Register your GmbH in Switzerland
Benefit from 100% foreign ownership, attractive corporate tax rates, and a stable gateway to both European and global markets.
Start Your Switzerland Company TodayIntroduction to Switzerland Company Formation
What is Gmbh or AG?
Switzerland provides a stable business environment, with two primary kinds of companies: GmbH (limited liability company) and AG (joint-stock company). A GmbH is a good choice for smaller businesses while an AG will be suitable for larger businesses. Knowing the Swiss corporate structure is crucial when starting an enterprise.
Why Choose Switzerland for Company Registration?
Switzerland is the top option for business formation due to its stability economy, low taxes and international reputation. It is ideal for new companies or holding companies and international firms, it offers a secure, safe and business-friendly environment within the heart of Europe
What is a GmbH?
A Gesellschaft mit beschrankter Haftung (GmbH) is a private limited liability company under Swiss law. It offers shareholders limited liability, meaning they are only responsible for the company's obligations up to the amount of their invested capital.
- Minimum share capital: CHF 20,000
- Can be formed by one or more shareholders (individuals or companies)
- Residence: No Swiss residency is required for directors or shareholders
- Management: It is managed by one or three directors, which could be foreign citizens
- Legal Status: Separate legal personality with full legal capacity
Key Features:
- Insurance Protection for Liability: Liability of shareholders is restricted to capital contributions
- Trustworthiness: Widely recognized legal form that has a strong international recognition
- Flexibility: Shares can be transferred easily and quickly ideal for medium and small-sized businesses
- Effective Taxation: Benefits of cantonal tax systems, the ability to access Swiss and EU market through agreements bilateral
- Information Privacy: Information about shareholders is not made public
Advantages of registering a business through CompanyVista
Expert Local Guide
Benefit from our vast expertise in Swiss law and regulation to guarantee a smooth and legal company formation.
Speedy and Efficient setup
We streamline the registration procedure, saving you time and avoid common fails.
Complete Support
From document preparation to post-registration services such as auditing and compliance. manage everything.
Customized Solutions
No matter if you're SME, startup, or multinational company, we tailor our services to meet your business's specific needs.
Price Transparency
Clear, upfront costs without hidden charges that give you peace of mind during the entire process.
Ongoing Assistance
We provide continuous support following registration, including advice on taxes, bank assistance, and updates to compliance.
Step-by-Step Company Registration Process
1. Legal Structure
Choose which legal entity (GmbH or AG) directors, shareholders and the registered office.
1-2 days2. Check Name Availability
Choose a unique company name and verify its validity with the Swiss commercial register.
1 day3. Prepare Documents
Draft Articles of Association and required declarations of directors and shareholders.
2-4 days4. Deposit Share Capital
Open a temporarily Swiss banking account, and deposit of the minimum share capital.
3-5 days5. Notarize Documents
Incorporate and sign the documents in front of the Swiss notary.
1 day6. Register Company
File all notarized documents to register the company and receive your UID number.
5-10 days7. Final Setup
Set up a permanent bank account to register for VAT and complete your business administration.
3-7 daysTotal Estimated Time: 2 to 3 weeks
Our experienced team can speed up the procedure and manage all the steps remotely on your behalf to ensure an easy company set-up in Switzerland.
Start Your RegistrationDocuments Required
For Individual Shareholders
- Valid passport copy
- Address proof (utility bills or bank statement)
- Personal Information Form (name, DOB, nationality, contact)
- Declaration of the beneficial owner
- Signature sample
For Corporate Shareholders
- Certificate of incorporation (certified copy)
- Articles of association/bylaws
- Extract from the commercial Register of Commercial (recent)
- Board resolution authorizing investment
- ID and evidence of the address of the ultimate beneficial owner(s)
- Legalized signature proof of authorized representatives
Additional Requirements:
- Translations of non-Swiss documents (German, French, or Italian)
- Notarization and apostille for foreign documents
- Proof of the capital deposit (bank receipt letter)
- Registered office address is in Switzerland
Company Structure & Roles
Minimum Requirements
- Minimum of 1 shareholder (individual/corporate)
- Minimum of one managing director (must be a Swiss resident if the company is present in Switzerland)
- Company secretary is not mandatory.
