Switzerland Company Formation
Establish your company in Switzerland — one of the world's most prestigious business locations. We handle the entire process from notarisation to Commercial Register entry.
Why incorporate in Switzerland?
Switzerland's federal corporate tax is 8.5% on net profit, with combined effective rates ranging from 11.9% to 21.6% depending on the canton. Cantons like Zug, Nidwalden and Lucerne offer rates below 14%. The country has over 100 double-taxation treaties and bilateral agreements with the EU.
Switzerland is home to major multinational headquarters, a world-leading financial sector and consistently ranks among the top countries for competitiveness and innovation. A federal, multilingual democracy with one of the world's most stable political and legal systems. GmbH (LLC) and AG (Corporation) structures offer flexibility for all business sizes.
11.9–21.6%
Effective tax rate
100+
Tax treaties
Top 3
Innovation index
CHF 20K
Min. capital (GmbH)
Competitive combined tax rate
Federal corporate tax is 8.5% on net profit. Combined with cantonal/municipal taxes, effective rates range from 11.9% to 21.6% depending on the canton — with several cantons offering rates below 14%.
Global business hub
Switzerland is home to major multinational headquarters, a world-leading financial sector and consistently ranks among the top countries for competitiveness and innovation.
No ownership restrictions
No limitations on foreign shareholding. Swiss GmbH (LLC) and AG (Corp) structures offer flexibility for all business sizes.
Legal certainty & stability
A federal, multilingual democracy with one of the world's most stable political and legal systems. Strong rule of law, IP protections and contract enforcement.
Extensive treaty network
Over 100 double-taxation treaties, bilateral agreements with the EU and participation in EFTA provide a powerful framework for international structuring.
Innovation ecosystem
Home to ETH Zurich, EPFL and a thriving startup scene. Switzerland leads global innovation indices and offers R&D super-deductions in many cantons.
Switzerland company formation
Setup costs depend on the entity type, canton and capital requirements. Contact us for a personalised quotation.
Switzerland Company Formation
Swiss company formation costs vary based on the entity type (GmbH/AG), canton, notarisation fees and capital deposit requirements. We'll analyse your situation and provide a detailed breakdown.
The incorporation process
A clear, guided path from first consultation to a fully registered Swiss company.
- 1
Initial consultation
Day 1We assess your objectives, recommend the optimal structure (GmbH, AG, branch) and advise on the most suitable canton for tax and operational reasons.
- 2
Name verification & notarisation
1–3 daysWe verify name availability, prepare the articles of association and arrange notarisation of the incorporation deed.
- 3
Capital deposit
1–2 daysThe minimum share capital is deposited in a Swiss bank escrow account. The bank issues a capital-deposit confirmation.
- 4
Commercial Register entry
3–10 daysWe file the notarised deed with the cantonal Commercial Register. The company legally exists from the date of entry.
- 5
Tax & VAT registration
3–5 daysWe register with the cantonal tax authority and the Federal Tax Administration for VAT (if applicable).
- 6
Social insurance & operations
3–5 daysWe register for AHV/IV social insurance, set up payroll and handle any cantonal permits (work permits, trade licences) if needed.
What you'll need
Comprehensive documentation — we'll guide you through every step.
Founders / directors
- Certified copy of passport
- Proof of residential address
- At least one person domiciled in Switzerland with signatory authority (director, officer or manager)
- CV / professional profile
Corporate shareholders
- Apostilled Certificate of Incorporation
- Articles of Association / bylaws
- Register of directors, shareholders & UBOs
- Certificate of Good Standing
- Board resolution authorising the investment
Company details
- Proposed company name
- Detailed business purpose
- Share capital (min. CHF 20,000 for GmbH; CHF 100,000 for AG, 50% paid up)
- Registered office address in Switzerland
Advantages
- Prestigious international reputation
- Competitive effective tax rates (as low as 11.9% in some cantons)
- 100+ double-taxation treaties
- Political and economic stability
- World-class banking and financial services
- Multilingual workforce (DE, FR, IT, EN)
- Strong IP protections and R&D incentives
Things to consider
- At least one Swiss-domiciled representative with signatory authority required
- Higher minimum share capital: CHF 20,000 (GmbH) / CHF 100,000 (AG)
- Annual audit required for larger companies
- Cost of living and salaries are among the highest globally
Frequently asked questions
GmbH or AG — which structure is best?
Do I need a Swiss-resident director?
How long does the process take?
Which canton has the lowest tax rate?
Is VAT registration required?
Can a Swiss company open international bank accounts?
Register in Switzerland
Get a tailored quote for your Swiss company — we'll recommend the best structure for your goals.
+852 5803 1008Ready to set up in Switzerland?
Speak with our team for a free consultation. We'll help you choose the right structure and handle the entire process.