Switzerland Company Registration in 2025
The process of registering a business in Switzerland is a way to take your business to the highest possible level. Switzerland is among the most trustworthy and famous nations worldwide to incorporate a business.
The strong banking and insurance industries and the stability of the economy, the favourable corporate law, and the geographic position of the country make the process of registering a company in Switzerland appealing indeed. It gives you quick access to European markets as the infrastructure for transportation is also very efficient in Switzerland.
In addition to being a great location, it is also a place where the Fintech sector is growing in Switzerland because the local authorities are supportive of its growth.
This article discusses the procedure for Switzerland company registration. It also focuses on the various advantages, eligibility criteria, and documents required to register a company in Switzerland.
Why register a company in Switzerland?
Switzerland is a top business destination due to its stable economy, investor-friendly policies, and strong financial system. Here are the various reasons to register a business in Switzerland:
- Low Taxes – Corporate tax rate in Switzerland is as low as 8.5%, with additional cantonal incentives.
- Business-Friendly Environment – Minimal bureaucracy, strong IP protection, and ease of incorporation.
- Strong Banking System – Secure banking, stable currency (CHF), and access to international funding.
- Skilled Workforce – Multilingual talent with expertise in finance, tech, and manufacturing.
- Innovation Hub – High R&D investment, global startup ecosystem, and strong industry-academia collaboration.
- Legal & Political Stability – Low corruption, strong regulatory framework, and a neutral business-friendly government.
Steps for Switzerland Company Registration
Registering a company in Switzerland is a streamlined process, but it requires compliance with legal and tax regulations.
Here’s a step-by-step guide for business registration in Switzerland:
Step 1: Choose a Business Structure
Select the most suitable legal entity based on your business needs:
- GmbH (LLC) – Ideal for SMEs, requires a minimum capital of CHF 20,000.
- AG (Public Limited Company) – Suitable for large businesses, requires CHF 100,000 in share capital.
- Branch Office – Extension of a foreign company with no minimum capital requirement.
Step 2: Reserve a Company Name
Ensure your desired business name is unique by checking availability with the Swiss Commercial Registry.
Step 3: Prepare & Notarize Articles of Association
Draft and notarize the Articles of Association, which outline:
- Business purpose
- Shareholder details
- Registered office
- Capital structure
Step 4: Open a Corporate Bank Account & Deposit Share Capital
Open a capital deposit account with a Swiss bank and deposit the minimum required capital. A bank certificate confirming the deposit is needed for registration.
Step 5: Register with the Commercial Register
Submit the following to the Swiss Commercial Register (Handelsregister):
- Notarized Articles of Association
- Bank certificate (capital deposit)
- Details of directors and shareholders
- Proof of registered office address
Once approved, the company receives an Extract from the Commercial Register, confirming its legal existence.
Step 6: Register for VAT & Obtain Tax Identification
If annual revenue exceeds CHF 100,000, VAT registration with the Swiss Federal Tax Administration (FTA) is mandatory.
Eligibility Criteria for Switzerland Company Registration
- A minimum of 1 shareholder (Individual or Corporation Entity).
- Minimum 1 director.
- Directors and shareholders can be the same person.
- There is a need for directors who are local or resident to run a Swiss Company.
- 100% foreign or local shares are also allowed.
- The required minimum capital contribution for registration of an LLC is CHF 20,000.
- A registered office address in the local area is mandatory.
- It is mandatory to choose an official of the company as a Secretary.
- The firm owners are not required to be present in person throughout the process of company registration in Switzerland. However, banks in Switzerland require the presence of the proprietors of the company at the moment of opening a new account for the due diligence process.
Documents for Switzerland Company Registration
To be granted an official legal identity, every Switzerland company registration must sign up on the Commercial Register. To be able to achieve it, its founders have to submit an application that includes an extensive set of legal documents, containing detailed information about the proposed business and the activities it will engage in.
These are the legal documents as well as the information needed for the procedure of company registration in Switzerland:
- The Articles of Association which are the principal legal documents of local companies must be notarized before registration.
- Specimen signatures of the managing board (company’s secretary, directors, and company’s shareholders/founders);
- Stamp a Declaration Form and Lex Friedrich Declaration Form and details on the registered address of the firm.
- Details about Social capital and the business along with the primary objectives of the activities that will be managed by the legal entity that will be created;
- Additional papers may need to be submitted, based on the kind of company that is registered.
Types of Business Structure for Switzerland Company Registration
These are the types of business structures for company registration in Switzerland:
1. Sole Proprietorship
A sole proprietorship in Switzerland is a business owned and managed by a single individual, known as the sole proprietor. The proprietor is personally liable for all obligations, debts, and liabilities of the business. The business must operate under the proprietor’s name, which must be included in the company’s registration.
Additionally, the sole proprietor must be a Swiss resident. They are the sole recipient of the profits and bear full financial responsibility. If the annual revenue of a sole proprietorship exceeds CHF 100,000, registration with the Swiss Chamber of Commerce is mandatory.
