The Swiss Verein

A presentation brought to you by LawyersSwitzerland.com

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What is the Swiss Verein?

• The verein (or association) is a legal structure recognized by the Swiss Civil Code, which is the equivalent of the American voluntary association.

• The same legal entity is also available in Germany, the only difference between the German and the Swiss verein being that the Swiss structure is not required to be registered.

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The Swiss Verein – Main Regulations

• The only reason to register a verein with the Swiss Commercial Register is if it carries out commercial activities. 

• A verein can also be employed as a non-profit or non-governmental organization (NGO) in Switzerland.

• The same structure is also employed by trade unions, business organizations and lawyers in Switzerland.

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Open a Swiss Verein >>

• Setting up a Swiss verein is quite simple as the only requirement being to draft the articles of association.

• There are no registration fees attached to the opening of such association in Switzerland.

• A Swiss verein must also appoint two individuals who will be the representatives of the association.

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>> Open a Swiss Verein

• The officers must also appoint a management board of any other type of Swiss business structure. 

• The Swiss verein must also have its accounts audited.

• Our team of lawyers in Switzerland can offer legal advice on the registration requirements.

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Registration of Swiss Vereins >>

• This type of association is usually employed by international companies wanting to establish a presence in Switzerland without being required to spend too much time with the company registration procedures.

• Our team of attorneys in Switzerland can provide further detail on the Swiss commercial legislation.

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>> Registration of Swiss Vereins

• They may also be regarded as decentralized corporate bodies.

• The officials setting up the verein will be directly responsible for the organization and functioning of the association and must comply with the Swiss legislation.

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The Advantages of Swiss Vereins >>

• Considering that a verein functions as a Swiss branch office of an international organization, it will be held accountable within the limits of the country it is established without affecting the activities of the central organization.

• The verein is also among the most employed vehicles when it comes to international mergers in Switzerland.

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>> The Advantages of Swiss Vereins

• Another great advantage is that there are low costs when setting up a verein in Switzerland.

• At the same time, Swiss vereins can offer limited liability in terms of the activities of other offices.

• Other aspects related to the Swiss verein are available under the articles 69 and 70 of the Swiss Civil Code.

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Consultancy Services in Switzerland

• Investors who are interested in other types of business structures available in Switzerland can address to our attorneys.

• Our Swiss lawyers can provide advice on the investment legislation applicable here.

• Please contact our law firm in Switzerland for more details on the legal services offered in this country.

Thank you for your attention!

• For more information please contact us at:

(+44)203-287 0408 (for international clients)

office@lawyersswitzerland.com

www.lawyersswitzerland.com

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