FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Legalisation of a document or certificate?

This is the procedure for authenticating the signature of a person having representative powers for a company. You may authenticate your signature at our office (not free of charge and please bring a valid identity card or passport) or with a notary.

Nota bene: If your signature has already been authenticated with regard to a companies record, you do not need to legalise it again.

What is an Apostille?

This is a procedure for authenticating the signature of public official. In the Canton of Fribourg, the "Chancellerie d'Etat" provides such authentication. In countries signed up to the Hague Convention of 1961, the authentication is based on a sample following. As for countries not signed up to the mentioned Convention, authentication is to be provided by the respective government and Swiss embassy. 

From when on is an entry legally binding?

With respect to third parties, an entry in the Commercial register is only effective from its approval by the Federal Commercial Registry Office on, but ex tunc from the date of entry in the journal.

Which company information is public?

Any document that has to be filed together with the application for an entry, such as memorandum and articles of association, protocols. Copies are handed out (not free of charge - see "Ordering documents").
Please note that, according Swiss law, correspondence regarding an entry and potentially filed annual returns are not public.

What is the difference between Registry of commerce and Chamber of commerce?

Recording your company at our Registry of commerce does not automatically establish membership at the Chamber of commerce Fribourg. The later is a private association, while as the Registry of commerce is a public service.

How do I precise the objects of my company?

The objects have to be as precise and short as possible (but comprehensible for a wide public). The objects have to be in connection with a company's name.
Please contact our office if you have any questions in this respect.

Can I choose any name for my company?

No. Please refer to the Guide concerning company names, published by the Federal Commercial Registry Office, and consult the Central Business Name Index (zefix).
You may also submit a written request to our office.
Please note that it is not possible to make reservations for business names at our office.