2. General Partnership
A general partnership in Switzerland is a business structure formed by two or more partners who share unlimited liability for the company’s debts and obligations. At least one of the partners must be a Swiss resident. Unlike a sole proprietorship, a general partnership requires mandatory registration with the Swiss Chamber of Commerce.
3. Limited Partnership
A limited partnership in Switzerland is similar to a general partnership but with a key distinction:
General partners have unlimited liability and are responsible for managing the business.
Limited partners have limited liability and are only responsible for the company’s debts up to the amount of their investment.
4. Limited Liability Company (GmbH)
A limited liability company (LLC) or Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung (GmbH) is a common business entity in Switzerland. It requires a minimum of one shareholder (not two as stated in your text) and a minimum capital investment of CHF 20,000. The shareholders’ liability is limited to their investment, meaning they are not personally liable for the company’s debts.
5. Joint-Stock Company (AG – Aktiengesellschaft)
A joint-stock company (AG) is a widely used business structure in Switzerland. It requires:
- A minimum of one shareholder (not three, as incorrectly stated).
- A minimum share capital of CHF 100,000, out of which CHF 50,000 must be paid up at the time of registration.
- A Swiss resident director is required.
Joint-stock companies function as separate legal entities and are ideal for businesses seeking capital investment or planning to go public.
6. Public Limited Company (PLC – Publikumsgesellschaft)
A public limited company (Plc) in Switzerland is a legal entity designed for companies that plan to raise capital from the public. It is similar to a joint-stock company (AG) but is structured for the public trading of shares. The minimum share capital required is CHF 100,000.
7. Subsidiary
A subsidiary is a legally independent Swiss company that is owned by a foreign company. It operates under Swiss law and can be structured as either a limited liability company (GmbH) or a joint-stock company (AG). The subsidiary functions independently from the parent company but may still be under strategic control.
8. Branch Office
A branch office in Switzerland is an extension of a foreign company rather than a separate legal entity. While it must adhere to Swiss regulations, the parent company remains fully liable for the branch’s obligations. This structure is commonly used by international businesses seeking to expand operations in Switzerland.
9. Representative Office
A representative office in Switzerland is a non-commercial entity established by foreign companies for market research, networking, or marketing activities. Since it does not engage in revenue-generating activities, it does not require commercial registration but must still comply with Swiss legal requirements.
Advantages of Company Registration in Switzerland
The process of company registration in Switzerland offers the following advantages:
- Switzerland is one of the more open and business-friendly economies around the globe and its government is focused on encouraging international direct investments (FDI) as well as R&D.
- The banking laws particularly the rules on banking secrecy in Switzerland provide immense protection to foreign businessmen and investors.
- Switzerland is a highly developed country in regards to infrastructure and research direction and offers companies the most modern facilities to grow.
- Several reputed international companies and businesses have their headquarters in Switzerland which has earned it its reputation as a place of security and stability over the long term.
Cost to Register a Company in Switzerland
The costs of company registration in Switzerland are:
- Registration cost: The standard cost of registration of an LLC in Switzerland is approximately CHF 420. However, the amount varies by the Swiss area you decide to register your company.
- Virtual office prices about 120 EUR per month: With an online office in Switzerland you’ll get an official registered office that is required to establish a Swiss business;
- Minimal share capital: There are a variety of businesses that need the minimum share capital at the time of incorporation, for instance, the GmbH is required to have 20000 CHF.
- Company formation costs: Approximately 2500 EUR is a reasonable price for the corporate formation specialists located in Switzerland
- Accounting expenses start at 180 EUR/month: The price includes taxation and bookkeeping assistance.
Conclusion
Registering a company in Switzerland is the most sought-after because of its status as being among the best-performing economies around the globe. Additionally, you should know that Switzerland has a strict policy regarding immigrants from abroad moving to Switzerland. Therefore, one possibility is to establish yourself as a self-employed worker or even to register a company in Switzerland.
If you still have questions about Switzerland company registration. Consult our professionals at OnDemand International. Our experts are here to help you.
FAQ’s
The two kinds of firms are typically legally registered within Switzerland: AG and GmbH.
A company may get registered with Switzerland in just a couple of weeks.
The Swiss Constitution permits any person, including foreigners to operate an enterprise in Switzerland or form an entity or hold an investment in one.
Switzerland is among the most trustworthy and famous nations worldwide to incorporate a business. The strong banking and insurance industries and the stability of the economy, the favorable corporate law, and the geographic position of the country make it a favorable location to set up organizations.
- Sole proprietorship
- General Partnership
- Limited Partnership
- Joint Stock Company
- Limited Liability Company
- Public Shareholding Company
- Representative Office
- Branch Office
- Subsidiary
A firm has to pay for registration expenses, virtual office, share capital, accounting expenses, notary fees, and other related expenses.
