RPCS

Frequently asked questions

Structure, timelines, and what RPCS does and does not do. If your question isn't answered here, get in touch.

General

01Can a foreigner own 100% of a Swiss company?
Yes. Shareholder nationality is unrestricted, though one signatory must be Switzerland-resident, which we arrange.
02AG or GmbH?
The GmbH has the lower capital requirement and is paid in in full. The AG requires more capital, only part of which is paid in at incorporation. GmbH shareholders appear in the Commercial Register, AG shareholders do not.
03How long does incorporation take?
Document preparation runs in days once details are confirmed. Commercial Register entry usually follows within a couple of weeks.
04Do you work with crypto and fintech companies?
Yes, as consultants on structuring and how the Swiss regulatory route applies. We do not provide regulatory or compliance services ourselves.
05Do I need a licence for a crypto business in Switzerland?
It depends on the model. Many require SRO affiliation under the Anti-Money Laundering Act rather than a FINMA licence.
06Can you guarantee a bank account?
No. The decision sits with the bank. Our role is helping you present a file that gets a fair hearing.

Company formation

01Do I need to travel to Switzerland?
No. Signatures are notarised where you are and legalised for use in Switzerland.
02Can I be the sole founder?
Yes. A GmbH or AG can be founded by a single person, and nationality is not a restriction. The Swiss-resident representation requirement is separate and still applies.
03What is the corporate tax rate for a Swiss company?
The effective combined federal, cantonal and municipal rate on net profit depends on the canton and commune of domicile, and across Switzerland ranges from roughly 12% to 21%. Rates change; we confirm the current figure for your chosen domicile during structuring.
04How long does the whole process take?
From complete documentation to registry entry, typically three to five weeks, with the bank's capital-account timeline the usual variable.

Fintech & crypto

01Do I need an SRO affiliation?
It depends on the activity, not the label. Financial intermediation as defined by Swiss law triggers the requirement; many businesses that describe themselves as fintech fall outside it. That determination is the first thing we do.
02Can I incorporate first and sort out licensing later?
You can, and it is usually the more expensive order. Purpose clause, capital and governance are all easier to set correctly at incorporation than to amend afterwards.
03Do you handle FINMA licence applications?
No. We advise on the route and on structuring. Licence applications are handled by specialist regulatory counsel.
04Do I need a Switzerland-based AML Officer?
Yes, it is a requirement of SRO membership. RPCS does not act as your AML Officer; we point you to specialist providers who take on that role.
05What happens if my business outgrows the SRO route?
The SRO route carries a ceiling on public deposit-taking. Businesses that expect to exceed it plan an early move to a higher-capacity FINMA licence tier instead of retrofitting the structure later.

Registered office

01Is this a legally valid registered office?
Yes. The address is entered in the commercial register as the company's domicile, and official correspondence from authorities is received there and forwarded to you.
02Can I use the address on invoices and my website?
Yes, as your company's registered business address.
03What happens to parcels and registered mail?
Both are accepted and signed for. Registered items are notified to you the day they arrive.

Company administration

01What if nothing changes in a given year?
There is still an annual general meeting and minutes. That is the minimum, and it is not optional.
02Can you act on my behalf with the authorities?
For administrative correspondence and registry filings, yes, under a written mandate. Decisions that require an officer of the company remain with your officers.

Accounting

01What are the reporting deadlines?
Annual accounts must be approved within six months of the financial year end; tax return deadlines are cantonal and extensions are usually available on request.
02Do you work with accounts kept in another currency?
Accounts may be kept in the functional currency of the business, with a CHF presentation for tax purposes. We'll confirm what applies to your case.
03Can you take over books started elsewhere?
Yes. We reconcile the opening position first, which is normally a one-off exercise at the start of the mandate.

Resident director

01Why does a Swiss company need a resident director?
Swiss law requires at least one person with sole signatory authority to be resident in Switzerland. Without one, the company cannot be entered in the Commercial Register.
02Does the resident director control my company?
No. The mandate covers statutory signing duties and representation, not management decisions or ownership. You retain full control of the business.
03Can the resident director be replaced later?
Yes. Once you or someone in your organisation meets the residency requirement, the mandate can be transferred and the register entry updated.

Ready to set up in Switzerland?

One call to talk through your plans and what the structure would look like.

Book a consultation