should have a genuine connection to Switzerland. | “Swiss Digital Finance AG” — accepted if genuinely Swiss-based |
| “National” / “International” | Permitted if not misleading about scope. A single-person consultancy calling itself “International” may be challenged. | “International Trade Services GmbH” — accepted for a company engaged in cross-border trade |
| Canton or city names | Permitted if the company is actually based there. Using “Zurich” in the name while registering in Zug could be rejected as misleading. | “Zurich Advisors AG” — accepted if registered in Zurich |
| Industry-specific terms | Terms like “Bank”, “Versicherung” (insurance), or “Treuhand” (fiduciary) are permitted only for companies that hold the required licence. | “Alpine Bank AG” — rejected without a FINMA banking licence |
| Personal names (not the founder’s) | Using a famous person’s name or a name associated with another business can be challenged under unfair competition law (UWG). | Avoid names that could be confused with established brands |
Purely descriptive names
Names that consist entirely of generic descriptive terms risk rejection. “Consulting AG” or “Trading GmbH” are technically permissible under OR but may be rejected by the EHRA for lacking distinctiveness. Adding a fantasy element, a founder’s name, or a geographic qualifier solves this: “Novara Consulting AG” or “Rossi Trading GmbH”.
The EHRA’s practice has become somewhat more lenient towards descriptive names in recent years, but a distinctive element remains strongly recommended to avoid delays.
How Do You Check if a Company Name Is Available?
Before preparing formation documents, verify that your chosen name is available. There are two methods.
1. Search the Zefix central index
Zefix (Zentraler Firmenindex) is the official central index of all Swiss commercial register entries, operated by the Federal Office of Justice. It aggregates data from all 26 cantonal registers and is the primary tool for name availability checks.
How to use Zefix:
- Go to zefix.ch and enter your proposed company name.
- Search for the exact name and close variations (different spellings, abbreviations, translations).
- Check the results for active companies. Deleted or liquidated companies still appear in the index but are marked accordingly — their names may be reusable depending on how long ago they were deleted.
- Search without the legal form suffix to catch matches across different company types.
Zefix is free, publicly accessible, and updated daily. It should be your first step in any name selection process. For a full guide to using the search function, see the Zefix guide on our commercial register pages.
2. Request an EHRA preliminary name check
For borderline cases — where you are unsure whether your name is sufficiently distinctive — you can request an informal preliminary assessment from the EHRA. This is done through the cantonal register office where you plan to register.
The EHRA’s response is not legally binding, but it provides a strong indication of whether the name will be accepted during the formal registration process. The check typically takes five to ten business days and is free of charge.
When to use the EHRA check:
- Your name is similar (but not identical) to an existing registration
- You want to use a restricted element (“Swiss”, a canton name, an industry term)
- You are unsure whether a descriptive name has sufficient distinctiveness
Can You Reserve a Company Name?
No. Switzerland does not offer a formal name reservation system. This is a critical difference from jurisdictions like the UK or Germany, where you can reserve a name before completing the registration.
In Switzerland, the name is secured only at the moment the cantonal commercial register accepts and enters your application. Between your Zefix search and the register entry, another party could theoretically register the same or a similar name.
How to mitigate this risk:
- Prepare all formation documents before conducting the final name check.
- Schedule the notary appointment promptly after confirming availability.
- Submit the application to the cantonal register as quickly as possible after the notarial deed.
- Have one or two alternative names ready in case your first choice is taken.
In practice, name conflicts at the registration stage are uncommon for distinctive names. They occur more frequently with generic or descriptive names where multiple parties may independently choose similar terms.
What Are the Naming Rules for Each Legal Structure?
Different legal structures have different naming requirements. Here is a summary.
GmbH (LLC) and AG (Corporation)
- Must include the legal form suffix (GmbH/Sàrl/Sagl or AG/SA).
- The rest of the name can be freely chosen: fantasy names, descriptive terms, founder names, or combinations.
- No requirement to include a founder’s or shareholder’s name.
- Must satisfy the uniqueness and non-misleading requirements described above.
Sole proprietorship (Einzelfirma)
Under OR Art. 945, the company name of a sole proprietorship must contain the owner’s surname. This is mandatory and cannot be waived.
- Valid: “Müller Consulting”, “Weber IT Services”, “Anna Schmidt Photography”
- Invalid: “Alpine Digital Services” (no surname), “Sunshine Trading” (no surname)
Additional descriptive elements or fantasy words can be added alongside the surname. The surname does not need to be the first word.
