Question 1

Can foreigners open a Swiss company?

Accepted Answer

Yes, absolutely. Switzerland places no citizenship or residency restrictions on company ownership. Non-resident foreign nationals can be 100% shareholders of a Swiss GmbH or AG. The only residence-linked requirement — that at least one director or managing director with signing authority must reside in Switzerland — can be fulfilled through a Swiss resident director service.

Question 2

What is the difference between a Swiss GmbH and a Swiss AG?

Accepted Answer

The GmbH (Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung) requires a minimum share capital of CHF 20,000 and is managed by one or more managing directors. The AG (Aktiengesellschaft) requires CHF 100,000 minimum capital (CHF 50,000 paid-in at incorporation) and has a more formal board structure. The AG carries higher prestige in Swiss business culture and is the standard for companies planning to raise capital, while the GmbH offers a more accessible entry point with full limited liability.

Question 3

What is the minimum share capital for a Swiss GmbH?

Accepted Answer

The minimum share capital for a GmbH is CHF 20,000, and it must be fully paid in at the time of incorporation. The capital can be contributed in cash or in kind, and it is recorded in the commercial register. There is no maximum — you can capitalise your GmbH with more than the minimum if it strengthens your balance sheet for banking or commercial purposes.

Question 4

What is the minimum share capital for a Swiss AG?

Accepted Answer

The minimum share capital for an AG is CHF 100,000, of which at least CHF 50,000 (50%) must be paid in before the company can be registered in the commercial register. The remaining CHF 50,000 remains as a receivable from shareholders and can be called upon if needed. The higher capital threshold gives the AG greater financial credibility with banks and business partners.

Question 5

Do I need to live in Switzerland to own a Swiss company?

Accepted Answer

No, there is no requirement for shareholders to reside in Switzerland. You can own 100% of a Swiss company while living abroad. The operational management can also be conducted from outside Switzerland. The only residency condition applies to the legal representative — at least one director with signing authority must be resident in Switzerland, which our resident director service covers.

Question 6

Do I need a Swiss resident director?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Swiss law requires at least one person authorised to represent the company to be resident in Switzerland. If you do not live in Switzerland and do not have a business partner or employee who does, you will need a Swiss resident director. Our resident director service provides a Swiss-based professional who handles statutory compliance and representation without interfering in your operational management.

Question 7

Can I use a virtual office as my registered company address?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A professionally managed domicile address is fully accepted by the Swiss commercial registry as a company's legal seat, provided it is a physical address (not a PO box) where official correspondence can be delivered and received. All our domicile plans include a commercial-registry-compatible Swiss address with full mail handling.

Question 8

How long does company formation take in Switzerland?

Accepted Answer

A straightforward incorporation typically takes two to four weeks from complete documentation to commercial registry entry. Factors that can extend this include: incomplete documentation, complexity of the ownership structure, cantonal processing times (some cantons are faster than others), and the scheduling of notarisation. Our team manages the timeline proactively and keeps you informed at each stage.

Question 9

What documents are required for Swiss company formation?

Accepted Answer

You will need: passport copies of all founders and directors (certified), proof of residential address for each individual, the company's articles of association (which we help draft), a registered office confirmation (provided by us), a capital deposit confirmation (for AG), and, if notarisation is done remotely, a notarised power of attorney. Exact requirements may vary depending on canton and individual circumstances.

Question 10

Can you help with notarisation of the incorporation documents?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We coordinate with Swiss notaries on your behalf. For founders who cannot travel to Switzerland, notarisation can often be arranged through a Swiss consulate or embassy in your country of residence, or via an apostilled power of attorney that authorises the Swiss notary to execute the documents without your physical presence. We guide you through the most convenient option for your location.

Question 11

Can you help with opening a Swiss bank account?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We provide a comprehensive banking documentation package — including a professionally prepared business description, source-of-funds documentation, and certified identification materials — and we liaise with selected Swiss banks that are receptive to internationally owned companies. We cannot guarantee account approval, as that decision rests entirely with the bank, but our preparation materially increases the likelihood of a smooth process.

Question 12

Is bank account approval guaranteed?

Accepted Answer

No. Swiss banks conduct their own independent compliance and risk assessments, and the decision to open an account is always at the bank's discretion. Factors influencing the decision include: the shareholder's country of residence, the nature of the business, the source of funds, and the bank's current risk appetite. We prepare the strongest possible application and direct you to banks that are most likely to approve your profile, but we cannot override a bank's compliance decision.

Question 13

Can you help with Swiss accounting and bookkeeping?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Through our Accounting & VAT service, we coordinate with qualified Swiss accountants to provide ongoing bookkeeping, preparation of annual financial statements, and tax filing support. Our service is designed for international founders who need compliant Swiss accounting without building an in-house finance function. Pricing is based on transaction volume and company complexity.

