Company Formation
in Switzerland.

Register an AG, GmbH, holding, or branch office in Switzerland with full legal support. From drafting the articles of association to opening the bank account — one lawyer manages the entire process.

Swiss corporate meeting room — Company Formation in Switzerland
Overview

Why Switzerland?

Switzerland consistently ranks among the world’s most competitive economies. Its political stability, strong rule of law, extensive double-taxation treaty network (over 100 countries), and skilled multilingual workforce make it an exceptional base for international business.

The Swiss tax system is unique: federal, cantonal, and municipal taxes combine to create effective corporate tax rates between 11% and 21%, depending on the canton. Cantons like Zug, Schwyz, and Nidwalden are known for low rates, while Zurich offers a balance of moderate taxation and access to Switzerland’s largest talent pool and financial infrastructure.

Rohrer Consulting handles every step of the formation process. As a qualified lawyer with Big Four experience, Alex Rohrer provides the legal oversight that corporate service brokers simply cannot. You work directly with one expert, not a sales team.

Legal Forms

Choose the Right Legal Form.

AG (Aktiengesellschaft) — Corporation

The gold standard for larger enterprises, holding structures, and businesses seeking to raise capital. Shareholders are not listed in the Commercial Register, providing privacy. Minimum capital: CHF 100,000 (50% paid in).

Learn more about AG formation

GmbH (Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung) — LLC

The most popular form in Switzerland. Ideal for SMEs, consulting firms, and subsidiaries. Simple governance, lower capital requirement. Minimum capital: CHF 20,000 (fully paid in).

Learn more about GmbH formation

Holding Company

Swiss holding companies benefit from the participation exemption, effectively eliminating tax on dividends and capital gains from qualifying subsidiaries. Typically structured as an AG or GmbH with a holding-specific purpose clause.

Learn more about holding companies

Branch Office (Zweigniederlassung)

A foreign company can register a branch in Switzerland without incorporating a separate legal entity. The branch is subject to Swiss taxation on its Swiss-sourced income and must appoint a Swiss-resident representative.

Learn more about branch registration
Investment

Costs & Timeline.

Component GmbH AG
Share CapitalCHF 20,000CHF 50,000 - 100,000
Notary FeesCHF 1,000 - 2,000CHF 1,500 - 3,000
Commercial RegisterCHF 600 - 800CHF 600 - 1,200
Legal FeesFrom CHF 2,500From CHF 3,500
Timeline2-3 weeks3-4 weeks

All fees are communicated upfront. The share capital remains in the company after formation — it is not a cost but working capital for the business.

Protocol

Formation Timeline.

A typical company formation takes 2–4 weeks from engagement to Commercial Register entry. Here is what happens in each phase:

01

Week 1: Planning & Drafting

We agree on the entity type, canton, company name, business purpose, and capital structure. We draft the articles of association and shareholder agreements. KYC documentation is collected.

02

Week 2: Capital Deposit & Notarisation

The share capital is deposited into a blocked escrow account at a Swiss bank. The founding deed is executed before a Swiss notary (in-person or via power of attorney).

03

Weeks 3–4: Registration & Activation

The notary files the incorporation with the Commercial Register. Once the entry is published (typically 3–7 business days), the capital is released, and the company is fully operational. We assist with bank account activation, VAT registration, and social insurance enrolment.

Knowledge Base

Frequently Asked Questions.

