Company formation
Company formation in Switzerland, for every legal form
Fixed, public prices for GmbH and AG formations with notary and register included, and clear quotes for the other forms. Or skip the waiting and buy a ready-made company.
Choose your legal form
GmbH
CHF 20,000 capital, limited liability, the most common form.
All-in from CHF 1,290Read more →AG
CHF 100,000 capital (at least CHF 50,000 paid in), shareholders not public.
All-in from CHF 1,690Read more →Sole proprietorship
One person, unlimited personal liability, no minimum capital.
From CHF 190 + feesRead more →General or limited partnership
Two or more partners, at least one with unlimited liability.
From CHF 990, on requestRead more →Branch of a foreign company
A registered Swiss branch of a company seated abroad.
From CHF 990, on requestRead more →Cooperative
A member-based company pursuing common economic interests.
From CHF 990, on requestRead more →Association
Non-profit or member organisation.
From CHF 990, on requestRead more →Foundation
Charitable or family foundation by notarial deed.
CHF 7,900 – CHF 12,000Read more →How a formation works
Formation of a GmbH or AG follows the same path: name check, articles of association, payment of the capital into a capital deposit account, notarial deed of formation (or the procedure accepted by the canton), filing with the cantonal commercial register, and publication in the Swiss Official Gazette of Commerce. Comparison sites report about 3–6 weeks for a GmbH and 3–4 weeks for an AG; the capital deposit account is often the bottleneck, as many banks offer it only to existing clients.
Our GmbH and AG prices are all-in: articles, notarial deed, register fee and follow-up to publication. Other forms are quoted after a short call, with official fees passed on at cost. After registration, AGs, GmbHs and cooperatives must report their beneficial owners to the federal transparency register, through EasyGov.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to register a company in Switzerland?
For a GmbH, comparison sites report 3–6 weeks; for an AG 3–4 weeks, depending on the bank, the notary and the canton's register. Buying a ready-made company is faster.
Can foreigners form a Swiss company?
Yes. Founders may be foreign; a GmbH or AG must be representable by at least one person resident in Switzerland. Banks apply their own rules to non-resident founders.
What is included in the GmbH formation price?
Articles of association, notarial deed, commercial register filing and fee, and follow-up to publication: CHF 1,290 all-in. The CHF 20,000 capital stays in the company.
Do you form foundations?
Yes, Swiss charitable and family foundations (CHF 7,900 – CHF 12,000 plus official fees). Liechtenstein foundations are set up by a licensed Liechtenstein trust company we refer you to.
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A specialist replies within 2 business hours (Mon–Fri) with matching companies or a written all-in quote.
contact@swissshelf.ch
Geneva · Switzerland