Question 14

Can you help with VAT registration?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We assist with Swiss VAT registration — from assessing whether registration is mandatory or voluntary for your situation, to preparing the ESTV (Federal Tax Administration) application, to providing ongoing VAT return filing support. We can also coordinate with Swiss tax advisors for more complex cross-border VAT matters.

Question 15

When does a Swiss company need to register for VAT?

Accepted Answer

Mandatory registration applies when annual taxable turnover exceeds CHF 100,000. This includes both domestic and cross-border supplies deemed to take place in Switzerland. Even below this threshold, voluntary registration can be advantageous — it allows you to reclaim input VAT on Swiss expenses such as professional services, rent, and equipment. We help you assess what makes sense for your business.

Question 16

Do you provide payroll support?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our payroll service covers salary calculations, social insurance contributions (AHV/IV/EO/ALV), pension fund (BVG) administration, accident insurance (UVG), withholding tax where applicable, and preparation of annual salary certificates. We charge CHF 39 per employee per month, with a minimum monthly fee. The service is designed for companies with a small number of employees based in Switzerland.

Question 17

Can I receive mail at my Swiss domicile address?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all our domicile and virtual office plans include statutory mail reception at your registered Swiss address. Mail is received during business hours, logged, and you are notified by email on the day of arrival. Depending on your plan, mail can be held for collection, forwarded physically, or scanned and delivered digitally.

Question 18

Can mail be scanned and sent to me digitally?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our Domicile (with c/o) and Domicile (without c/o) plans include mail scanning — we open your business mail (with your prior authorisation), scan it as a PDF, and deliver it to you via encrypted email. Mail scanning is available as an add-on service at CHF 39 per month.

Question 19

Can mail be forwarded internationally?

Accepted Answer

Yes, physical mail forwarding is available. We can forward your mail to any address worldwide using Swiss Post or courier services. Forwarding costs (postage and packaging) are charged at cost. The frequency and method of forwarding can be customised — weekly batches, per-item forwarding, or on-request forwarding — depending on your preference and plan.

Question 20

Can I use my Swiss address on my website and business documents?

Accepted Answer

Yes. With our domicile plans, you are authorised to display your Swiss domicile address on your website, business cards, invoices, letterhead, email signatures, and other business materials. All domicile plans permit this, though we recommend checking with us if you have specific display requirements.

Question 21

Can I use the address for Google Business Profile?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can list your Swiss address on your Google Business Profile. However, note that Google's guidelines require that the address be one where you can receive mail and where you are genuinely located. Our virtual office address satisfies these criteria. We recommend using it as your primary business address and ensuring that any Google verification postcards are received and forwarded to you — which our mail handling service covers.

Question 22

What is included in the setup fee for domicile services?

Accepted Answer

The one-time setup fee covers: administrative onboarding, preparation of the registered office confirmation letter for the commercial registry, arrangement of the company name on the building letterbox, configuration of your mail handling preferences, and issuance of the address usage authorisation. It does not include any commercial registry fees, notary costs, or third-party charges.

Question 23

Are government and commercial register fees included in your pricing?

Accepted Answer

No. Government fees — including commercial registry filing fees, notary fees for incorporation, cantonal administrative charges, and SHAB publication costs — are separate and payable directly to the relevant authorities. For company formation, we provide an estimate of these costs during the quotation process, but they are not part of our service fees.

Question 24

Can I cancel my monthly domicile or virtual office service?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our monthly services can be cancelled with a flexible 1-month notice period. If you are cancelling your domicile address, you will need to provide a replacement Swiss registered address before the cancellation is effective, as your company remains legally required to maintain a domicile in Switzerland. We can assist with the commercial register update to reflect the change of address.

Question 25

How do I get started with Swiss Virtual Offices?

Accepted Answer

The simplest way is to contact us through our contact form or by email. We will arrange an initial consultation (by phone or video call) to understand your requirements, answer your questions, and provide a tailored proposal with transparent pricing. There is no charge for the initial consultation, and you are under no obligation. Once you are ready to proceed, we will send you an engagement letter and a detailed onboarding checklist.

Question 26

Is my information kept confidential?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Confidentiality is a cornerstone of Swiss business culture and is embedded in our operating procedures. All client information, mail, and documentation are handled with strict confidentiality. We do not share client information with third parties except as required by Swiss law or with your explicit consent. Our team is bound by confidentiality agreements, and our systems are designed to protect client data.

Question 27

In which languages do you provide services?

Accepted Answer

Our primary service language is English, and all communication, documentation summaries, and reporting are provided in English. We can also coordinate in German where required for interactions with Swiss authorities, notaries, or banks. If you need French or Italian support, please let us know and we will assess availability.

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