Company Formation
Open an AG in Switzerland
The AG (Aktiengesellschaft) is Switzerland's most prestigious corporate form — ideal for larger companies, investor fundraising, future IPO, and businesses requiring bearer or registered shares.
CHF 100,000
Min. share capital
CHF 50,000
Min. paid-in at formation
1+
Shareholders required
2–4 weeks
Typical formation time
AG vs GmbH — which is right for you?
GmbH — simpler, lower capital
- CHF 20,000 minimum capital
- Shares not freely transferable
- Names of shareholders in public register
- Ideal for SMEs and startups
- Simpler governance structure
AG — prestige, flexibility, fundraising
- CHF 100,000 capital (50k paid-in)
- Shares freely transferable
- Shareholders anonymous (registered shares)
- Investor-ready, board of directors
- Path to public listing (SIX, SME exchange)
AG at a glance
CHF 100,000
Authorised share capital
CHF 50,000
Minimum paid-in at formation
1+
Shareholders (any nationality)
3+
Board of directors (Verwaltungsrat)
1
Swiss-resident board member required
~11.9%
Effective tax rate, Canton Zug
Formation process
1
Name reservation & name check
Reserve your company name with the Zug Commercial Register. Name must include "AG" (or "SA/SA/SA").
Day 1
2
Draft articles of association & by-laws
Prepare Statuten including share classes, nominal value, board composition, and capital structure.
Day 1–4
3
Open blocking account & deposit capital
Deposit minimum CHF 50,000 into a Swiss bank blocking account. Remaining CHF 50,000 can be pledged or paid later.
Day 3–7
4
Constituent assembly before notary
All founders (or POA holders) sign the formation deed before a Swiss notary in Canton Zug.
Day 7–10
5
Commercial Register submission
Full dossier submitted to Canton Zug registry. Entry published in Swiss Official Gazette of Commerce (SHAB).
Day 10–18
6
Post-registration: UID, VAT, bank account
Obtain UID/IDE company number, register for VAT if needed, set up operational banking, appoint auditor if required.
Day 18–28
Cost breakdown
| Item | Notes | Estimated cost |
|---|---|---|
| Share capital (paid-in) | Minimum 50% — released post-registration | CHF 50,000+ |
| Notary fees | More complex deed than GmbH | CHF 2,000–3,000 |
| Commercial Register fee | One-time government fee | CHF 800 |
| VOZ AG formation service | Statutes, coordination, filing | CHF 2,500 |
| Domiciliation (year 1) | Zug virtual office | CHF 708 (CHF 59/mo) |
| Auditor appointment | Opting out possible if <10 FTE | CHF 0–2,000 |
| Total (approx.) | Excluding operational capital | CHF 56,000–59,000 |
Start your Swiss AG today
From name reservation to commercial register entry — our team manages the full process. Contact us to discuss your structure.
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