- Auditor: Required only if company exceeds size thresholds (turnover/assets/employees)
Optional Company Roles
- Additional Directors or managers
- Chairperson of the Board (AG only)
- Treasurer/CFO (financial management)
- Auditor (mandatory for certain companies, optional for small-sized GmbHs
Cost of Company Registration
Official Fees
| Company name reservation (optional) | CHF 50–100 |
| Notary fees (Articles of Association) | CHF 500–2,000 |
| Commercial Register entry (GmbH) | CHF 420 |
| Authentication of signatures | CHF 20–40 per signature |
| Bank escrow account (capital deposit) | CHF 200–2,000 |
| Total Official Fees | CHF 3,000–6,000 |
Additional Service Costs
| Legal / Lawyer consultation (setup advice) | CHF 500–3,000 |
| Accounting & bookkeeping setup | CHF 1,000–3,000 annually |
| Registered office address / Virtual office | CHF 500–2,000 annually |
| Director / Nominee director service | CHF 2,000–5,000 annually |
| Company secretary / Administration | CHF 500–1,500 annually |
| Payroll setup (if hiring employees) | CHF 500–1,500 annually |
Post-Registration Services
Our assistance doesn't stop with the company's registration. We remain available to assist you with compliance, financial and operational support to ensure that your Swiss GmbH operates efficiently and is compliant with all legal needs.
Accounting & Bookkeeping
Financial statements preparation, bookkeeping, expense tracking and in compliance with the Swiss GAAP/IFRS.
CHF 1,500-5,000/year
Tax Compliance & Filing
Corporate tax return preparation (if appropriate) and coordination with tax authorities of the cantonal/federal levels.
CHF 1,000-3,000/year
Payroll Management
Processing of salary, Social Security contributions and the administration of employee benefits.
CHF 500-2,000/year (per employee)
Registered Office / Virtual Office Address
Offers a business address that is legal in Switzerland to ensure company correspondence and compliance.
CHF 500-2,000/year
Nominee Director/ Local Representative (if necessary)
Ensure compliance in accordance with Swiss law that requires at least one director with Swiss residency.
CHF 2,000-6,000/year
Corporate Secretarial Services
Handling shareholder meetings, board resolutions, amendments with the Commercial Register, and document filings.
CHF 500-1,500/year
Business Bank Account Opening
Requirements for Opening a Business Bank Account
- Company incorporation documents (Articles of Association, Commercial Register extract)
- Passports/IDs of directors, shareholders, and beneficial owners
- Proof of address (residential and business)
- Business activity details (plan, clients, suppliers, transaction info)
- Capital deposit proof(CHF 20,000 for GmbH / CHF 50,000–100,000 for AG)
- Tax number & beneficial owner declaration (for compliance)
Remote Account Opening
Remote account opening is possible however, it is not always guaranteed by the majority of Swiss banks and it usually depends on your company's structure, industry and risk profile.
- Company incorporation documents
- Passports/IDs of directors, shareholders & beneficial owners
- Proof of address (for company and owners)
Top Swiss Banks for Foreign-Owned Companies
| Bank | Features | Monthly Fee |
|---|---|---|
| UBS | International business accounts, multi-currency support, online banking, wealth management | CHF 30–40 |
| Credit Suisse | Strong global network, tailored corporate packages, FX services | CHF 25–35 |
| Julius Baer | Premium private banking, corporate accounts for foreign owners, investment focus | CHF 40–60 |
| Raiffeisen Bank | Local presence, SME-friendly accounts, online banking | CHF 15–25 |
| PostFinance | Easy account setup, competitive fees, e-banking, multi-language support | CHF 12–18 |
| Zürcher Kantonalbank (ZKB) | Strong regional bank, corporate services, online & mobile banking, low entry requirements | CHF 15–25 |
Bank Account Opening Timeline
- Preparation of documents: 1-3 days
- Application submission (online or in person): Same day
- Initial bank review and review of compliance (KYC/AML checks): 3-7 business days
- Additional clarifications (if requested by the bank for foreign ownership): 2-5 business day
Total Time: 2–4 weeks (depending on the bank and complexity of ownership structure).
