Swiss Company Formation and management
The process of registering in the official register of companies is relatively simple and inexpensive. We will prepare for you all the necessary documents, including documents with the status of the company, notarized. Before the notary stamps the documents, you will have to prove that you transferred the capital to a temporary account in your bank in Switzerland. If you do not have an account with a Swiss bank, we will help you to open it.
For an AG, the payment of capital is 100,000 francs, for a GmbH - 20,000 francs.
In special cases we can transfer company actives like BTC (cryptocurrency) or Gold to the capital instead of CHF. Then notarized auditor report will be required in addition, but no cash payment in CHF. This is favorite solution for blockchain companies to set up their Swiss entities our days.
At least one representative of the company with the right to sign (director) must live and have permission to work in Switzerland. We provide a Swiss resident as a director.
After founding, the company must apply for registration in the commercial register. Typically, a notary public is the person who passes the documents on.
During the registration procedure, the share capital provided to the bank remains blocked. The procedure ends when the corporation is officially registered in the commercial register. Paid-up capital remains blocked until the bank receives an extract from the trade register, which confirms that the new company has been registered properly. The whole procedure should take no more than three weeks. Costs include notary services (at least 500 Swiss francs).
Benefits of Establishing a Swiss Company
Reputation for Excellence:
Switzerland is globally recognized for its high standards of quality, safety, and reliability. Companies incorporated in Switzerland benefit from this strong reputation, which can enhance their brand image and credibility on the international stage. This is particularly beneficial in industries like finance, pharmaceuticals, and luxury goods, where Swiss precision and trustworthiness are highly valued.
Examples:
- Rolex (rolex.com): Renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship and precision in luxury watches.
- Novartis (novartis.com): A leading global healthcare company based in Basel, known for its innovative pharmaceutical products.
- Lindt & Sprüngli (lindt.com): World-famous for its premium chocolate products, reflecting the high-quality standards associated with Swiss manufacturing.
Tailored Regulations for Crypto and Blockchain:
Switzerland is at the forefront of regulatory innovation in the crypto and blockchain sectors. The country provides a supportive environment for Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs) and blockchain-based ventures, with clear guidelines that balance growth with investor protection. This regulatory framework has made Switzerland a global hub for blockchain technology and digital finance.
Examples:
- Ethereum Foundation (ethereum.org): A key player in the blockchain space, based in Switzerland’s Crypto Valley.
- Tezos Foundation (tezos.com): A decentralized blockchain that has established its headquarters in Switzerland.
- Cardano Foundation (cardano.org): Another major blockchain project headquartered in Zug, Switzerland.
Flexible Capital Formation:
Switzerland allows companies to be established with capital in the form of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (BTC) or precious metals such as gold. This flexibility is particularly attractive to investors looking to diversify their assets or those involved in the digital economy.
Examples:
- Bitcoin Suisse AG (bitcoinsuisse.com): A pioneer in crypto-financial services based in Zug, offering services in trading, custody, and wealth management.
- Gold Avenue (goldavenue.com): A Swiss-based platform allowing investors to buy and store precious metals, including gold.
- Tether Gold (tether.to): Offers a stablecoin backed by physical gold, with operations tied to Swiss financial infrastructure.
Attractive Tax Structuring:
Switzerland’s cantons, such as Schwyz, offer various tax structuring opportunities that can significantly reduce the overall tax burden. The country’s network of double taxation treaties further enhances tax efficiency by preventing double taxation on income earned in multiple jurisdictions.
Examples:
- Glencore (glencore.com): A multinational commodity trading and mining company benefiting from Switzerland’s favorable tax regime.
- Procter & Gamble Switzerland (pg.com): Operates its European headquarters from Geneva, taking advantage of the favorable tax structures.
- IKEA Switzerland (ikea.com): Uses Switzerland’s tax benefits to manage its European operations.
Reasonable and Predictable Taxation:
The Swiss tax system is known for its fairness and predictability, making it easier for businesses to plan long-term strategies. Corporate tax rates are competitive, and clear tax policies enable companies to operate with financial certainty.
Examples:
- Nestlé (nestle.com): Leverages Switzerland’s tax stability for its global operations.
- Zurich Insurance Group (zurich.com): Benefits from predictable taxation as it manages its worldwide insurance business.
- Roche (roche.com): Utilizes Switzerland’s tax environment to support its global pharmaceutical and diagnostics business.
Efficient Public Administration:
Switzerland’s public administration is highly efficient and business-friendly. Regulatory procedures are straightforward, and government agencies are known for their professionalism and promptness, reducing bureaucratic delays and allowing companies to focus on their core operations.
Examples:
- ABB Ltd. (abb.com): A global technology leader in electrification and automation that benefits from Switzerland’s efficient regulatory environment.
- Credit Suisse (credit-suisse.com): A major financial services provider that leverages Switzerland’s streamlined administrative processes.
- Swiss Re (swissre.com): A leading reinsurance company that benefits from the country’s efficient public administration.
Political and Economic Stability:
Switzerland’s long-standing political neutrality and economic stability create a secure environment for businesses. The country’s stable legal system, robust financial institutions, and prudent fiscal policies make it an ideal location for business operations.
Examples:
- UBS Group AG (ubs.com): One of the world’s largest and most stable financial institutions.
- Richemont (richemont.com): A luxury goods holding company that benefits from Switzerland’s stable economic environment.
- Syngenta (syngenta.com): A global agribusiness that relies on Switzerland’s economic stability to support its operations.
Strong Privacy Protections:
Swiss companies benefit from stringent data protection laws and strong confidentiality provisions, particularly valuable in industries like banking and finance, where discretion is paramount.
Examples:
- Julius Baer Group (juliusbaer.com): A private banking group known for its strong commitment to client confidentiality.
- Lombard Odier (lombardodier.com): A private bank that emphasizes the importance of privacy and security in client relations.
- Pictet Group (pictet.com): A financial services company that benefits from Switzerland’s strong privacy protections.
These advantages, coupled with Switzerland’s central location in Europe and world-class infrastructure, make it a premier destination for company formation and international business operations.