Switzerland is one of the most sought-after countries in Europe for starting a business, thanks to its liberal legal
framework, political stability, and vibrant economy. We help investors launch their startups in Switzerland and avoid
prevalent pitfalls that hinder smooth business operations.
What we do
Our goal is to seamlessly take you through the entire process of incorporating a company in Switzerland. We help you navigate every part of the Swiss Constitution enabling you to establish your startup in the country within the shortest time possible.
The Benefits of Incorporating Your Startup in Switzerland
Before looking into the intricate details about starting a company in Switzerland, you need to first consider what's in it for you. How is running a company in Switzerland different as opposed to other Central or Eastern European countries?
There are many reasons why establishing your start-up in Switzerland is an excellent idea — most of them are listed here.
- Your business will reap from a stable economy and currency
- The tax system is liberal, ensuring maximum profits
- Modern infrastructure for efficient business management
- Political stability that guarantees unwavering support from the government and other investors
- Great business transparency
What Do You Need to Form a Company in Switzerland?
The basic requirements of starting a business in Switzerland are nearly the same as launching a successful business in any part of the world. First, do your research to determine whether there is a long-term interest in purchasing your products and services.
Extend your research to the available company names on Switzerland’s commercial register.
It is then that you can go ahead with the following round-up of procedures.
Decide on the Company Type
There are different types of companies to establish in Switzerland. Making this decision is purely aesthetic, depending on your business goals, financial interests, and funding. Weigh your choices and make a personal decision. If you are unsure, Sigtax is here to help you. We are professionals who help entrepreneurs looking to establish businesses in Switzerland. We offer guidance, invaluable advice, and help them in their decision-making process, positioning the business for international success.
Pre-Clarification Stage
The pre-clarification stage entails naming your startup company. Check with Switzerland’s commercial register to get a unique trading name for your startup.
Documentation
The paperwork begins at the documentation stage. The documents needed depend on the type of company you want to establish. Basic documentation for all company types will include opening a corporate bank account, drafting articles and signatures.
Final Stage
The final stage of the process of registering your startup company in Switzerland is officially submitting all your documents to the Swiss trade register.
Startup Companies in Switzerland
- Sole Proprietorship
- General Partnership
- Limited Liability Company (LLC/GmBH)
- Joint Stock Company (AG/SA)/ Corporation
- Branch
- Subsidiary
Sole proprietorships are popular in Switzerland. They are a go-to option for freelancers, small-scale investors, or individual entrepreneurs. The owner of a sole proprietorship must have a residence in Switzerland and have unlimited liability to the business.
If the sales of your sole proprietorship exceed CHF 100,000 per year, you must register the startup with the Chamber of Commerce.
A Swiss General Partnership brings together like-minded investors to operate a commercial business. It is nearly the same as a sole proprietorship, only that more than one investor jointly runs the business.
General partnerships don’t attract limited capital, but all members must have residences in Switzerland. Partners in this startup have unlimited liability to the business. They must also register with the Chamber of Commerce and Commercial Registry.
Starting a Limited Liability Company in Switzerland requires shareholders to have a minimum equity of CHF 20,000, including a mandatory down payment of CHF 10,000. In addition, the entity should have at least one managing director with a permanent residence in Switzerland, who will sign transactional documents on behalf of the other directors.
All Swiss Limited Liability Company members are jointly liable for the startup’s debts, including the registered capital amount.
Corporations are the most prevalent types of startup companies in Switzerland, operating as independent legal entities. You must have at least one board member or director with permanent residence in Switzerland to form a Joint Stock Company.
The minimum equity amount for Corporation shareholders is CHF 100,000, including a mandatory down payment of CHF 50,000. This startup has limited liability to its assets but must operate within the formal incorporation procedures.
A branch startup has ties to a foreign parent company. Legally, it is dependent on the foreign entity, but the branch remits taxes in Switzerland as a Swiss startup. It’s also mandatory to include one Swiss resident in the branch to oversee legal authority.
A subsidiary is a startup with an affiliation to a foreign company. It is a legally dependent company that operates more like a Swiss entity. A subsidiary in Switzerland can assume the business structure of a limited liability company or a corporation.
Choosing the business structure for your Swiss startup is a critical decision that you need to investigate carefully.
Each company type has its advantages and disadvantages; consider both sides of the coin.
There are about seven types of companies to establish in Switzerland, as listed below.
Form Your Startup Company in Switzerland
Are you looking forward to launching and building a successful startup company in Switzerland? Sigtax.com is here to
help you realize your dreams. Our experts will take you through a hassle-free process of Swiss company formation to
ensure your business is up and running in no time.
We navigate all the red tapes for you, starting from documentation, legalization to launching. All you need to do is
reach out to our team, and we do the heavy paperwork for you as you focus on networking with other Swiss investors.
With us, company formation in Switzerland never got easier.