Guide to Company Formation in Switzerland: Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Choosing the Right Business Structure

Before officially setting up your company, selecting a suitable legal structure that aligns with your business goals is vital. Switzerland offers various types of business entities, including:

• Sole Proprietorship: Ideal for small businesses and individual entrepreneurs.
• Limited Liability Company (GmbH): A popular choice among SMEs, offering flexibility and limited liability, which protects personal assets.
• Corporation (AG): Best suited for larger companies, allowing the raising of capital through shares and providing strong protection against liabilities.

Step 2: Registering Your Company Name

Selecting and registering a unique company name is a critical step. Your name must be distinctive and not already in use by another business. This registration is done through the Swiss Commercial Registry (Handelsregister). Securing your company name helps establish your brand identity and legal status in Switzerland. Helvetic Circle simplifies this process, handling all the paperwork and ensuring swift registration of your name.


Step 3: Drafting the Articles of Association

The Articles of Association are legal documents that define your company’s purpose, share capital, and internal regulations. This step is essential for both GmbH and AG business structures. A notary must authenticate these documents before submitting them to the Commercial Registry. Helvetic Circle offers professional assistance in drafting these documents, ensuring they comply with Swiss legal standards and accurately reflect your business objectives.


Step 4: Opening a Corporate Bank Account

A corporate bank account in Switzerland is necessary to deposit the initial share capital. For a GmbH, the minimum capital is CHF 20,000, while for an AG, it is CHF 100,000. After the deposit, the bank issues a certificate confirming the funds, which is a crucial requirement for company registration. Helvetic Circle collaborates with top Swiss banks to facilitate the opening of your corporate account, ensuring a smooth and efficient process.


Step 5: Official Company Registration

Once your company name is approved and the initial capital deposited, it's time to officially register your company with the Swiss Commercial Registry. This step involves submitting the notarized Articles of Association, proof of share capital, and other necessary documents. Upon registration, your company is legally recognized and ready to operate. Helvetic Circle manages the entire registration process on your behalf, ensuring all documents are accurately prepared and submitted, saving you time and hassle.


Step 6: VAT Registration and Permits

If your business activities involve taxable sales, you must register for VAT with the Federal Tax Administration. Additionally, specific permits or licenses might be needed depending on your business type to operate legally in Switzerland. Helvetic Circle provides comprehensive support in obtaining the required registrations and permits, ensuring your business complies with Swiss regulations from the outset.


Step 7: Setting Up a Registered Office

Having a registered office in Switzerland is a legal requirement for all businesses. This address serves as the official location for all legal and tax-related correspondence. Helvetic Circle offers registered office services in prime locations, such as Zug, known for its favourable business environment and tax benefits. These services meet legal obligations and boost your company’s credibility and presence in the Swiss market.


Why Choose Helvetic Circle for Your Company Formation?

Helvetic Circle is your trusted partner for establishing a business in Switzerland. With extensive experience and deep knowledge of Swiss laws and regulations, we manage every aspect of company formation, from selecting the right business structure to handling legal documentation and office setup. Our personalized services ensure that your company is formed efficiently, with compliance and professionalism as our top priorities.

We make the process simple, giving you peace of mind and allowing you to focus on what matters most—growing your business. Whether you're launching a startup or expanding an established corporation, our comprehensive solutions make company formation in Switzerland straightforward and stress-free.

Get in Touch with Us!

If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to contact us at any time. You can reach us by phone at +41414106161 or email us 24/7 at info@helveticcircle.com. We’re here to help you every step of the way. Your business success is our priority, and we're always ready to support you.