Company Incorporation in Switzerland

Incorporating a Swiss GmbH or AG: The Full Process

Zurich, Zug, and Geneva each present distinct advantages in effective tax rate, regulatory environment, and proximity to financial infrastructure. WVT's attorneys advise on cantonal seat selection before any document is prepared — a decision that affects the entity's tax position for its entire operating life. Our formation work covers articles of association drafting, notarisation, capital deposit coordination with Swiss banking institutions, and registration filing with the cantonal commercial register. WVT manages the full timeline from instruction to entry.

Our expertise

WVT’s attorneys and tax advisors advise international businesses, North American multinationals, and foreign founders on Swiss entity formation, corporate structuring, and ongoing compliance. Our work spans GmbH and AG incorporations, branch registrations, holding structures, and post-incorporation tax filings across all major Swiss cantons.

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Entity Selection, Director Requirements & Banking

Choosing between a GmbH and an AG turns on share capital thresholds, governance preferences, and future financing plans. A GmbH requires CHF 20,000 in paid-up capital and suits closely held structures; an AG requires CHF 100,000 and is the preferred vehicle where external investment or a regulated activity is anticipated. Swiss law requires at least one director domiciled in Switzerland with individual signing authority. WVT arranges qualified resident directorship and post-incorporation banking introductions as part of the mandate.

FAQ's

What are the minimum share capital requirements for a Swiss GmbH and AG?

A Swiss GmbH requires a minimum share capital of CHF 20,000, fully paid up at incorporation. A Swiss AG requires a minimum of CHF 100,000, of which at least CHF 50,000 must be paid in at registration. WVT’s attorneys advise on capital structuring in the context of each client’s broader corporate and financing arrangements before the notarised deed is executed.

Can a foreign national or non-resident incorporate a company in Switzerland?

Foreign nationals may incorporate a Swiss GmbH or AG without restriction, subject to one important requirement: at least one director or authorised signatory must be domiciled in Switzerland and hold individual signing authority. WVT maintains a network of qualified resident directors and arranges compliant domiciliation as part of the incorporation mandate.

How long does company incorporation in Switzerland typically take?

From notarised deed execution to commercial register entry, a standard Swiss incorporation takes between two and four weeks, depending on the canton and document preparation timeline. Zurich and Zug typically process registrations efficiently. WVT coordinates between notary, bank, and cantonal registry to manage the full timeline and avoid avoidable delays.

Which Swiss canton is most advantageous for company incorporation?

Canton selection depends on the client’s operational profile, effective tax rate priorities, and proximity requirements. Zug offers the lowest cantonal tax rates and is frequently chosen for holding structures and trading companies. Zurich provides the deepest talent pool and financial infrastructure. Geneva suits businesses with French-speaking operations or proximity to international organisations. WVT advises on cantonal seat before any documents are prepared.

What ongoing compliance obligations apply after incorporating in Switzerland?

Swiss companies are subject to annual statutory accounts preparation, corporate income tax filings at federal and cantonal level, and where applicable VAT registration and quarterly filings. AG structures face additional reporting requirements. WVT’s tax and compliance team manages the full post-incorporation compliance calendar, including interactions with cantonal tax authorities on assessment queries.