Guide to Switzerland Company Registration in 2025:  Precision, Stability, & Global Reach 

Switzerland Company Registration, Swiss Business Setup, International Business Switzerland  

Switzerland, renowned globally for its economic stability, innovative landscape, and strategic financial ecosystem, continues to be a top choice for international businesses and entrepreneurs in 2025. Consistently ranked among the world’s most competitive and innovative economies, and boasting one of the highest GDP per capita, Switzerland stands as a testament to efficient governance and a thriving business climate.

As a neutral nation with a highly skilled workforce, attractive tax regimes (varying by canton), and direct access to European and global markets, Switzerland offers unparalleled opportunities. Switzerland’s strong financial sector, along with its focus on legal certainty and confidentiality, makes it a top choice for setting up and managing companies.

For startups aiming for innovation, established corporations seeking a secure European base, or individuals looking for a prestigious address for their international operations, Switzerland offers a unique blend of efficiency, precision, and world-class service.

This ultimate guide by Helvetios.eu provides a comprehensive, step-by-step roadmap to setting up your Swiss company in 2025 – from understanding the most common legal structures and navigating the regulatory landscape, to handling practical incorporation steps, costs, and timelines.

Get ready to launch your Swiss venture with confidence.

Why Register a Company in Switzerland? Key Advantages in 2025 

Switzerland remains a popular place to do business thanks to its strong economy, reliable legal system, and support for a competitive business environment.

Political and Economic Stability: Switzerland boasts one of the world’s most stable political systems and a resilient economy, providing a secure and predictable environment for long-term business planning. 

Attractive Tax Environment: 

• Federal, Cantonal, and Municipal Taxes: Corporate tax rates in Switzerland can be very different depending on the canton or municipality, which allows businesses to choose a location that fits their tax strategy. Some cantons offer very competitive effective tax rates. 

• Innovation Incentives: Various cantonal programs and federal policies support research and development (R&D) activities, offering tax breaks and grants. 

• Extensive Double Taxation Agreements (DTAs): Switzerland has a vast network of DTAs (over 100), reducing withholding taxes and preventing double taxation for international businesses. 

Highly Skilled & Multilingual Workforce: Access to a well-educated, highly productive, and globally competitive talent pool, fluent in various languages (German, French, Italian, English). 

World-Class Infrastructure: Exceptional transportation networks, advanced telecommunications, reliable energy supply, and cutting-edge research institutions. 

Access to European & Global Markets: While not an EU member, Switzerland has numerous bilateral agreements with the EU, providing privileged access to the European Single Market. Its central location facilitates global trade. 

Financial Hub: A leading global financial center with a sophisticated banking system and robust privacy laws, ideal for holding companies, asset management, and financial services. 

High Quality of Life: Attracts and retains top talent globally due to its excellent living standards, education, and natural beauty. 

Understanding Swiss Company Structures 

Choosing the appropriate legal entity is a crucial first step in Switzerland, as each structure comes with distinct legal, tax, and administrative implications. The most common types for foreign investors are: 

Structure	Description	Key Features	Suitability
Limited Company (AG / SA)	“Aktiengesellschaft” (AG) in German, “Société Anonyme” (SA) in French. Most common for larger businesses and foreign investors. Separate legal entity.	– Limited liability  – Minimum share capital CHF 100,000 (at least CHF 50,000 paid up)  – Shares easily transferable (UBO transparency required)  – At least one director must be a Swiss resident	Larger enterprises, companies raising capital, multiple shareholders, high credibility
Limited Liability Company (GmbH / Sàrl)	“Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung” (GmbH) in German, “Société à responsabilité limitée” (Sàrl) in French. Combines elements of AG and partnership.	– Limited liability  – Minimum share capital CHF 20,000 (fully paid up)  – Member register is public  – At least one director must be a Swiss resident	SMEs, family businesses, startups, personal relationships between members
Sole Proprietorship	Owned and operated by a single individual.	– Unlimited personal liability  – No separate legal entity  – No minimum capital	Very small businesses, freelancers, independent consultants (Swiss residents only)
Branch Office	Extension of a foreign parent company.	– Parent company liable for debts  – No minimum capital  – At least one Swiss-resident representative with sole signatory power	Foreign companies wanting a Swiss presence without full incorporation

Note: Since 2023, bearer shares are no longer permitted except for listed companies, and UBO (Ultimate Beneficial Owner) transparency is mandatory 

Limited Company (AG / SA / Ltd.) 

Description: “Aktiengesellschaft” (AG) in German-speaking Switzerland, “Société Anonyme” (SA) in French-speaking Switzerland. This is the most common structure for larger businesses and foreign investors. It is a separate legal entity from its shareholders. 

