Company Formation
Swiss company formation made practical
Clear guidance, reliable execution, and transparent pricing for incorporating your Swiss GmbH or AG — designed for international founders.
Formation Pricing
Transparent, fixed-price formation packages including Articles of Association and Shareholders' Agreement. Government fees, notary fees, commercial register fees, bank fees and other third-party costs are charged separately at cost.
GmbH Formation
CHF 590
One-time fee. Government fees, notary fees, commercial register fees, bank fees and other third-party costs are charged separately at cost.
- Company incorporation
- Articles of Association (drafted)
- Shareholders' Agreement (drafted)
- Joint Venture Agreement (if required)
- Coordination with notary
- Commercial Register filing
- Full incorporation support
AG Formation
CHF 990
One-time fee. Government fees, notary fees, commercial register fees, bank fees and other third-party costs are charged separately at cost.
- Company incorporation
- Articles of Association (drafted)
- Shareholders' Agreement (drafted)
- Joint Venture Agreement (if required)
- Coordination with notary
- Commercial Register filing
- Board & governance documentation
Government fees, notary fees, commercial register fees, bank fees and other third-party costs are charged separately at cost. These vary by canton and company structure.
GmbH Formation
The Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung (GmbH) is the most widely used Swiss corporate form for small and medium-sized enterprises. It combines limited liability for all shareholders with a moderate minimum capital requirement of CHF 20,000.
A GmbH is suitable for most commercial activities — trading companies, service providers, consulting firms, holding structures, and many regulated professions. The share capital of CHF 20,000 must be fully paid in at formation (liberiert) and is evidenced by a bank confirmation.
Shareholders of a GmbH are registered in the commercial registry, making the ownership structure transparent. The management can be entrusted to shareholders or third parties. At least one managing officer with signatory authority must be Swiss-resident.
- Minimum share capital: CHF 20,000 (fully paid in)
- Limited liability for all shareholders
- At least one Swiss-resident managing officer required
- Registered in the cantonal commercial registry
- Suitable for most business activities
AG Formation
The Aktiengesellschaft (AG) is the premier Swiss corporate form — the structure of choice for larger enterprises, holding companies, and businesses that anticipate external investment, a stock market listing, or substantial institutional relationships.
The minimum share capital is CHF 100,000, of which at least CHF 50,000 (or 20%, whichever is higher) must be paid in at formation. The remaining capital can be called by the board as needed. This structure conveys maximum credibility with banks, investors, and business partners.
An AG can issue bearer shares (under certain conditions), making it attractive for holding structures where ownership privacy is valued. The board of directors must consist of at least one member, and at least one person with signatory authority must reside in Switzerland.
- Minimum share capital: CHF 100,000 (50% paid in)
- Bearer shares possible under certain conditions
- At least one Swiss-resident director required
- Ideal for holding, investment, and IP structures
- Highest level of corporate credibility
Guidance for Foreign Founders
Switzerland welcomes international entrepreneurs. There are no nationality restrictions on owning or directing a Swiss company — you do not need to be Swiss, an EU citizen, or hold a Swiss residence permit to incorporate. However, practical requirements must be met.
The key requirement is that at least one person authorised to represent the company (a director or managing officer with individual signature authority) must be resident in Switzerland. For founders who do not live in Switzerland, our resident director service solves this.
We handle the entire formation process remotely. Documents can be signed at a Swiss embassy or consulate in your home country, or through a power of attorney. Our team coordinates notary appointments, bank introductions, and all government filings so you can focus on your business.
Required Documents
- • Passport copy of each founder and director (notarised if required)
- • Proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement)
- • Proposed company name (we check availability)
- • Description of business purpose and activities
- • Confirmation of share capital deposit
- • Signed articles of association (we draft these)
Share Capital
The share capital must be deposited into a Swiss bank account before the company can be registered. We facilitate this process.
GmbH
CHF 20,000
Fully paid in at formation
AG
CHF 100,000
Minimum CHF 50,000 paid in
Local Representation
At least one person with signatory authority must reside in Switzerland. If none of your founders or directors live here, we provide a Swiss-resident director through a mandate agreement.
The mandate clearly defines the scope of the director's authority, protecting your control over the company while satisfying legal requirements.
About resident director serviceTypical Formation Timeline
A GmbH formation typically takes 2–4 weeks from complete documentation to commercial registry entry. Here is the step-by-step process:
Preparation
Day 1–3We collect your information, draft the articles of association, and check the company name availability in the commercial registry.
Capital Deposit
Day 3–7We facilitate the opening of a Swiss capital deposit account. You transfer the share capital and the bank issues the required confirmation.
Notarisation
Day 7–10The articles of association are notarised — either in person in Switzerland, at a Swiss embassy abroad, or through a power of attorney.
Commercial Registry
Day 10–20The notarised deed and all supporting documents are filed with the cantonal commercial registry. The registrar reviews and approves the entry.
Registration Complete
Day 20–28The company is published in the Swiss Official Gazette of Commerce (SHAB). The bank releases the capital account. Your company is now operational.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a foreigner form a Swiss company?+
Yes. There are no nationality restrictions on Swiss company ownership. However, at least one person authorised to represent the company (director or managing officer) must be resident in Switzerland. We can provide this through our resident director service, enabling full foreign ownership and control.
How long does the formation process take?+
A typical GmbH formation takes 2–4 weeks from the date we receive your complete documentation and the share capital is deposited. AG formations may take slightly longer due to higher capital verification requirements. We manage all steps in parallel where possible to minimise the timeline.
Do I need to travel to Switzerland?+
Not necessarily. Many steps can be handled remotely through powers of attorney. The notarial deed can often be signed abroad at a Swiss embassy or consulate, or executed through a representative. We will advise on the most practical approach for your situation.
Can the share capital be used after formation?+
Yes. Once the company is registered in the commercial registry and the bank releases the capital account, the funds belong to the company and can be used for legitimate business purposes — rent, salaries, suppliers, investments, etc. The capital is not frozen.
What ongoing obligations does a Swiss company have?+
Swiss companies must maintain proper books of account, hold an annual general meeting, file tax returns annually, and keep the commercial registry information up to date. Our corporate compliance and accounting services cover all of these ongoing requirements.
Ready to form your Swiss company?
Tell us about your project and we will prepare a tailored formation plan with a clear timeline and transparent costs.