Can a foreigner form a company in Switzerland? + −
Yes. There are no nationality restrictions on owning or founding a Swiss AG or GmbH. However, at least one person authorised to represent the company (board member for AG, managing director for GmbH) must be resident in Switzerland. We provide nominee director services to meet this requirement.
Which canton should I choose? + −
The choice depends on your tax optimisation goals, industry, and practical needs. Zug offers some of the lowest corporate tax rates (around 12%). Zurich provides access to the largest financial and professional services ecosystem. Geneva and Vaud are preferred by francophone markets. We advise on the optimal canton based on your specific situation.
Do I need to visit Switzerland to form a company? + −
Not necessarily. The founding deed requires notarisation, but you can grant a power of attorney to our firm to appear before the notary on your behalf. Capital deposits and KYC can also be handled remotely with proper documentation. Many of our international clients never visit during the formation process.
What are the total costs of forming a company? + −
Total costs include the share capital (CHF 20,000 for GmbH, CHF 50,000-100,000 for AG), notary fees (CHF 1,500-3,000), Commercial Register fees (CHF 600-800), and our legal fees for managing the process. We provide a detailed fee schedule upfront with no hidden costs. Contact us for a tailored quote.
Should I form a new company or buy a shelf company? + −
If speed is your priority and you need a company operational within days, a shelf company is the better choice. If you want full control over the articles of association, capital structure, and canton from the start, a new formation gives you more flexibility. Both options result in a fully legitimate Swiss company. We help you decide based on your timeline and requirements.
How long does company formation take in Switzerland? + −
A typical company formation takes 2-4 weeks from engagement to Commercial Register entry. The main variables are the speed of the capital deposit (which depends on the bank and origin of funds) and the processing time at the cantonal register office. GmbH formation is typically 2-3 weeks; AG formation takes 3-4 weeks.
What documents are required for Swiss company formation? + −
You need valid identification (passport or ID) for all founders and directors, proof of residential address, the articles of association (which we draft), evidence of the capital deposit from the bank, and KYC documentation per Swiss anti-money laundering requirements. For foreign founders, apostilled documents may be required.
What is the difference between an AG and a GmbH? + −
The AG requires CHF 100,000 minimum capital (50% paid in) and offers shareholder privacy — names are not published. The GmbH requires only CHF 20,000 but publishes shareholder names publicly. The AG is preferred for larger businesses and holding structures; the GmbH is ideal for SMEs, consulting firms, and startups. Read our detailed comparison.
Do I need a Swiss bank account for company formation? + −
Yes. The share capital must be deposited into a blocked escrow account at a Swiss bank before notarisation. After the company is entered in the Commercial Register, the capital is released and becomes operational working capital. We coordinate with banks to streamline this process through our bank account opening service.
What are the ongoing compliance obligations? + −
Swiss companies must maintain proper bookkeeping, prepare annual financial statements, file federal and cantonal tax returns, hold annual general meetings, and register for VAT if turnover exceeds CHF 100,000. Companies under certain thresholds can opt out of external audits. Our accounting and tax service covers all of this.
Can I form a holding company in Switzerland? + −
Yes. Swiss holding companies benefit from the participation exemption, effectively eliminating tax on dividends and capital gains from qualifying subsidiaries. A holding is typically structured as an AG or GmbH with a holding-specific purpose clause. Switzerland's 100+ double taxation treaties further enhance the benefits.
What common mistakes should I avoid during company formation? + −
The most common mistakes include choosing the wrong legal form for your business needs, selecting a canton without proper tax analysis, not verifying the company name on Zefix before proceeding, underestimating the time needed for the capital deposit, and failing to appoint a Swiss-resident representative from the start. Working with a qualified lawyer prevents all of these.
Ecosystem

Supporting Services

Branch Registration

Register a branch office of your foreign company in Switzerland.

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Bank Account Opening

Corporate bank account setup at leading Swiss banks.

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Registered Office

Zurich business address for your newly formed company.

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Nominee Director

Swiss-resident director to meet local representation requirements.

Explore
Your Expert

ALEX ROHRER.

Founder & Managing Partner of Rohrer Consulting. Corporate and tax lawyer with Big Four experience. Alex personally oversees every client engagement, providing direct expert counsel from initial consultation through to completion.

Background

Corporate & Tax Law, Big Four International Consulting

Location

Seefeldstrasse 69, 8008 Zurich

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AR
Founder

Let's Build Your Swiss Company.

Book a free consultation with Alex Rohrer to discuss the right structure, canton, and timeline for your business.

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