Company formation
Incorporation of a Swiss GmbH or AG for founders resident abroad, from structuring to entry in the commercial register.
We incorporate Swiss companies for founders who are not resident in Switzerland. The work is done from our office in Zurich, and requires no travel on your part beyond notarised signatures.
GmbH or AG
Private limited company (GmbH)
- Paid in at incorporation
- Full amount
- Shareholders in the public register
- Yes, name and holding
- Typical use
- Owner-operated businesses, holding structures
- Transfer of shares
- Requires shareholder approval by default
Stock corporation (AG)
- Paid in at incorporation
- At least CHF 50,000
- Shareholders in the public register
- No
- Typical use
- Larger ventures, outside investors, share transfers
- Transfer of shares
- Freely transferable by default
Both forms require at least one person resident in Switzerland with signing authority for the company. This is a statutory requirement, not a formality; the registry will not complete an entry without it.
The Swiss commercial register is public. For a GmbH, shareholders are listed by name. For an AG, shareholders are not listed, though the company keeps its own share register and beneficial ownership must be disclosed to the company. We do not offer arrangements intended to conceal ownership.
How incorporation runs
Initial call
30–45 minutesWe establish the intended activity, ownership, and which legal form fits. If the activity is financial-sector, this is also where we determine whether a licensing route applies.
Structuring and documents
within 5 working daysWe draft the articles of association, the public deed, and the registry application, and send them for review.
Capital deposit
bank timelines varyShare capital is paid into a blocked capital-contribution account at a Swiss bank. The bank issues a confirmation that forms part of the filing.
Signature and notarisation
Documents are signed and the signatures notarised. Where you are abroad, this is done at a notary or Swiss consulate locally and apostilled where required.
Registry filing
around 14 daysWe file with the cantonal commercial register. On registration we send the certified extract and the full incorporation file.
What is included
Which entity, what share capital, what purpose clause, and what that means for tax and reporting.
Articles of association, public deed, Stampa and Lex Friedrich declarations, acceptance of mandate.
We instruct the notary and manage the appointment.
We prepare and submit the application for the blocked account. The bank makes the decision.
Submission, follow-up on registry queries, and the certified extract.
Share register, board resolutions, and the documents you'll be asked for when opening a corporate bank account.
What is not included
We prepare and submit the application. Acceptance is the bank's decision and cannot be guaranteed by us or anyone else.
We advise on the route and file the SRO membership application on your behalf (see Fintech & crypto). We do not supply AML compliance officers.
Charged at cost and passed through.
- 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.
Ready to set up in Switzerland?
One call to talk through your plans and what the structure would look like.
Book a consultation