8. Lex Koller: requirements for public authentication by a notary or confirmation by the auditor
Whether foreign non-residents hold a controlling interest in a company within the meaning of Article 5 paragraph 1 letter c ANRA is not easy for the land register office to establish. The Lex Koller public authentication by the notary or the auditor's declaration submitted for this purpose must therefore state, in detail and in a verifiable manner, which documents were inspected in reaching the conclusion that the acquisition is not subject to the authorisation requirement (already discussed in detail in Newsletter No 6, based on Federal Supreme Court judgment 2C_219/2015 of 20 November 2015, consid. 6).
In view of the differing information provided concerning the documents inspected, clarification is appropriate. The public authentication / confirmation must record that the following documents were inspected:
Every legal entity:
- Extract from the commercial register
- Articles of association
- Annual financial statements for the most recent financial year
- List of foreign creditors*
Company limited by shares (AG) / limited liability company (GmbH):
- Share register / register of capital contributions
- List of beneficial owners / fiduciary rights*
Foundation:
Other companies:
- List of participations and financing relationships*
** If no lists/documents concerning financial participation or financing relationships exist, the absence of such relationships must nevertheless be publicly authenticated.*
The public authentication by a notary or the auditor's confirmation must ultimately state that no foreign non-resident holds a controlling interest or participation within the meaning of ANRA and ANRO, or that there are no impediments under the Lex Koller provisions to entry in the land register.
The auditor's declaration must also be given without reservation. Disclaimers stating that the findings or conclusions set out do not constitute a recognised audit (or review) and that the auditor therefore provides no assurance cannot be accepted.
Lex Koller public authentications and declarations are now accepted for up to 12 months from their date of issue, rather than only six months.