Taxation & Accounting Overview
Corporate tax
- Standard rate: 12% – 21% (varies by canton)
- Federal rate: 8.5% (7.8% effective)
- Low-tax cantons: 11% – 12% (e.g., Zug, Lucerne)
- Payment: Quarterly advances, final adjustment annually
- Annual return: Within 6 months of fiscal year-end
Value added tax
- Standard rate: 7.7%
- Reduced rate: 2.5% (food, books, medicines)
- Special rate: 3.7% (hotel & lodging)
- Returns: Quarterly filing (electronic submission allowed)
- Exemptions: Exports, certain medical & educational services
Other Taxes & Contributions
- Withholding Tax: 35% on dividends/interest (reduced by treaties)
- Stamp Duty: 1% on share issuance above CHF 1M
- Customs Duties: Low on industrial goods, higher on agriculture
- Social Security: 10–12% of salary (shared by employer/employee)
- Pension & Insurance: Mandatory pension + accident insurance
Accounting Requirements
- Bookkeeping: Mandatory for all companies
- Language/Currency: German, French, Italian, or English; CHF or major currency
- Financial Statements: Annual balance sheet & P&L
- Audit: Ordinary (large firms) / Limited (small firms, can opt out if <10 employees)
- Filing: To shareholders; public only if listed
- Retention: Keep records 10 years
Tax incentives
Switzerland provides various tax incentives designed to lower your overall tax burden and encourage business growth:
- Cantonal Tax Holidays: Up to 10 years for new job-creating companies
- Patent Box Regime: Up to 90% tax reduction on IP-related income
- R&D Super Deduction: Extra deductions for qualifying research costs
- Notional Interest Deduction (NID): In some cantons, deduction on equity financing
- Holding Company Privilege: Reduced or zero cantonal tax for pure holding companies
Employment & Hiring in Switzerland
Hiring Process in Switzerland
Post Job & Screen Candidates
Advertise on Swiss job portals and other job portals.
Sign Employment Contract
Provide a written contract following Swiss labor law.
Register Employee
Register for tax, social security, and health insurance.
Onboard & Ensure Compliance
Complete onboarding, safety training, and data privacy steps.
Key Employment Regulations
- Minimum wage: No national minimum wage; some cantons have local minimum wage
- Hours of Work: Max 8 hours/day or 45-50 hours/week; breaks are required
- Vacation: Minimum 4 weeks paid leave; 5 weeks if under 20
- Employment contract: Written contracts recommended but are not always required
- Termination: Notice periods apply; for protection in case of pregnancy or illness
- Social Security: Mandatory contributions to pensions and unemployment, accidents, and health
- Data Protection: Must follow Swiss data protection laws (FADP)
Employer Costs
Total employment costs are typically 12–18% above gross salary due to mandatory contributions:
- Old-age, survivors, or disability insurance (AHV/IV/EO): 5.3% of salary (employer portion)
- Unemployment insurance (ALV): 1.1% of salary (up to income ceiling)
- Accident insurance (UVG): Varies by industry, 1–3% of salary
- Occupational pension (BVG): 7–18% of salary (age-dependent, employer pays at least 50%)
Legal & Compliance Requirements
Ongoing Compliance Obligations
- Annual Financial statements: Required to be filed and prepared at the Commercial Register
- Corporate Revenue Tax Return: Annual submission to tax officials
- VAT Returns: Monthly/quarterly, plus annual summary
- Trade Tax Return: Annual submission where it is required
- Payroll Reporting: Monthly wage tax and social security filings
- Shareholder Meetings: At least once per year to approve accounts
Maintenance Checklist
| Frequency | Tasks |
|---|---|
| Annual | File financial statements · Submit corporate tax return |
| Quarterly | File VAT returns (if registered) |
| Monthly | Process payroll & salaries |
| Ongoing | Maintain shareholder & director records accounting books updated |
Penalties for Non-Compliance
- Late Tax Filing/Payment: Fines & interest (up to 6%)
- Annual Accounts Not Filed: Fines up to €25,000
- Employment/Social Security Breaches: Fines & liability for unpaid contributions
- Corporate Governance Violations: Director liability or disqualification
- Director liability or disqualification: Fines, suspension, or license withdrawal
Our compliance monitoring service helps avoid these penalties.
Who Can Register a Company in Switzerland ?
Eligibility Criteria
- Individuals: Both residents and non-residents (including foreigners) can register
- Legal Entities: Both residents and non-residents (including foreigners) can register
- Minimum Age: Must be at least 18 years old
- Capital Requirement: Depends on structure (e.g., GmbH: €25,000, UG: €1+)
- No Criminal Restrictions: Founders/directors should not be excluded from business activity
Requirements for Foreigners
- Identification: Valid passport copy (notarized if required)
- Proof of address: Recent utility bill or bank statement
- Legalization: Documents may need apostille
- Translation: Swiss translation for Non-German/French/Italian
- Bank confirmation: Swiss bank account to deposit share capital.
