Lexipedia

Articles of association

Articles of association are the constitutional rules of a company or entity, defining its purpose, capital, bodies and internal governance.

In Switzerland, articles of association are central for corporations such as companies limited by shares and limited liability companies, and statutes are also used for associations. They set out legally required matters such as name, registered office, purpose, capital structure and governing bodies, and may regulate transfers, voting rights and convening rules within mandatory limits. Amendments typically require a formal resolution and, for registered entities, commercial register filing. Clear articles help allocate authority and reduce disputes among owners, managers and third parties.