Business clients
Company formation
Starting a company raises a lot of questions: which legal form fits, how much capital is needed, and what needs to be in place afterwards? We guide you personally through the whole process - neutral, easy to follow, and with no hidden costs.
Your benefits
Support all the way
From choosing a legal form to the commercial register entry, you have one dedicated point of contact throughout.
Neutral advice
We lay out the advantages and drawbacks of each legal form - the decision stays yours.
Provision and insurance included
We think ahead with you about which insurance and provision solutions make sense for your new company.
Choosing the right legal form
The legal form you choose determines liability, the capital you need and the administrative effort involved. The three most common forms in Switzerland, at a glance:
Sole proprietorship
No minimum capital, the simplest form to set up. A commercial register entry is only mandatory once annual revenue exceeds CHF 100,000. You are personally liable with your entire private assets.
GmbH (limited liability company)
Minimum share capital of CHF 20,000, fully paid in. Liability is limited to the company's assets. A commercial register entry is mandatory.
AG (public limited company)
Minimum share capital of CHF 100,000, of which at least CHF 50,000 must be paid in at formation. Well suited to larger ventures and outside investors.
The formation process
The exact steps depend on the legal form you choose. For a GmbH or AG, they typically include:
- Check and reserve the company name
- Draft the articles of association
- Deposit the share capital with a bank
- Public notarisation of the deed
- Commercial register entry
- Register with the AHV compensation office and, if applicable, for VAT
After the company is formed
Formation is just the start: social insurance, occupational pension provision (BVG) and the right business insurance all need to be set up. We support you through these follow-on steps as well.
Frequently asked questions
How much starting capital do I need for a GmbH?
A GmbH requires at least CHF 20,000 in share capital, which must be fully paid in at formation.
Do I need to see a notary to form a company?
Yes, for a GmbH or AG - the articles of association require public notarisation. A sole proprietorship does not need a notary.
Which legal form fits my plans?
That depends on liability, the capital you have available and your growth plans. We discuss your situation with you and lay out the pros and cons of each option.
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Let's review your company formation situation together - free of charge and with no obligation.