Swiss AML knowledge
Swiss AML obligations for domiciliation providers and registered offices
A person who professionally provides a legal entity with an address or premises as its domicile or registered office for more than six months may become subject to the Swiss AMLA as an adviser from 1 October 2026.
Key points
- The statutory duration is more than six months.
- Mail handling, administration or corporate functions may reinforce the overall assessment.
- Existing mandates need an inventory by service, duration and professional nature.
Which domiciliation services are relevant?
The provision of an address or premises as a domicile or registered office is central. Assess contract duration, actual use and whether the service is an independent economic activity aimed at lasting income.
Mail forwarding, local contacts, bookkeeping, administration and corporate roles should not be viewed in isolation. Their combination may amount to broader administration and include further covered activities.
Why ongoing control matters
Domiciliation mandates often last for years. Owners, officers, purpose, payment routes or country exposure may change. If the AMLA applies, a one-off onboarding check is therefore insufficient.
A deadline process should cover contract duration, expiring evidence, annual confirmations and ownership or purpose changes. Unclear economic activity is a risk indicator, not automatic proof of wrongdoing.
What AMLA applicability means in practice
If the Swiss AMLA applies, a one-off check is not enough. Depending on the activity, the business must identify the contracting party and beneficial owners, document its risk assessment, carry out enhanced enquiries for higher-risk cases and maintain a complete, up-to-date AML file. Responsibilities, approvals, training and periodic controls must also be organised in a traceable manner.
Practical checklist
- Inventory active domiciliation mandates with start date and term.
- Record additional services and corporate functions per mandate.
- Plausibility-check controllers, purpose and economic activity.
- Manage changes, deadlines and periodic updates centrally.
Frequently asked questions
Does applicability begin exactly after six months?
The provision for more than six months is covered when carried out professionally; the full facts still require assessment.
Is a short-term postal address always exempt?
It may not meet this particular category, but other activities or AMLA categories can still be relevant.
Official sources
- Amendment to the Anti-Money Laundering Act (official German text)
- Implementing and transitional provisions (official German text)
- Anti-Money Laundering Act on Fedlex (official German text)
Related articles
- Swiss AML obligations for fiduciaries: activities covered from 2026
- Maintaining a Swiss AML file: documents, checks and ongoing updates
This article provides general guidance based on the legal position as at 26 August 2026. It does not replace legal or professional advice on an individual case.
Assess AMLA applicability first
The free AML obligation check provides an initial non-binding indication. GwG-Plattform.ch then supports the structured organisation of contracting parties, files, checks and deadlines.