Key Features: 

• Limited Liability: Shareholders’ liability is limited to their share capital contributions. 

• Share Capital: Minimum share capital of CHF 100,000, with at least 20% (or minimum CHF 50,000) paid up at incorporation. 

• Share Transferability: Shares can be transferred easily, often anonymously if bearer shares are used (though recent regulations require UBO transparency). 

• Directors: At least one director must be a Swiss resident (either a Swiss citizen or a foreigner with a valid Swiss residency permit). 

Suitability: Ideal for larger enterprises, companies seeking to raise capital, those with multiple shareholders, or businesses that desire a high level of credibility and prestige. 

Limited Liability Company (GmbH / Sàrl / LLC) 

Description: “Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung” (GmbH) in German-speaking Switzerland, “Société à responsabilité limitée” (Sàrl) in French-speaking Switzerland. This structure combines elements of an AG and a partnership, often preferred by SMEs. 

Key Features: 

• Limited Liability: Members’ liability is limited to their share capital. 

• Share Capital: Minimum share capital of CHF 20,000, which must be fully paid up at incorporation. 

• Member Register: Members’ names are publicly registered. Share transfers require notarization. 

• Directors: At least one director must be a Swiss resident. 

Suitability: Popular for SMEs, family businesses, or startups where less capital is required and a more personal relationship between members is desired. 

Sole Proprietorship (Einzelfirma / Entreprise individuelle) 

Description: Owned and operated by a single individual. 

Key Features: 

• Unlimited Personal Liability: The owner is personally liable for all business debts. 

• No Separate Legal Entity: Not distinct from its owner. 

• No Minimum Capital: No minimum capital requirement. 

Suitability: Best for very small businesses, freelancers, or independent consultants, especially for Swiss residents. Not typically recommended for foreign entrepreneurs without Swiss residency. 

Branch Office (Zweigniederlassung / Succursale) 

Description: An extension of a foreign parent company, not a separate legal entity. 

Key Features: 

• Parent Company Liability: The parent company is fully liable for the branch’s debts and obligations. 

• No Separate Capital: No minimum capital required. 

• Swiss Representative: At least one person authorized to represent the branch must be a Swiss resident with sole signatory power. 

Suitability: For foreign companies wanting to establish a presence in Switzerland without full incorporation, whose operations are closely tied to the parent company. 

Steps to Register a Company in Switzerland (2025) 

The company registration process in Switzerland is precise and requires adherence to specific legal formalities. Assistance from a professional service provider like Helvetios.eu is highly recommended, especially for foreign investors. 

Here’s a general roadmap for incorporating an AG or GmbH: 

1. Choose Your Business Activity & Structure: 

1. Define your company’s purpose and primary business activities. 

2. Select the most suitable legal form (AG or GmbH being most common for foreign investors). 

3. Helvetios.eu provides initial consultation to help you make this critical decision. 

2. Select a Company Name: 

1. Your proposed company name must be unique and adhere to Swiss naming conventions (e.g., must contain the legal form like AG or GmbH). 

2. The name will be checked against existing registrations at the Federal Commercial Register Office. 

3. Appoint Directors/Shareholders & Swiss Resident Director: 

1. AG: Minimum one shareholder. At least one director with sole signatory power (or two directors with joint signatory power) must be a Swiss resident (citizen or valid resident permit holder). 

2. GmbH: Minimum one shareholder. At least one director with sole signatory power (or two directors with joint signatory power) must be a Swiss resident. 

3. If you do not have a Swiss resident director, Helvetios.eu can provide a nominee director service. 

4. Prepare Essential Documents: 

1. Articles of Association (Statuten): Detailed rules of the company. 

2. Public Deed of Incorporation: Created by a notary public. 

3. Declaration of Acceptance of Mandate by directors. 

4. Consent to use the registered office address. 

5. Passport copies and proof of address for all founders/directors. 

5. Open a Capital Payment Account: 

1. Before incorporation, the minimum share capital (CHF 100,000 for AG, CHF 20,000 for GmbH) must be deposited into a blocked capital payment account (Sperrkonto) at a Swiss bank. 

2. The bank will issue a deposit confirmation, which is essential for the notary. 

3. Helvetios.eu can assist with bank introductions. 

6. Public Notarization of Articles of Association: 

1. A critical step unique to Switzerland. The founders or their authorized representatives must sign the Articles of Association and other incorporation documents in the presence of a public notary. The notary verifies identities and authenticates the documents. 

