Switzerland
Company registration
A prestigious jurisdiction with a high level of confidentiality and financial stability
Registration timeframe: 10–20 days
Full set of corporate documents
Local bank account opening
Switzerland
Company registration
A prestigious jurisdiction with a high level of confidentiality and financial stability
Registration timeframe: 10–20 days
Full set of corporate documents
Local bank account opening
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We will find the best solution for you
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Start your company in Switzerland
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Company registration in Switzerland
Fill out the simple form
We will contact you as soon as possible
We will contact you as soon as possible
Advantages of a Switzerland company
High level of asset protection
Strong protection of private property and investments
Headquarters jurisdiction
Corporations establish their regional or global HQs here
Suitable for holdings
Tax benefits on profits from subsidiary companies
Political neutrality
Switzerland is neutral in international conflicts
Choose your plan
Incorporation
✔ Name availability check
✔ Preparation of the Articles of Association, Public Deed of Incorporation, and company registration application
✔ Appointment of directors and allocation of shares
✔ Notarization of incorporation documents
✔ Submission of documents to the Handelsregister (Commercial Register)
✔ Issuance of Certificate of Incorporation
✔ Assignment of UID and tax number
✔ Company registration documents
in digital form
_________________________________________
Director and legal address
✔ Local director services for 1 year
✔ Registered legal address in Zug/Zurich for 1 year
_________________________________________
Bank account
✔ Preparation of the document package for bank submission
✔ Opening a corporate bank account in Switzerland
✔ Name availability check
✔ Preparation of the Articles of Association, Public Deed of Incorporation, and company registration application
✔ Appointment of directors and allocation of shares
✔ Notarization of incorporation documents
✔ Submission of documents to the Handelsregister (Commercial Register)
✔ Issuance of Certificate of Incorporation
✔ Assignment of UID and tax number
✔ Company registration documents
in digital form
_________________________________________
Director and legal address
✔ Local director services for 1 year
✔ Registered legal address in Zug/Zurich for 1 year
_________________________________________
Bank account
✔ Preparation of the document package for bank submission
✔ Opening a corporate bank account in Switzerland
Incorporation
✔ Name availability check
✔ Preparation of the Articles of Association, Public Deed of Incorporation, and company registration application
✔ Appointment of directors and allocation of shares
✔ Notarization of incorporation documents
✔ Submission of documents to the Handelsregister (Commercial Register)
✔ Issuance of Certificate of Incorporation
✔ Assignment of UID and tax number
✔ Company registration documents
in digital form
_________________________________________
Director and legal address
✔ Local director services for 1 year
✔ Registered legal address in Zug/Zurich for 1 year
_________________________________________
Bank account
✔ Preparation of the document package for bank submission
✔ Opening a corporate bank account in Switzerland
✔ Name availability check
✔ Preparation of the Articles of Association, Public Deed of Incorporation, and company registration application
✔ Appointment of directors and allocation of shares
✔ Notarization of incorporation documents
✔ Submission of documents to the Handelsregister (Commercial Register)
✔ Issuance of Certificate of Incorporation
✔ Assignment of UID and tax number
✔ Company registration documents
in digital form
_________________________________________
Director and legal address
✔ Local director services for 1 year
✔ Registered legal address in Zug/Zurich for 1 year
_________________________________________
Bank account
✔ Preparation of the document package for bank submission
✔ Opening a corporate bank account in Switzerland
Incorporation
✔ Name availability check
✔ Preparation of the Articles of Association, Public Deed of Incorporation, and company registration application
✔ Appointment of directors and allocation of shares
✔ Notarization of incorporation documents
✔ Submission of documents to the Handelsregister (Commercial Register)
✔ Issuance of Certificate of Incorporation
✔ Assignment of UID and tax number
✔ Company registration documents
in digital form
_________________________________________
Director and legal address
✔ Local director services for 1 year
✔ Registered legal address in Zug/Zurich for 1 year
_________________________________________
Bank account
✔ Preparation of the document package for bank submission
✔ Opening a corporate bank account in Switzerland
✔ Name availability check
✔ Preparation of the Articles of Association, Public Deed of Incorporation, and company registration application
✔ Appointment of directors and allocation of shares
✔ Notarization of incorporation documents
✔ Submission of documents to the Handelsregister (Commercial Register)
✔ Issuance of Certificate of Incorporation
✔ Assignment of UID and tax number
✔ Company registration documents
in digital form
_________________________________________
Director and legal address
✔ Local director services for 1 year
✔ Registered legal address in Zug/Zurich for 1 year
_________________________________________
Bank account
✔ Preparation of the document package for bank submission
✔ Opening a corporate bank account in Switzerland
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before launching your business in Switzerland
The most common types are GmbH (similar to LLC) and AG (similar to JSC). GmbH is suitable for small and medium-sized businesses, while AG is intended for larger, investment-oriented projects.
