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A Certificate of Authority lets organizations act on behalf of others in Swiss business and legal matters. It proves that specific people have the power to sign documents, make decisions, or handle transactions for their company. Banks and government offices often request these certificates to verify who can legally represent an organization.

In Switzerland, these certificates typically come from the Commercial Registry (Handelsregister) and show exactly who has signing authority. They're especially important for international business deals, opening bank accounts, and working with Swiss authorities. The certificate stays valid for 12 months from its issue date, though many institutions prefer ones issued within the last 3 months.

You need a Certificate of Authority when opening Swiss bank accounts, signing contracts with local partners, or dealing with government agencies in Switzerland. Many businesses get this certificate right after registering their company, as Swiss banks and authorities require proof of who can legally represent the organization.

Time-sensitive situations also demand a current Certificate of Authority - like bidding on contracts, completing real estate transactions, or setting up subsidiary operations. Since these certificates expire after 12 months, planning ahead helps avoid delays. Swiss business partners often require a certificate issued within the last 3 months for major transactions.

• Standard Commercial Registry Certificate: Shows basic signing authority for company representatives, most commonly used for everyday business transactions
• Extended Authority Certificate: Includes detailed powers and limitations for specific roles, often needed for complex financial dealings
• Branch Office Certificate: Specifically documents authority for representatives of foreign company branches in Switzerland
• Limited Duration Certificate: Grants temporary authority for specific projects or transactions, with clear expiration dates
• Special Purpose Certificate: Tailored for specific industries or regulatory requirements, like banking or insurance sectors

• Commercial Registry Officials: Issue and validate Certificates of Authority, maintaining official records of company representatives
• Board Members: Request and authorize these certificates to delegate signing powers within their organizations
• Company Directors: Use the certificates to prove their authority when conducting business transactions
• Swiss Banks: Require these certificates to verify authorized signatories before opening accounts or processing major transactions
• Government Agencies: Accept these certificates as proof of legitimate business representation in official dealings
• Legal Departments: Review and maintain current certificates to ensure compliance with Swiss corporate governance requirements

• Company Details: Gather current commercial registry extract, company identification number, and registered address
• Authorized Persons: List full names, titles, and specimen signatures of all individuals needing authority
• Scope Definition: Specify exact powers being granted (financial limits, transaction types, duration)
• Supporting Documents: Collect board resolutions or meeting minutes approving the authority delegation
• Verification Steps: Confirm identities through official ID documents and proof of current roles
• Registry Submission: Prepare documents in local language (German, French, or Italian) for your canton

• Company Identification: Full legal name, CHE number, registered address, and canton of registration
• Authority Details: Specific powers granted, including any financial limits or restrictions
• Authorized Persons: Complete names, positions, and signature types (individual or joint authority)
• Validity Period: Issue date and expiration terms (typically 12 months maximum)
• Authentication: Official Commercial Registry stamp and certification
• Language Compliance: Text in official cantonal language (German, French, or Italian)
• Legal References: Citations of relevant Swiss Code of Obligations articles

A Certificate of Authority is often confused with a Letter of Authority, but they serve distinct purposes in Swiss business operations. While both documents deal with authorization, their legal weight and applications differ significantly.

• Legal Status: A Certificate of Authority is an official document issued by the Commercial Registry, carrying full legal recognition across Switzerland. A Letter of Authority is a private document that delegates specific tasks or responsibilities.
• Duration and Scope: Certificates of Authority have a standard 12-month validity and cover broad corporate powers. Letters of Authority typically handle specific, time-limited tasks or transactions.
• Official Recognition: Banks and government agencies require Certificates of Authority for major transactions, while Letters of Authority are mainly used for internal delegations or smaller business matters.
• Verification Process: Certificates need official registry validation and stamps. Letters can be issued directly by authorized company representatives without external verification.