Since 1 October 2026, Switzerland has a new, non-public Transparency Register. Companies must report who actually owns or controls them, their so-called beneficial owners.

Who has to report?

• Companies limited by shares (AG), limited liability companies (GmbH) and cooperatives

• Certain foreign companies with a branch, management or real estate in Switzerland

Sole proprietorships, associations and foundations do not have to report. Listed companies and pension funds are also exempt.

Who counts as a beneficial owner?

Anyone who ultimately holds at least 25% of the capital or voting rights, or controls the company in another way. If nobody does, the most senior member of the management body is reported.

By when?

• Within one month of the first change to your commercial register entry after 1 October 2026

• At the latest, 3 to 6 months from 1 October 2026, depending on legal form and audit type

• Up to two years (until autumn 2028) if all beneficial owners are already entered in the commercial register as shareholders or officers, and nothing changes in the meantime

Simple cases, such as a GmbH whose shareholders are all individuals, can use a simplified procedure that takes the data straight from the commercial register.

Registration is free and is done via EasyGov. Intentionally failing to report can lead to a fine of up to CHF 500,000.

We do it for you

LIBERTAS can handle the whole process: we check whether and by when your company has to report, set up the authorisation in EasyGov and submit the report on your behalf. You just sign the power of attorney. Get in touch and we will take care of it.

Sources: Federal Office of Justice, Swiss Transparency Register (transpareg.admin.ch); Federal Act on the Transparency of Legal Entities (TJPG), SR 955.3.