Yes, foreign nationals can be owners and shareholders. However, at least one director must be a Swiss resident.
For GmbH – minimum CHF 20,000
For AG – CHF 100,000, of which at least 50% must be paid in at the time of registration.
For AG – CHF 100,000, of which at least 50% must be paid in at the time of registration.
Corporate tax rates range from 11% to 21%, depending on the canton. VAT also applies (standard rate – 8.1%).
Yes, the share capital must be deposited into a Swiss bank account. However, banks perform strict due diligence and may reject applications without explanation.
Yes, the Swiss AG structure is often used for holding companies. There is a special tax regime for holdings, subject to meeting certain conditions.
Jurisdiction overview: Switzerland
Switzerland is one of the most reputable, stable, and legally secure jurisdictions in Europe for international business activities. It is widely used for holding structures, trading and service companies, intellectual property (IP) management, investment vehicles, and international corporate groups, where legal certainty, transparency, and institutional trust are critical.
The Swiss jurisdiction is known for its predictable regulatory framework, strong rule of law, and highly developed financial infrastructure, making it an attractive choice for businesses focused on long-term operations, asset protection, and cross-border activity. Company incorporation in Switzerland is often selected as a strategic step for building a sustainable and transparent European business structure.
A key advantage of Switzerland is its exceptionally strong reputation within the global banking system. The country is not considered an offshore or low-transparency jurisdiction and is widely regarded as bank-friendly for corporate clients, provided that the business model is well-structured and compliance standards are met. This ensures a high level of confidence from banks, investors, and international counterparties.
Switzerland is well suited for businesses seeking a stable legal environment, clear corporate rules, and the ability to operate internationally, while maintaining a strong reputation and regulatory credibility. The jurisdiction is commonly used both for launching new ventures and for restructuring or scaling existing international business operations.
The Swiss jurisdiction is known for its predictable regulatory framework, strong rule of law, and highly developed financial infrastructure, making it an attractive choice for businesses focused on long-term operations, asset protection, and cross-border activity. Company incorporation in Switzerland is often selected as a strategic step for building a sustainable and transparent European business structure.
A key advantage of Switzerland is its exceptionally strong reputation within the global banking system. The country is not considered an offshore or low-transparency jurisdiction and is widely regarded as bank-friendly for corporate clients, provided that the business model is well-structured and compliance standards are met. This ensures a high level of confidence from banks, investors, and international counterparties.
Switzerland is well suited for businesses seeking a stable legal environment, clear corporate rules, and the ability to operate internationally, while maintaining a strong reputation and regulatory credibility. The jurisdiction is commonly used both for launching new ventures and for restructuring or scaling existing international business operations.
- Legal System: Continental (civil law) system with a high degree of cantonal autonomy in administration, including taxation and corporate procedures.
- Currency: Swiss Franc (CHF) – one of the most stable currencies globally. Financial settlements and the banking infrastructure are well adapted for international operations.
- Tax Environment: Multi-level taxation system (federal, cantonal, and municipal). The effective tax burden depends on the canton and the company’s business profile. Certain elements (such as withholding tax on specific payments) require proper structuring and planning.
- Reporting and Compliance: Annual financial reporting is mandatory. Audit requirements depend on the size and structure of the company, with options for ordinary or limited audit and, in some cases, exemption based on staffing thresholds.
- Confidentiality: Information on directors and authorized signatories is disclosed in the commercial register. At the same time, ultimate beneficial owners (UBOs) are disclosed to banks and within AML/KYC procedures.
