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How Long Can You Keep a Shelf Company “On Ice”?

Understanding Shelf Companies in Switzerland

A shelf company—also known as a ready-made company—is a Swiss business that has already been incorporated and registered but has never traded.
It’s essentially a ready-to-use legal entity with a company number, capital, and often even a registered business address in Switzerland.
Entrepreneurs choose shelf companies to save time and skip the lengthy online company formation process.
However, one question often arises: How long can you keep a shelf company “on ice” before activating it?

Duration of Inactivity

There is no specific legal limit in Switzerland on how long a shelf company can remain inactive.
As long as it continues to meet its legal and administrative duties, it can stay dormant for several years.
Still, there are costs and compliance tasks to consider when keeping a company on hold.

Annual Requirements

Even if your shelf company isn’t operating, you must:
  • Maintain a valid registered office address in Switzerland,
  • Have at least one Swiss resident director, which SwissFirm can provide through our director services,
  • Prepare basic accounting and annual reports, handled easily via our bookkeeping and reporting service,
  • Pay small annual maintenance and compliance fees to keep the entity in good standing.

Tax Filings

Dormant companies are still required to file tax returns—even if there’s no income or expenses.
Failure to file can result in warnings, fines, or even removal from the Swiss register.

Bank Accounts and Financial Records

If your company has a Swiss business bank account, the bank may periodically request updates or documentation.
Prolonged inactivity can trigger compliance reviews or lead to the account being suspended.

How Long Should You Keep It Dormant?

While you can keep a shelf company inactive for years, most advisors recommend activating or selling it within 6 to 18 months.
This period ensures flexibility without excessive administrative work or cost.
After 18 months, it’s best to review the company’s address contract, director mandate, and accounting status to make sure all records are up to date before activation.

Benefits of Keeping a Shelf Company “On Ice”

  • Instant market entry – the company is ready to use anytime
  • Established company age – older incorporation dates inspire trust
  • No registration delays – you can sign contracts or open accounts immediately
  • Flexibility – ideal for holding assets, preparing expansion, or waiting for investor approval
Pairing a shelf company with SwissFirm’s virtual office or co-working options helps keep it compliant and connected while inactive.

Risks of Keeping a Company Inactive Too Long

  • Annual administrative costs (address, accounting, director)
  • Outdated documents requiring updates
  • Possible deregistration for missing filings
  • Reduced credibility if banks or partners see long-term inactivity
That’s why SwissFirm provides ongoing support—from address renewal to accounting services—to keep your company compliant and ready.

Smart Management Tips for Dormant Companies

  1. Keep director and shareholder details current.
  2. Submit annual accounts and reports on time.
  3. Renew your registered address and director mandates annually.
  4. Conduct a compliance check once a year.
  5. Plan in advance whether you’ll activate, sell, or dissolve the company.
With SwissFirm, you can delegate all these tasks — from bookkeeping to director services — so your shelf company remains 100% compliant and ready for business.
A shelf company “on ice” gives entrepreneurs strategic flexibility and speed.
Whether you’re waiting for a license, a funding round, or the right business opportunity, SwissFirm ensures your entity remains in good legal standing — ready to launch whenever you are.

Ready to Activate Your Shelf Company?

Our experts will guide you through compliance checks, activation steps, and tax registration — so your business can go live in days.
Contact us today to buy or activate your Swiss shelf company.
📌 Contact SwissFirm
RB Swiss Group GmbH
Blegistrasse 7
CH - 6340 Baar
📞 Phone: +41 41 410 61 61
📧 Email: info@swissfirm.ch
🌐 Web: www.swissfirm.ch
2025-10-09 18:26