General partnership (Kollektivgesellschaft)
Under OR Art. 947, the partnership name must contain the surname of at least one partner. If the name includes only one partner’s surname, it must also include a reference to the partnership form (e.g., “& Co.” or “& Partner”).
- Valid: “Müller & Weber”, “Schmidt & Partner”, “Hofer, Bauer & Co.”
- Invalid: “Alpine Trading Group” (no partner surname)
Limited partnership (Kommanditgesellschaft)
The same rule applies as for general partnerships: at least one general partner’s surname must appear in the name (OR Art. 947). Limited partners’ names should generally not appear in the company name, as this could imply unlimited liability.
Summary table
| Structure | Surname Required? | Suffix Required? | Free Name Choice? |
|---|---|---|---|
| GmbH | No | Yes (GmbH/Sàrl/Sagl) | Yes |
| AG | No | Yes (AG/SA) | Yes |
| Sole proprietorship | Yes (owner’s surname) | No | Partially |
| General partnership | Yes (at least one partner) | No, but “& Co.” etc. common | Partially |
| Limited partnership | Yes (general partner’s surname) | No, but “& Co.” etc. common | Partially |
How Do You Change a Company Name After Registration?
A company name can be changed at any time after registration, but the process requires a formal amendment to the articles of association and re-registration with the commercial register.
Process for a GmbH or AG
- Pass a shareholders’ resolution. A name change requires a resolution of the general meeting (Generalversammlung for an AG, Gesellschafterversammlung for a GmbH). For a GmbH, the resolution requires a two-thirds majority of votes represented unless the articles specify otherwise (OR Art. 808b). For an AG, a simple majority of votes represented is sufficient unless the articles require more.
- Amend the articles of association. The articles must be updated to reflect the new name.
- Notarial authentication. The amended articles must be publicly authenticated by a notary, as for the original formation.
- Submit to the commercial register. File the amendment with the cantonal register, including the notarised articles and the shareholders’ resolution.
- Publication in the SOGC. The name change is published in the Swiss Official Gazette of Commerce, making it effective against third parties.
Costs of a name change
| Cost Component | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Notary fees | CHF 500–1,200 |
| Commercial register mutation fee | CHF 40–120 |
| SOGC publication | CHF 30–50 |
| Professional fees (fiduciary) | CHF 500–1,500 |
| Total | CHF 1,000–2,500 |
These figures do not include indirect costs such as updating business stationery, websites, contracts, bank accounts, and marketing materials. For established businesses, the rebranding cost often exceeds the legal and administrative fees.
Process for a sole proprietorship
A sole proprietor can change the business name by filing an amendment with the commercial register. No notarial deed is required. The cost is typically CHF 100 to 300 (register fee plus SOGC publication). The surname requirement still applies — the new name must also contain the owner’s surname.
For more on the costs involved in company registration and related changes, see our detailed breakdown.
What Makes a Good Swiss Company Name?
Beyond the legal requirements, a well-chosen company name serves your business for years. Consider these factors before finalising your choice.
Check domain availability. Before committing to a name, verify that a matching .ch or .com domain is available. A company name that cannot be found online is a practical disadvantage.
Think multilingual. If you plan to operate across Swiss language regions or internationally, test how the name sounds and reads in German, French, Italian, and English. Avoid names that have unintended meanings in another language.
Keep it pronounceable. Clients, partners, and government officials will need to say your company name aloud. Complex abbreviations or unusual letter combinations create friction.
Avoid names that limit your future scope. “Zurich Web Design GmbH” constrains you geographically and by service. If you later expand to Basel or add app development, the name becomes misleading — and a name change costs CHF 1,000 to 2,500.
Prepare alternatives. Have two or three backup names ready before engaging the notary. If the register rejects your first choice, you can proceed without delay.
Consider trademark protection. Registering a company name in the commercial register does not grant trademark protection. If brand protection matters, file a separate trademark application with the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property (IGE/IPI) after registration. A Swiss trademark registration costs CHF 550 for up to three classes.
Use the company name check tool to verify availability before proceeding with the formal registration process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use an English name for my Swiss company?
