Question 1

1. Can foreigners register a company in Switzerland?

Accepted Answer

Yes, foreigners can legally register a company in Switzerland, even if they do not live there. The key requirement is that at least one authorised signatory or director must be a Swiss resident. This ensures local accountability for regulatory and tax matters. Non-resident founders commonly meet this requirement through nominee director solutions, which are fully legal when structured correctly and disclosed properly to authorities and banks.

Question 2

2. What is the most popular company type in Switzerland?

Accepted Answer

The most commonly registered structure is the GmbH (limited liability company). It offers credibility, flexibility, and manageable capital requirements, making it ideal for startups, consultants, SMEs, and international founders. Larger businesses or those seeking investors often choose an AG, which provides stronger market perception and easier share transfers. The 'best' option depends on capital, risk profile, and long-term growth plans.

Question 3

3. What is the minimum share capital required?

Accepted Answer

A Swiss GmbH requires CHF 20,000, fully paid up at incorporation. An AG requires CHF 100,000, of which at least CHF 50,000 must be paid initially. This capital must be deposited into a Swiss bank capital account before registration. The funds remain company assets after incorporation and can be used for legitimate business expenses once registration is complete.

Question 4

4. How long does company registration take in Switzerland?

Accepted Answer

On average, company registration takes 2-3 weeks, assuming documents are prepared correctly and approvals proceed smoothly. The timeline includes planning, notarisation, capital deposit, and filing with the Swiss Commercial Register. Banking and VAT registration can run in parallel but may extend the full operational timeline to 4-6 weeks depending on complexity.

Question 5

5. What is a canton and why does it matter?

Accepted Answer

A canton is a Swiss state-level jurisdiction with its own tax rates, administrative rules, and incentives. Switzerland has 26 cantons, and choosing the right one can significantly affect corporate tax, operating costs, and regulatory exposure. Strategic canton selection is one of the biggest advantages in Swiss company formation and should never be treated as a formality.

Question 6

6. Do I need a Swiss business address?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every Swiss company must have a registered office address in Switzerland. This address is used for official correspondence, regulatory notices, and Commercial Register records. Virtual office solutions are allowed, provided they meet local substance and accessibility requirements. For non-residents, this service is essential and commonly bundled with compliance support.

Question 7

7. Is a Swiss bank account mandatory?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a Swiss bank account is required to deposit share capital and operate the company. Swiss banks conduct strict due diligence, especially for foreign-owned companies. Approval depends on business activity, ownership transparency, and compliance readiness. While approval is never guaranteed, professional preparation dramatically improves success rates.

Question 8

8. Can I register a company without visiting Switzerland?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, yes. Incorporation can be completed remotely using powers of attorney and notarised documents. However, some banks may require a physical meeting depending on risk profile and business sector. Many international founders successfully register and operate Swiss companies without travel when documentation and compliance are handled professionally.

Question 9

9. What businesses need FINMA approval?

Accepted Answer

Businesses involved in financial services, crypto asset management, payment processing, or asset custody may require approval from FINMA. Not all crypto or fintech companies require licensing, but regulatory assessment is critical before registration. Structuring incorrectly can lead to rejection or forced restructuring later.

Question 10

10. Is VAT registration mandatory?

Accepted Answer

VAT registration is required if your company exceeds the annual turnover threshold or provides taxable services in Switzerland. Voluntary registration is also possible and often beneficial for credibility and tax recovery. VAT obligations depend on business activity, location of customers, and cross-border services.

Question 11

11. Can I buy a shelf company in Switzerland?

Accepted Answer

Yes, shelf companies are available and allow faster market entry. These are pre-registered companies with no prior activity. While quicker, they still require bank onboarding and compliance checks. Shelf companies are ideal when time is critical, but they are not a shortcut around regulatory scrutiny.

Question 12

12. What ongoing compliance is required?

Accepted Answer

Swiss companies must maintain proper accounting, file annual financial statements, comply with tax filings, and update the Commercial Register when changes occur. Non-compliance can lead to penalties or reputational damage. Switzerland values substance and accuracy, making professional ongoing support highly advisable.

Question 13

13. Are Swiss company details public?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Director names, company address, and share capital are publicly visible via the Commercial Register. However, shareholder privacy can be structured depending on company type. Switzerland balances transparency with discretion when set up correctly.

Question 14

14. Can a Swiss company sponsor visas?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but only if the business demonstrates economic value, compliance, and substance. Visa approvals are discretionary and depend on canton policies, business viability, and the applicant's role. Immigration should always be planned alongside company formation—not after.

