Switzerland

Company Formation in Switzerland

Switzerland

Formation Time

2–4 weeks

Min. Capital

CHF 20,000 (GmbH) / CHF 100,000 (AG)

Corporate Tax

12–22% (canton dependent)

Foreign Ownership

100%

Overview

Switzerland is synonymous with stability, banking excellence, and wealth management. The Swiss tax system is unique — each of the 26 cantons sets its own corporate and personal tax rates, creating significant variation. Cantons like Zug, Schwyz, and Nidwalden offer combined rates as low as 12%, while Zurich and Geneva are higher but offer unmatched financial infrastructure. Switzerland is not an EU member but has extensive bilateral agreements.

World's safest economy

108 treaties

12% in Zug

Banking excellence

Why Choose Switzerland

Political and economic stability — among the world's safest

108 double tax treaties — one of the largest networks globally

Canton system allows competitive tax rates (12%+ in Zug)

World-class banking and wealth management centre

Swiss franc — one of the world's strongest currencies

Bilateral agreements with EU for market access

Strong IP protection and innovation ecosystem

Business Entity Types

Entity	Ownership	Directors	Capital	Tax	Best For
GmbH / Sàrl	100%	1 (Swiss resident required)	CHF 20,000 (fully paid)	12–22% depending on canton	SMEs, trading, consulting
AG / SA	100%	1 (Swiss resident required)	CHF 100,000 (50% paid up)	Same as GmbH	Larger companies, listed entities

Step-by-Step Formation Process

Name Reservation

1–2 days

Check availability with commercial register (Handelsregister/RC).

Capital Deposit

1–2 weeks

Open a blocked capital account and deposit minimum share capital.

Notarial Deed

1 week

Execute deed of incorporation before Swiss notary.

Commercial Register

1–2 weeks

File for registration. Company exists upon entry.

Tax Registration

1–2 weeks

Costs & Fees

Government / License Fee	CHF 600+
Our Service Fee	USD 5,000+
Annual Renewal	USD 3,500+

Fees are indicative and may vary based on business activity, entity type, and additional approvals required. Contact us for a precise custom quote.

Get Custom Quote

Banking

Switzerland has the world's most sophisticated banking sector. UBS, Credit Suisse (now UBS), and cantonal banks offer premium corporate banking.

Account Opening Time

2–4 weeks

Multi-Currency

Yes — multiple currencies supported

Recommended Banks

UBSCredit Suisse/UBSZKBPostFinanceSwissquote

Tax Overview

Corporate Tax

12–22% (Zug ~12%, Zurich ~19%, Geneva ~22%)

Personal Income Tax

0–40% (canton dependent)

VAT / Sales Tax

8.1%

Capital Gains Tax

0% for individuals on private assets; corporate included in CIT

Withholding Tax

35% on dividends (refundable under treaties)

Double Tax Treaties

108 countries

Cantons compete for business. Zug, Schwyz, Nidwalden, and Lucerne offer the lowest rates. Federal tax is 8.5%; cantonal/municipal varies.