HomeServices › Switzerland Company Formation
Switzerland Company Formation

Register a Swiss GmbH or AG: Prestige, Stability, Global Treaties

Switzerland is the gold standard of corporate prestige: a 'Swiss company' signals stability, quality, and global credibility. The Swiss GmbH (LLC equivalent) and AG (public company equivalent) are popular with financial services, trading companies, and luxury brands. Formation costs are higher than most jurisdictions, but the Swiss brand premium is unmatched.

Form Swiss Company Talk to Our Team

Who this is for

  • Entrepreneurs in financial services, trading, or luxury who need Swiss credibility
  • Founders targeting Swiss and DACH-region clients who expect a local entity
  • Holding company owners wanting access to Switzerland's 100+ double-tax treaties
  • High-net-worth individuals considering Swiss residency alongside company formation
Pricing

One-time service fee plus Swiss notarial fees (approximately CHF 1,500-3,000) and Commercial Register fees. Minimum share capital of CHF 20,000 (GmbH) or CHF 100,000 (AG) must be deposited.

Form Swiss Company

What's included

How it works

Step 1

Structure selection

We assess whether a GmbH (CHF 20,000 minimum capital) or AG (CHF 100,000 minimum capital) suits your needs.

Step 2

Notarial deed and capital deposit

A Swiss notary is required to authenticate the formation deed. We coordinate the process with our Swiss partner notary.

Step 3

Commercial Register filing

We file with the cantonal Commercial Register. Registration typically takes 1-3 weeks.

Step 4

UID and banking

Your Swiss UID (company tax number) is issued. We guide you on Swiss corporate bank account options.

Frequently asked questions

Why is Switzerland so expensive for company formation?

Swiss formation is more complex than most jurisdictions because it requires notarial authentication of the founding deed, a capital deposit with a Swiss bank, and Commercial Register filing - all in German, French, or Italian. The costs reflect professional fees (notary, lawyer, registered office) and the mandatory minimum capital deposit.

Does a Swiss company need a Swiss director?

At least one director with signing authority must be a Swiss resident for a GmbH. For an AG, at least one member of the board of directors must be a Swiss resident. If you do not have a Swiss resident director, a nominee director service is available as an add-on.

What are Swiss corporate tax rates?

Swiss corporate tax is levied at federal and cantonal levels. The effective combined rate varies by canton, ranging from approximately 11.9% (Zug) to 21% (Geneva). Switzerland has a patent box and R&D deduction that can reduce effective rates further. Consult a Swiss tax advisor for the rates applicable to your canton and business type.

Can I open a Swiss bank account for my company?

Swiss corporate banking has become significantly more restrictive since 2010. Swiss banks require substantial due diligence for new company accounts, especially for non-resident-owned entities. We assist with identifying compatible Swiss banking options, but approval is at the bank's discretion.

Ready to get started?

Fixed price, real-time tracking, and expert handling, from first document to final approval.

Form Swiss Company

Related guides