Question 15

15. What taxes do Swiss companies pay?

Accepted Answer

Swiss companies pay federal, cantonal, and municipal corporate taxes. Effective tax rates vary by canton and can be highly competitive. Strategic planning can legally optimize tax exposure while remaining fully compliant.

Question 16

16. Is Switzerland suitable for startups?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Switzerland offers stability, investor confidence, strong IP protection, and access to European markets. While compliance is strict, it rewards well-structured businesses with long-term credibility and growth potential.

Question 17

17. Can one person own 100% of a Swiss company?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A single shareholder can own 100% of a Swiss GmbH or AG. However, governance requirements—such as a Swiss-resident signatory—must still be met where applicable.

Question 18

18. Do I need a business plan?

Accepted Answer

While not mandatory for registration, a business plan is often required by banks and regulators. It demonstrates legitimacy, funding logic, and operational clarity—especially for foreign-owned companies.

Question 19

19. What industries face extra scrutiny?

Accepted Answer

Finance, crypto, trading, asset management, and high-risk international services face enhanced due diligence. Early regulatory assessment is essential to avoid delays or rejection.

Question 20

20. Can my Swiss company trade internationally?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Swiss companies can trade globally, open foreign accounts, and invoice international clients. Proper tax structuring is essential to avoid permanent establishment issues.

Question 21

21. Is Switzerland expensive for company formation?

Accepted Answer

Initial costs are higher than offshore jurisdictions, but the return is credibility, stability, and access to top-tier banking. For serious businesses, Switzerland is an investment—not an expense.

Question 22

22. What happens if details change after registration?

Accepted Answer

Changes to directors, address, or capital must be reported to the Commercial Register. We handle updates efficiently to ensure ongoing compliance.

Question 23

23. Can I change cantons later?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but it involves administrative and tax adjustments. Choosing the right canton from the start avoids unnecessary complexity.

Question 24

24. Is accounting mandatory even if there's no activity?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Dormant companies must still maintain basic accounting and file required reports. Switzerland does not recognise 'inactive' as non-compliant.

Question 25

25. Why use a professional instead of doing it myself?

Accepted Answer

Because Swiss authorities and banks expect precision. Small mistakes cause delays, rejections, or reputational damage. Professional support saves time, money, and risk—especially for international founders.

Feature	GmbH (LLC)	AG (Joint-Stock)	Branch Office	Sole Proprietorship
Ideal for	Small & medium businesses	Investors & large companies	Foreign expansions	Solo entrepreneurs
Minimum Capital	CHF 20,000	CHF 100,000	None (existing company capital)	None
Liability	Limited to share capital	Limited to share capital	Parent company liable	Owner personally liable
Compliance	Moderate	High	Moderate	Low
Professional Image	Strong	Very strong	Good	Basic
Best For	SMEs seeking credibility	Raising investment & partners	Testing Swiss market	Quick, simple start

Canton	Approx. Effective Corporate Tax Rate (2026)
Zug	~11.5%
Basel-City	~13.0%
Vaud (incl. Lausanne)	~14.0%
Geneva	~14.6%
Swiss Average	~14.5%
Zurich	~19.4%

Company Type	Registration Timeline	Leadforce Advantage
GmbH	2-4 weeks	We fast-track your documents & filings
AG	3-6 weeks	Expert guidance for investor-ready setup
Branch Office	1-3 weeks	Smooth entry using existing corporate structure
Sole Proprietorship	1-2 weeks	Immediate trading setup with minimal paperwork

Package	What's Included (Starting From)	Best Suited For
Starter — Swiss Entry	Swiss company registration (GmbH or AG) Business name availability check Drafting of incorporation documents Filing with the Swiss Commercial Register Starting from CHF 2,900	Founders who want a compliant Swiss entity secured before launch
Growth — Trading Ready	Everything in Starter Director & shareholder structuring support Registered office / virtual address assistance Swiss notary coordination First-year compliance roadmap Starting from CHF 4,200	Non-resident entrepreneurs & SMEs ready to operate
Expansion — Compliance Plus	Everything in Growth Corporate tax registration guidance VAT registration support (if applicable) Accounting & reporting framework setup Post-incorporation compliance briefing Starting from CHF 5,900	Scaling businesses serving Swiss or EU clients
Elite — Market Authority (Recommended)	Everything in Expansion Swiss business bank account support Swiss-resident director solution (where required) Priority handling & dedicated expert Extended compliance support window Starting from CHF 7,800	International groups, holding companies & regulated ventures

Company Registration Switzerland Made Fast & Reliable

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