- Regulators and Registers: Companies are registered at the cantonal commercial registries. Tax administration is handled by competent authorities (at the federal level – SFTA/ESTV for specific taxes). Licensed financial activities fall under the supervision of FINMA.
Available Legal Forms:
GmbH or AG – the two main company formation structures in Switzerland available to foreign (non-resident) founders.
Who Can Be a Founder:
GmbH or AG – the two main company formation structures in Switzerland available to foreign (non-resident) founders.
Who Can Be a Founder:
- Any individuals or legal entities, including non-residents.
- One or multiple shareholders / participants.
- The company must appoint at least one authorized signatory resident in Switzerland with signing authority to represent the company.
- GmbH: Minimum share capital of CHF 20,000, which must generally be fully paid in at the time of incorporation.
- AG: Minimum share capital of CHF 100,000. At incorporation, at least 20% must be paid in, with a minimum paid-up amount of CHF 50,000.
- A registered office in Switzerland (in the canton of incorporation).
- Preparation of corporate documentation (articles/statutes, resolutions/minutes, appointment of governing bodies) and completion of registration with the commercial register.
- A KYC/AML documentation package for banks, including identity verification, ownership structure, source of funds, business model description, and counterparties – in practice, a key factor for successful corporate bank account opening.
Corporate TaxationThe Swiss tax system is three-tiered and includes federal, cantonal, and municipal taxes. The overall tax burden depends on the canton of registration and the place of effective business activity.
Federal Corporate Income Tax (CIT):
The base federal rate is 8.5%. The tax is levied on profit after tax, which corresponds to an effective rate of approximately 7.83% on a pre-tax basis.
Cantonal and Municipal Taxes:
These taxes are set at the cantonal and municipal levels and have a significant impact on the total effective tax burden.
Examples of effective combined corporate tax rates (CIT):
Zug
11.8%–12.0% effective combined corporate income tax
One of the lowest-tax cantons, commonly used for holding and international operating structures.
Zurich
19.5%–21.0% effective combined corporate income tax
A major financial and business hub with developed infrastructure and a higher tax burden.
Withholding Tax
Switzerland applies a 35% withholding tax on dividends and certain types of capital income.
The rate may be reduced or fully refunded under applicable double tax treaties (DTT) and subject to compliance with the relevant conditions, including the EU Parent–Subsidiary Directive.
VAT (MWST / VAT)
8.1% – standard rate
2.6% – reduced rate
3.8% – special rate for the hotel and accommodation sector
Reporting and AuditAnnual financial reporting is mandatory for all companies.
An ordinary audit is required if two out of the following three criteria are exceeded over two consecutive years:
Federal Corporate Income Tax (CIT):
The base federal rate is 8.5%. The tax is levied on profit after tax, which corresponds to an effective rate of approximately 7.83% on a pre-tax basis.
Cantonal and Municipal Taxes:
These taxes are set at the cantonal and municipal levels and have a significant impact on the total effective tax burden.
Examples of effective combined corporate tax rates (CIT):
Zug
11.8%–12.0% effective combined corporate income tax
One of the lowest-tax cantons, commonly used for holding and international operating structures.
Zurich
19.5%–21.0% effective combined corporate income tax
A major financial and business hub with developed infrastructure and a higher tax burden.
Withholding Tax
Switzerland applies a 35% withholding tax on dividends and certain types of capital income.
The rate may be reduced or fully refunded under applicable double tax treaties (DTT) and subject to compliance with the relevant conditions, including the EU Parent–Subsidiary Directive.
VAT (MWST / VAT)
8.1% – standard rate
2.6% – reduced rate
3.8% – special rate for the hotel and accommodation sector
Reporting and AuditAnnual financial reporting is mandatory for all companies.
An ordinary audit is required if two out of the following three criteria are exceeded over two consecutive years:
- CHF 20 million in total assets
- CHF 40 million in turnover
- 250 employees
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- +44 20 4577 2611
- info@finextwin.com
- 367-375 Queen's Road Central,
Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
Contact us
- +44 20 4577 2611
- info@finextwin.com
- 367-375 Queen's Road Central,
Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
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