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Articles of Incorporation
I need Articles of Incorporation for a new Swiss company that will operate in the technology sector, with a focus on software development. The document should outline the company's purpose, share structure, and include provisions for appointing directors and holding annual general meetings in compliance with Swiss corporate law.
What is an Articles of Incorporation?
Articles of Incorporation create the legal foundation for a company in Switzerland, officially establishing its existence under Swiss law. This key document outlines essential details like the company's name, registered office, purpose, share capital structure, and how shareholders' rights work.
Swiss companies must file their Articles of Incorporation with the local commercial registry to gain legal status. The document needs to follow strict requirements from the Swiss Code of Obligations, including being notarized. Once registered, it becomes a public record that anyone can access, helping create transparency and trust in business relationships.
When should you use an Articles of Incorporation?
You need Articles of Incorporation when starting any new company in Switzerland, from small businesses to large corporations. It's the first crucial step in creating your legal business entity and gaining the protection of limited liability. Without this document, you can't open a business bank account, hire employees, or enter into contracts as a company.
Many entrepreneurs prepare Articles of Incorporation when transitioning from sole proprietorship to a corporation, or when launching a startup that needs to attract investors. Swiss law requires them before you can register with the commercial registry, issue shares, or begin formal business operations under your company name.
What are the different types of Articles of Incorporation?
- Business Articles Of Incorporation: Standard template for commercial companies, covering basic corporate structure and shareholder rights
- Articles Of Incorporation For LLC: Tailored for limited liability companies with flexible management structures
- Articles Of Incorporation Nonprofit: Specialized version for non-profit organizations, including charitable purpose clauses
- Articles Of Incorporation Association: Designed for member-based organizations with democratic governance
- Articles Of Association Non Profit: Detailed framework for non-profit associations focusing on membership rights
Who should typically use an Articles of Incorporation?
- Founders and Entrepreneurs: Create and sign the Articles of Incorporation when establishing their company in Switzerland
- Corporate Lawyers: Draft and review the document to ensure compliance with Swiss law and protect client interests
- Notaries: Authenticate the Articles and verify signatures before submission to authorities
- Commercial Registry Officials: Review and process the registration, ensuring all legal requirements are met
- Board Members: Bound by and operate within the framework set by the Articles
- Shareholders: Receive rights and obligations defined in the Articles, including voting and profit-sharing terms
How do you write an Articles of Incorporation?
- Company Details: Decide on company name, registered office address, and business purpose
- Capital Structure: Determine share capital amount, number and types of shares, and nominal value
- Governance: Plan board composition, signing authority rules, and shareholder rights
- Documentation: Gather proof of capital deposit, founder IDs, and any special agreements
- Legal Review: Use our platform to generate a compliant draft that meets Swiss legal requirements
- Notarization: Schedule appointment with a Swiss notary for official authentication
- Registration: Prepare for commercial registry submission with all supporting documents
What should be included in an Articles of Incorporation?
- Company Name: Full legal name that complies with Swiss naming regulations
- Registered Office: Official company address and canton of registration
- Business Purpose: Clear description of company activities and objectives
- Share Capital: Total amount, share types, and nominal value per share
- Governance Structure: Board composition and signing authority rules
- Shareholder Rights: Voting rights, profit participation, and transfer restrictions
- General Assembly: Rules for meetings and decision-making processes
- Dissolution Terms: Procedures for company liquidation and asset distribution
What's the difference between an Articles of Incorporation and an Articles of Association?
Articles of Incorporation are often confused with Articles of Association in Switzerland, but they serve different purposes in company formation. While Articles of Incorporation establish the company's legal existence, Articles of Association detail the internal rules and relationships between shareholders.
- Legal Status: Articles of Incorporation create the company's legal identity and must be filed with authorities, while Articles of Association govern internal operations
- Content Scope: Articles of Incorporation contain basic information like name and capital, while Articles of Association cover detailed operational rules and procedures
- Modification Process: Changing Articles of Incorporation requires official registration and notarization, but Articles of Association can often be modified through internal procedures
- Timing: Articles of Incorporation come first in company formation, followed by Articles of Association which expand on the governance structure
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