Switzerland Company Formation

Switzerland Company Formation

Zurich at Night

Switzerland is a central European country bordered by France, Germany, Liechtenstein and Austria to the north, with Italy to the south. It is a federal republic consisting of 26 cantons. The Capital is Bern, and the currency is the Swiss Franc (CHF). The official languages are German, French, and Italian. The Swiss economy is based upon manufacturing of specialist chemicals, pharmaceutical goods and precision instruments as well as its highly developed financial services and banking sector. It has a stable prosperous economy and is the wealthiest country in the world in per capita terms. It is a founding member of EFTA and is part of the Schengen Area, but is not a member of the EU or EEA.

  • TYPE OF COMPANY: Limited Liability Company (Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung)
  • COMPANY LAW: The Companies Act 2008 (as amended)                      
  • SUFFIX TO DENOTE LIMITED LIABILITY: GmbH ; SARL ; LLC
  • DIRECTORS: Minimum one who must be resident in Switzerland, additional directors may be of any residency or nationality and either corporate entities or natural persons – we can provide                                            
  • SECRETARY: Not required
  • SHAREHOLDERS: Minimum one who can be of any residency or nationality, either natural persons or corporate bodies – we can provide
  • CLASSES OF SHARE: Registered            
  • CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS: Minimum share capital of CHF20,000 with minimum nominal value of CHF100 per share – fully paid up                     
  • OWNERSHIP: 100% Foreign ownership allowed
  • TIME TO INCORPORATE: 7 – 14 days
  • REGISTERED OFFICE: Required in the Canton of incorporation – we can provide       
  • ANNUAL RETURN: Yes
  • ACCOUNTS: Yes
  • DISCLOSURE: Yes
  • TAXATION: Varies depending on Canton (between 8% – 30%, holding companies 0.42% capital)
  • GOVERNMENT LICENCE FEE: N/A
  • DOUBLE TAXATION TREATIES: 89
  • LANGUAGE OF DOCUMENTATION: Either German, French or Italian with an English certified translation

If you would like further information on setting up a company in Switzerland or the formation of a Swiss company or other Swiss corporate entities or require professional advice relating to taxation or the structuring and requirements of a Swiss company, please contact us. We can also provide advice on establishing a subsidiary, joint venture or foreign company to carry on business in Switzerland.

We can provide a wide range of support and administration services, bank introductions, nominee directors, nominee shareholders, virtual offices, accountancy and legal services. We can also advise on compliance with all the regulatory and statutory requirements.