7. Submission to Commercial Register (Handelsregister): 

1. After notarization, the notary or your service provider submits the application and all required documents to the relevant Cantonal Commercial Register Office. 

2. The Commercial Register verifies the compliance of the documents with Swiss law. 

8. Obtain Commercial Register Extract: 

1. Once approved and registered, your company receives an official extract from the Commercial Register, which serves as its legal proof of existence. The company is now legally incorporated. 

9. Register for VAT (if applicable): 

1. If your company’s expected annual taxable turnover exceeds CHF 100,000, you must register for Value Added Tax (VAT) with the Federal Tax Administration (FTA). 

10. Register with Social Security (AHV/AVS): 

1. All companies with employees (including founders who receive a salary) must register with the Swiss Federal Social Insurance Office for social security contributions. 

Key Requirements for Company Registration in Switzerland

Ensuring you meet the fundamental requirements is key to a smooth incorporation process: 

Company Name: Unique, approved by the Commercial Register, and includes legal form (AG/GmbH). 

Shareholders: Minimum one. Can be individuals or corporate entities. 

Directors: 

• Minimum one director. 

• At least one director (with sole signatory power) must be a resident in Switzerland. This can be a Swiss citizen or a foreign national with a valid Swiss B or C permit. 

• Must not be legally disqualified. 

Share Capital: 

• AG: Minimum CHF 100,000 (at least CHF 50,000 paid up). 

• GmbH: Minimum CHF 20,000 (fully paid up). 

• Must be deposited in a blocked capital payment account at a Swiss bank. 

Registered Office Address: A physical street address in Switzerland (P.O. Box is not allowed). This is where all official communications will be sent. Virtual office solutions provided by service providers are acceptable. 

• Auditor (if applicable): Companies generally need to appoint an auditor, unless they qualify for an “opt-out” (e.g., small companies with less than 10 full-time employees, or those not exceeding certain thresholds). 

• Articles of Association: Legally binding document outlining the company’s purpose, share capital, governance rules. 

• Public Notary: Mandatory involvement for the incorporation deed. 

How to Open a Company in Switzerland as a Foreigner 

Switzerland welcomes foreign entrepreneurs, but the process has specific requirements, especially regarding local presence. 

1. Engage a Professional Corporate Service Provider (Recommended): 

1. This is the most common and efficient method for foreigners.  

Firms like Helvetios.eu specialize in guiding international clients through the Swiss incorporation process. 

We can assist with: 

• Choosing the right canton and legal structure. 

• Drafting Articles of Association. 

• Arranging the notary appointment. 

• Providing a nominee Swiss resident director service (if you don’t have one). 

• Providing a registered office address. 

• Assisting with bank account opening. 

• Handling all submissions to the Commercial Register. 

2. This allows you to incorporate your company without physically relocating to Switzerland initially, managing your company remotely. 

2. Relocate to Switzerland & Obtain a Residency Permit: 

1. If you plan to live and work in Switzerland, you (as a shareholder/director) can apply for a relevant work and residency permit (e.g., B or L permit). 

2. This often involves demonstrating sufficient financial means, a viable business plan that contributes to the Swiss economy, and approval from cantonal migration authorities. 

3. Once you have a valid permit, you can act as the mandatory Swiss resident director. 

Helvetios.eu can provide guidance and support for the permit application process in conjunction with company setup. 

What Happens After Company Incorporation in Switzerland? (Post-Incorporation Formalities) 

Company registration is the first step. Several crucial post-incorporation formalities ensure your company remains compliant and operational. Helvetios.eu offers comprehensive post-incorporation support. 

• Bank Account Activation: Your capital payment account will be converted into a regular corporate bank account after registration. Additional bank accounts for operations can then be opened. 

• VAT Registration: If required, register with the Federal Tax Administration (FTA) for VAT. 

• Social Security Registration: Register with AHV/AVS for mandatory social security contributions for all employees, including directors receiving a salary. 

• Business Insurance: Obtain necessary business insurances (e.g., liability, accident, pension fund). 

• Accounting & Bookkeeping: Establish a robust accounting system. Swiss law requires maintaining proper financial records. Helvetios.eu provides expert accounting and bookkeeping services. 

• Auditor Appointment (if applicable): If your company is not exempt from audit, appoint a qualified auditor within the legal timeframe. 

• Employer Obligations: If hiring, comply with Swiss labour law, including contracts, payroll, and deductions. 

Ongoing Formalities & Filing Requirements in Switzerland 

Maintaining good standing with federal, cantonal, and municipal authorities is critical. Helvetios.eu provides ongoing administration and compliance services to ensure your Swiss company meets all its obligations. 