- Director requirement: At least one Swiss-resident director
Special cases in Switzerland:
- Holding Companies: Reduced cantonal taxes
- Startups & Innovation Firms: Tax incentives and simplified procedures
- Branch of Foreign Company: Operate without separate Swiss entity
- Mixed Companies: Combined holding & operational activities, may get reduced taxes
- Finance Branches: Banks or financial institutions with specific licensing requirements
Switzerland vs Other EU Jurisdictions
| Criteria | Switzerland | Germany | France | Luxembourg | Netherlands | UK |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Capital | CHF 20k (GmbH), 100k (AG) | €25k (GmbH), 50k (AG) | €1–37k | €12k–30k | €1–45k | £1 |
| Incorporation Time | 3 weeks | 1–2 weeks | 1–2 weeks | 1–2 weeks | 1–2 weeks | |
| Foreign Ownership | 100% allowed, resident director required | 100%, resident director required | 100%, resident director required | 100%, resident director required | 100%, resident director required | 100%, no residency |
| Corporate Tax | 11–24% | 15–30% | 26.5% | 15% | 15–25% | 19% |
| VAT | 7.7% | 19% | 20% | 17% | 21% | 20% |
| Audit Req. | Yes, above thresholds | Yes, above thresholds | Yes, above thresholds | Yes, above thresholds | Yes, above thresholds | Yes, above thresholds |
| Language | DE, FR, IT, EN | German | French | DE, FR, LU | Dutch | English |
| Notary | Required | Required | Required | Required | Required | Not Required |
Why Switzerland Stands Out?
A Switzerland GmbH / AG company provides excellent opportunities for expanding to other EU markets:
- Strong Economy: Europe’s largest economy with high purchasing power.
- Central Location: Gateway to the EU market and excellent logistics.
- Advanced Infrastructure: Reliable transport, IT, and industrial facilities.
- Skilled Workforce: Highly educated labour pool with technical expertise.
- Stable Legal & Regulatory System: Transparent rules and investor protection.
- Innovation & R&D Support: Grants, incentives, and strong industrial clusters.
Remote registration of companies to Switzerland:
How It Works
Formalization of Documents
Provide official notarized passport, evidence of residence, and any legally required documents.
Draft Articles of Association
Incorporation documents are created and sent out for remote signing.
Swiss Bank Account & Capital Deposit
Share capital (CHF 20 000 for GmbH or CHF100 000 in the case of AG) will be put into an account that is blocked.
Notarial Certificate
Incorporation deeds and the articles can be notarized (can be accomplished through a power of attorney).
Commercial Register Filing
Documents that are submitted at the Swiss Commercial Register for official approval.
Company Activation
Business ID (UID) issued; bank account unblocked and business can begin operating.
Popular Cities for Business Registration in Switzerland
Zurich
Financial hub, Multinational presence, Strong infrastructure
Geneva
International trade, Diplomacy focus
Basel
Pharmaceuticals, Chemical industries
Lucerne
Tourism, SMEs
Choosing the Right Location
In Switzerland, you can register in any canton, though taxes and administration vary by location.
- Market Access: Proximity to customers and key industries
- Infrastructure: Transport links, logistics, and digital connectivity
- Labor Availability: Access to skilled workforce and universities
- Costs: Office/rent prices, taxes, and living expenses
- Business Ecosystem: Industry clusters, suppliers, and networking opportunities
- Quality of Life: Attractiveness for employees and expatriates
Types of Business Activities Allowed
Common Business Activities
- Trading & Commerce
- Manufacturing & Production
- Services & Consulting
- Holding & Finance
- Research & Innovation
- Hospitality & Tourism
- Transportation & Logistics
- Education & Training
- Construction & Real Estate
- Energy & Environment
Restricted or licensed activities
- Banking & Financial Services: Requires FINMA license
- Insurance & Reinsurance: Requires regulatory approval
- Pharmaceuticals & Healthcare: Medical licenses and GMP compliance
- Telecommunications & Broadcasting: Federal license required
- Gambling & Lotteries: Cantonal or federal permits
- Alcohol & Tobacco Sales: Licensing and age restrictions
NOGA (CH-NOGA)
All Swiss companies must classify their activities using the Swiss Standard Classification of Economic Activities (NOGA):
- Purpose: Classifies all business activities for tax, legal, and statistical use
- Structure: Numeric codes organized by sectors and subsectors
- International Alignment: Based on NACE/ISIC standards
- Use: Needed for company registration and tax reporting
- Scope: Covers activities from agriculture to services and government
- Examples: A – Agriculture, C – Manufacturing, G – Trade, J – Information, M – Professional services
Who can benefit from company formation in Switzerland?
Freelancers & Remote Workers
Establish a business in Europe’s largest economy.
Foreign Investors
Gain access to the EU market with 100% ownership.
Exporters & Importers
Benefit from Germany’s central location and logistics.
Tech & Innovation Firms
Access grants, R&D incentives, and skilled workforce.
Service Providers
Consulting, IT, finance, and professional services.
Manufacturers
Utilize advanced infrastructure and industrial clusters.
