Commercial register: the entry that brings the company into existence

The commercial register is kept by the cantons under federal supervision. For the company limited by shares and the LLC, legal personality begins on registration, not on signature of the deed. Until the entry is published, the company in formation is not the company. For a sole trader, registration becomes mandatory at CHF 100,000 of annual turnover. The particulars entered, including who may sign, can be relied on by third parties. An unregistered power of attorney is not presumed. Extracts can be read online.