• Annual General Meeting (AGM): Shareholders must hold an AGM at least once a year. 

• Annual Financial Statements: Companies must prepare annual financial statements according to Swiss accounting standards (OR – Obligationenrecht). 

• Annual Tax Filings: 

• Corporate Income Tax: Filed annually at federal, cantonal, and municipal levels. 

• Capital Tax: Some cantons levy a capital tax. 

• VAT Filings: If VAT-registered, file VAT returns periodically (usually quarterly or semi-annually). 

• Commercial Register Updates: Report any changes to the company’s registered details (directors, address, capital changes) to the Commercial Register. 

• UBO (Ultimate Beneficial Ownership) Registry: While Switzerland has strong privacy laws, companies are required to know and record their ultimate beneficial owners. 

How Long Does It Take to Register a Company in Switzerland? 

The actual incorporation process can be efficient with proper preparation and professional support. 

• Name Approval: Typically, within a few hours to 1-2 working days. 

• Bank Account Opening: Can take from a few days to 2-3 weeks, depending on the bank and client’s profile (especially for non-residents). This is often the longest initial step. 

• Notarization: A few hours on the day of the appointment. 

• Commercial Register Entry: Once all documents are submitted and correct, registration can take 3-10 working days, depending on the canton’s workload. 

Overall Timeline: Including initial consultation, document preparation, bank account opening, notarization, and Commercial Register entry, the entire process can often be completed within 3 to 6 weeks with efficient service from a firm like Helvetios.eu. We streamline the process to get your Swiss business ready to operate with precision. 

Ready to Establish Your Company in Switzerland? 

Helvetios makes it precise, secure, and fully compliant to register a company in Switzerland—wherever you are in the world. From choosing the optimal canton and legal structure to navigating banking and ensuring ongoing compliance, our experts handle it all. 

👉 Contact us now to book your free consultation and embark on your Swiss business journey with confidence! 

FAQs: Company Registration in Switzerland 

1. Can I, as a foreigner, own 100% of a Swiss company? Yes, foreigners can own 100% of a Swiss company (AG or GmbH). However, for an AG or GmbH, at least one director with sole signatory power (or two directors with joint signatory power) must be a Swiss resident (either a Swiss citizen or a foreigner with a valid B or C residence permit). 

2. Do I have to live in Switzerland to open a company? No, you are not required to live in Switzerland to be a shareholder of a company here. However, as mentioned above, the presence of at least one Swiss resident director is mandatory. If you do not have such a director, Helvetios.eu can provide a nominee resident director service. 

3. How long does the company registration process in Switzerland take? The entire process, including initial consultation, document preparation, opening a bank account for the share capital, notarization, and registration with the Commercial Register, typically takes 3 to 6 weeks. Opening the bank account for the capital is often the longest initial step. 

4. What are the main taxes a Swiss company needs to pay? Swiss companies pay taxes at three levels: 

• Federal corporate income tax: A uniform rate across the country. 

• Cantonal corporate income and capital tax: Varies depending on the canton. 

• Municipal corporate income and capital tax: Varies depending on the municipality where the company is registered. Switzerland also applies VAT (Value Added Tax) for companies with an annual turnover exceeding CHF 100,000. 

5. What is a nominee director, and do I need one? A nominee director is a qualified professional provided by your corporate service provider (e.g., Helvetios.eu) who meets the requirement for a Swiss resident director. They perform only the legal and administrative functions necessary to comply with local law, without interfering with the operational management of your company. If you do not have your own director permanently residing in Switzerland, this service is necessary. 

6. Can I open a bank account for my Swiss company remotely? Opening a corporate bank account in Switzerland for non-residents can be challenging, and many banks prefer in-person presence. However, some banks and specialized financial institutions may offer remote account opening or remote client identification via video call. Helvetios.eu can assist you with bank introductions and advice on this matter. 

7. What is the minimum share capital for an AG and GmbH? 

• For an AG (Aktiengesellschaft/Limited Company): The minimum share capital is CHF 100,000, of which at least 20% (but a minimum of CHF 50,000) must be paid up upon registration. 

• For a GmbH (Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung/Limited Liability Company): The minimum share capital is CHF 20,000, which must be fully paid up upon registration. 

8. What services are provided after company registration? After company registration, Helvetios.eu offers comprehensive support, which may include: 

• Assistance with opening a corporate bank account. 

• VAT and social security registration. 

• Accounting services and auditing (if applicable). 

• Consultations on hiring staff and processing visas/residence permits. 

• Ongoing administrative and legal support to ensure compliance with Swiss law.