Yes. Swiss law does not restrict the language of the company name itself. You can register a company with an English, French, German, Italian, or any other language name. The only language-specific requirement is the legal form suffix, which must correspond to one of the official Swiss language versions: GmbH, Sàrl, or Sagl for an LLC; AG, SA, or SA for a corporation. For example, 'BluePeak Consulting GmbH' or 'BluePeak Consulting Sàrl' are both valid. The suffix language does not need to match the canton of registration.
How do I check if a company name is already taken in Switzerland?
Search the Zefix central index at zefix.ch. Zefix aggregates all 26 cantonal commercial registers and lets you search by company name, UID number, or registered office. If your exact name or a confusingly similar name already appears, you must choose a different name. For borderline cases, you can request a preliminary name assessment from the EHRA through your cantonal register office. This informal check is not binding but gives a strong indication of whether the name will be accepted.
Can I reserve a company name in Switzerland before registering?
No. Switzerland does not offer a formal name reservation system. The name is secured only when the cantonal commercial register accepts and processes your application. This means another party could theoretically register the same name between your Zefix search and your submission. The practical solution is to minimise the time gap: have all formation documents ready before the final name check, and submit the application as quickly as possible after the notarial deed.
How much does it cost to change a company name in Switzerland?
A name change requires amending the articles of association, which must be authenticated by a notary (for a GmbH or AG) and filed with the commercial register. Typical costs include notary fees of CHF 500 to 1,200, a commercial register mutation fee of CHF 40 to 120, an SOGC publication fee of CHF 30 to 50, and professional fees of CHF 500 to 1,500 if using a fiduciary. Total cost ranges from CHF 1,000 to 2,500. This does not include rebranding expenses such as new stationery, website changes, or updated contracts.
Can two companies in Switzerland have the same name?
No. Swiss law (OR Art. 951) requires every company name to be clearly distinguishable from all other names already registered in the commercial register. The EHRA assesses names across all 26 cantonal registers. Two companies with identical or confusingly similar names are not permitted even if they are in different cantons or different industries. A name is considered insufficiently distinguishable if a third party could reasonably confuse it with an existing entry, even with different capitalisation or minor spelling variations.
Can I include 'Swiss' or 'Schweizer' in my company name?
Yes, but with caution. Geographic terms such as 'Swiss', 'Schweizer', or canton names are permitted but attract heightened scrutiny from the EHRA. The register may request confirmation that the company has a genuine connection to Switzerland or the named region before accepting the application. Names implying a national scope or official affiliation — such as 'Swiss National Consulting AG' — are more likely to be questioned. For straightforward companies clearly based in Switzerland, including 'Swiss' in the name is generally accepted.
What happens if the commercial register rejects my company name?
The cantonal register returns the application with a written notice of rejection (Beanstandung) explaining the naming deficiency. You must choose a different name, update the articles of association, have the changes notarised, and resubmit the application. Each rejection adds one to two weeks to the registration timeline. To minimise this risk, conduct a thorough Zefix search before finalising the name, prepare two to three alternatives, and consider requesting an informal EHRA name assessment for unusual or borderline names.
Is a sole proprietorship's name subject to the same rules as a GmbH or AG?
Mostly yes, but with one important difference: a sole proprietorship (Einzelfirma) must include the founder's surname in the company name under OR Art. 945. For example, 'Müller Consulting' or 'Maria Müller Webdesign' satisfies this requirement. The sole proprietorship name is also entered in the commercial register when registration is required (annual revenue above CHF 100,000) and must be distinguishable from all other registered names. The legal form designation 'Einzelfirma' is not required in the name itself.
Are there any names that are automatically prohibited for Swiss companies?
Yes. Swiss law prohibits names that are misleading, contrary to public interest, or offensive (OR Art. 944). Names that falsely suggest official government status — such as implying that the company is a state authority or a national body — are rejected. Names referencing regulated professions (bank, insurance, pharmacy) without the appropriate regulatory approval are also prohibited. The EHRA maintains an internal list of prohibited terms and systematically rejects applications containing them. Brand names that conflict with registered trademarks can also face legal challenges, though trademark conflicts are handled separately from the register review.
Can I use a trading name (Dba) different from my registered company name in Switzerland?
Yes. A Swiss GmbH or AG can use a separate brand name or trading name for its commercial activities, as long as this is not the registered name for third-party dealings. The official company name as entered in the commercial register must appear on all formal documents — invoices, contracts, and official correspondence. A trading name or brand can be used in advertising, signage, and marketing. If you want stronger protection for the trading name, registering it as a trademark with the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property (IGE) is advisable.