Questions and answers on commercial register changes
The most common questions on changes in the commercial register, sorted by type of change. With Hoop, you enter changes online, sign with a qualified electronic signature and have amendments to the articles notarised without being physically present.
General
When do I have to update the commercial register?
As soon as a registered fact changes, the change must also be registered. Typical examples are officers joining or leaving, signing authorities, a new address or registered office, a new company name or purpose, or a change in capital. → When to update?
Legal basis: Art. 933 CO
Which changes can I make with Hoop?
Granting or deleting signing authority, updating personal details, changing the address or registered office, amending the purpose, company name and articles, and initiating liquidation. We review capital increases, capital reductions and other changes on request, even if they are not yet built into the app. → Changes with Hoop
My change is not listed. What now?
Write to us at contact@hoop.ch. We check whether we can carry out the change with you, even if it is not yet in the app or on the website.
When does a change require a notary?
Every amendment to the articles requires a public deed, for example moving the registered office to another municipality, a new company name, purpose or capital. Changes of persons and a new address in the same municipality do not. With Hoop, the public deed is executed without you being physically present. → When is a notary necessary?
Legal basis: Art. 647 CO, Art. 780 CO
Can I file several changes at once?
Partly. In Hoop, you combine amendments to the articles such as registered office, purpose or company name in one application. Changes of persons, for example new management, are currently filed separately. → Bundling changes
How long does a commercial register change take?
Entering it in Hoop takes a few minutes, and the signatures are digital. After that, the processing time of the commercial register office applies, usually a few working days until publication.
What does a change in the commercial register cost?
The fees of the commercial register office, for amendments to the articles the cost of the public deed, and Hoop’s service at a fixed price. You see every item before you submit.
Who has to sign the application?
The persons with signing authority for the company and, depending on the change, newly registered persons. Hoop shows you who has to sign; everyone signs with a qualified electronic signature, without paper or post.
Does a commercial register change trigger a report to the transparency register?
Yes. After its first commercial register change since 1 October 2026, a Swiss company must report its beneficial owners to the transparency register within one month. Hoop prepares the report from the share register or register of capital contributions. → Questions on the transparency register
Registered office and address
How do I change the address of my GmbH or AG?
If the company stays in the same municipality, a resolution of the board or management and the application to the commercial register office are sufficient. No amendment to the articles is needed if they only name the municipality. → Changing the address
What does moving the registered office to another municipality or canton require?
The registered office is stated in the articles, so an amendment to the articles by public deed is required. If the canton changes, the commercial register office at the new registered office registers the company. Hoop drafts the resolution, articles and application and files everything. → Moving a company
Can my company use a c/o address?
Yes, if the company has no office premises of its own at the registered office. In that case, a written declaration from the person or company providing the domicile is required.
Who else do I have to notify of a move besides the commercial register?
Typically the tax administration, VAT, the AHV compensation office, banks, insurers and customers. The list depends on whether the company only changes its address or also its canton. → Moving and authorities
People and signing authority
How do I register a new board member or new management?
You need the election resolution of the competent body, the acceptance of the election by the person elected and the application to the commercial register office. Hoop drafts the documents and everyone signs digitally. → Board and management changes
What happens when a board member resigns?
The company files the deletion of the person who has resigned. If it does not, the person can request their deletion directly from the commercial register office. Make sure that a person resident in Switzerland continues to represent the company.
Legal basis: Art. 933 CO
How do I grant or delete signing authority?
The board or management resolves to grant or delete it, and the change is then filed with the commercial register office. The register shows the type of signature, for example individual signature, joint signature by two, or procuration. → Types of signature
What is the difference between individual signature, joint signature and procuration?
With an individual signature, one person represents the company alone; with a joint signature, only together with another authorised person. Procuration is a limited power of representation for the business, granted individually or jointly. → Types of signature
Legal basis: Art. 458 CO
Do I have to report a new name or place of residence of a registered person?
Yes. If the name, place of residence or place of origin of a registered person changes, the entry must be updated. With Hoop, you enter the new details and file them digitally.
Company name, purpose, articles and capital
How do I change the company name?
The shareholders’ or general meeting resolves the amendment to the articles, which is notarised and filed. Check beforehand that the new name is available and does not infringe any trademarks. → Renaming a company
How do I change my company’s purpose?
The purpose is stated in the articles, so you need a resolution of the shareholders’ or general meeting and a public deed. With Hoop, the deed is executed without you being physically present. → Changing the purpose
What must an amendment to the articles contain?
The resolution with the new wording of the amended provisions, the public deed and the complete updated articles. Hoop drafts these documents from your details. → Amending the articles
How do I increase or reduce the capital of an AG or GmbH?
A capital increase or reduction is an amendment to the articles by public deed. For an increase, the new capital is paid in and confirmed as at incorporation. With Hoop, this is currently available on request. → Changing the capital
Legal basis: Art. 650 CO, Art. 781 CO
What do I need to update in the commercial register after the general meeting?
Often new or re-elected board members, a new auditor or amendments to the articles. File them together so the entry stays up to date. → After the general meeting