Holding & Investment Companies
Optimize taxes and manage European operations.
Businesses Seeking Stability
Operate in a politically and economically stable environment.
Sample documents and templates
Articles of Association / Statutes
Company purpose, share structure, and governance rules.
Download PDFShareholder Resolution Templates
Approving capital contributions, appointments, or business decisions.
Download DOCReady-Made (Shelf) Companies in the Switzerland
What is a Ready-Made Company?
Switzerland provides Ready-Made (shelf) firms that allow investors and entrepreneurs to quickly establish their presence without having to go through the whole incorporation procedure. These registered entities are usually empty, debt-free, and are available for transfer immediately.
Benefits of Shelf Companies:
- Legal Entities Available: GmbH (Limited Liability Company) and AG (Public Limited Company)
- Instant Accessibility: Available to be transferred within 2-5 working days
- Capacity Requirements: Certain shelf companies might have share capital that has been invested, eliminating the need for capital deposits
- Clean History: No previous commercial activity, so that there are no debts or liabilities
Available Shelf Companies
| Provider | Company Type | Age | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Swiss AMF AG | AG( shelf companies) | Varies | Contact for details |
| Goldblum & Partners | AG, GmbH | Varies | Contact for details |
| SwissCompany.com | AG, GmbH | Varies | CHF 5,000+ |
| MB Group Switzerland | AG, GmbH | Varies | CHF 5,000+ |
Transfer Process
- Choose a suitable company AG or GmbH
- Check for debts, liabilities, and legal issues
- Execute the share transfer agreement with the seller
- Change name, directors, address, and business purpose as needed
- Notarize documents, update the Commercial Register
Success Metrics of Swiss GmbH / AG
New companies registered annually (GmbH & AG combined)
Of foreign-owned companies choose GmbH or AG
GDP growth in 2024
Ease of Doing Business ranking (World Bank 2019)
International Expansion Opportunities
- Central location: Easy access to EU & European markets
- Trade agreements: Many free trade agreements for exports with low tariffs
- Strong financial sector: Supports global business & transactions
- Skilled workforce: Multilingual and highly educated talent pool
- Innovation hub: Leading in R&D and tech startups
- Stable environment: Reliable laws, IP protection, and politics
Partner Services & Add-ons
Infomaniak Partner Program
Provides flexible pricing options with priority support and marketing tools for resellers.
Up to 35% discount
SwissSalary 365
Cloud-based payroll software with automated updates and compliance features.
From CHF 39/month
SwissSalary EasyRapport
Web-based time and performance recording solution with bidirectional interface.
From CHF 105/month
SwissSalary Insights
Cloud service for insights and visualization of data to HR decision-making.
CHF 35/month + CHF 0.55
Swisscom Trust Services
E-signature solutions with qualified time stamps for secure digital transactions.
From CHF 1,800 to CHF 10,000
Worldline Partner Program
Payment solutions provider offering terminals, e-commerce, and POS systems.
Varies based on partnership level
FAQ’s- Company Registration in Switzerland
A GmbH needs CHF 20000 in share capital. It is ideal for small - to medium-sized companies. The names of shareholders are publically listed.
An AG needs CHF 100,000 (CHF 50,000 invested) and is more suitable for larger firms; shareholder identities are kept private.
You can verify and secure your desired business name by using the Swiss Commercial Register.
The name should be unique. It must also include the legal name (e.g., GmbH or AG) and must not be in conflict with trademarks already used. Legal experts can assist in securing it throughout the process of forming.
Yes, Swiss law requires at least one director, or representative be a citizen of Switzerland. The person who is appointed must have the signing authority, and is responsible for local representation and compliance. A lot of foreign founders choose to appoint an appointed director or utilize a corporate service company.
Yes, certain cantons offer either full or partial corporate tax breaks for a period of up to 10 years in order to bring in new businesses and create local jobs.
Furthermore, Switzerland has an R&D super deduction and patent box system and other tax incentives related to innovation subject to canton.
Official company documents (like articles of association) must be prepared in one of Switzerland’s official languages: German, French, or Italian, depending on the canton.
Although English is commonly used in business communication, it is not accepted for formal filings without certified translation.
The registration of VAT is required If your annual total turnover is greater than CHF 100,000 from tax-exempt supplies.
If your revenue is less the registration process is not mandatory. However, it can be beneficial to collect the VAT incurred on business expenses or imports.
Yes, you can register a Swiss company remotely through a notary using apostilled documents and power of attorney. However, certain steps like bank account opening may still require in-person or video identification, depending on the bank’s policies.
Start Your Company in Switzerland Today
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