Incorporate · Europe

Company Formation in Switzerland

Stable, credible base with competitive cantonal tax and a strong holding regime. Review the legal form, tax position, treaty network and indicative cost, then talk to one team that structures it end to end.

Licensed CSP
50+ yrs combined experience
15+ jurisdictions

Corporate tax: Approx. 12% - 21% combined federal and cantonal
VAT / GST: 8.1%
Formation: 2-4 weeks
Foreign ownership: 100% permitted
Tax treaties: 100+
Setup cost: USD 6,000 - 15,000

At a glance

Common entity: Limited Liability Company (GmbH)
Formation time: 2-4 weeks
Setup cost: USD 6,000 - 15,000
Annual cost: USD 5,000 - 12,000
Foreign ownership: 100% permitted
Tax treaties: 100+

Holding companyFunds and investmentTradingIP and licensingConsulting and services

Best for

Holding and headquarters with a credible base
Commodity and wealth-linked trading
IP and financing structures with substance

Less ideal for

Low-budget setups
Founders wanting no local-signatory requirement

Legal and formation

Legal system	Civil law
Common entity types	Limited Liability Company (GmbH), Stock Corporation (AG)
Formation timeline	2-4 weeks
Minimum capital	CHF 20,000 (GmbH) or CHF 100,000 (AG, at least CHF 50,000 paid up)
Foreign ownership	100% permitted
Minimum shareholders	1
Minimum directors	1 (at least one Swiss-resident signatory required)
Local presence	Swiss-resident authorised signatory and registered office required
Public registry	Directors and signatories on the public commercial register
Audit	Ordinary or limited audit depending on size (opt-out for very small companies)

Tax profile

Corporate income tax	Approx. 12% - 21% combined federal and cantonal (federal 8.5%; varies by canton)
VAT / GST	8.1%
Withholding, dividends	35% (reclaimable via treaty/refund)
Withholding, interest	35% on bonds and bank interest (reclaimable)
Withholding, royalties	0%
Capital gains	Within corporate tax; participation relief may apply
Territorial system	No
CFC rules	No
Participation exemption	Participation relief on qualifying dividends and gains; 15% Pillar Two top-up for large groups

Every figure above is indicative. Rates, thresholds, minimum capital, ownership rules and timelines change and vary by activity, licence and structure. They are confirmed with the relevant authority and in a tailored quote before you rely on them. This is general information, not legal or tax advice.

How to set up in Switzerland

1
Confirm the company name and choose the entity type (GmbH or AG)
2
Deposit the share capital into a blocked capital account
3
Execute the public deed before a Swiss notary
4
Appoint at least one Swiss-resident authorised signatory
5
Register with the commercial register and release the capital into an operating account

Banking reality

The capital-deposit account is a formal part of incorporation and banking is highly credible, but KYC is demanding and banks scrutinise beneficial owners closely, so onboarding takes time.