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
Complete formation process — VOZ + Notary partner
10 steps from payment to registered AG — 100% remote — ~3 weeks total
1
Pay your VOZ Company Setup fee
CHF 149. Instant dashboard access after payment.
Instant
2
Access your dashboard & notary tool
From your VOZ client dashboard, follow the secure link to our certified notary partner’s online platform.
Day 1
3
Enter your company data online
Takes ~15 minutes. Select banking partner (UBS or Valiant) and the UBS & Baloise «Zéro Souci» offer for CHF 0 formation fees.
~15 min
4
Notary reviews & contacts you within 24h
Your notary reviews the submission and contacts you within 24 hours. All incorporation documents sent by email.
Day 2
5
Receive your AG capital deposit account
UBS or Valiant opens a dedicated consignation account. AG minimum: CHF 100,000 (min. 50% = CHF 50,000 paid at incorporation).
Days 2-3
6
Deposit your share capital
Transfer at least CHF 50,000 (50% of CHF 100,000 minimum) to your capital deposit account. Remaining 50% can be paid post-registration.
Days 3-5
7
Sign your articles of association
Sign your incorporation documents at home and return them. 100% remote — no travel to Switzerland required.
Days 5-7
8
Bank issues capital deposit certificate
Your bank issues the official attestation de dépôt confirming receipt of share capital to the notary.
Days 7-10
9
Notary submits registration request
The notary transmits the réquisition d’inscription to the Swiss Commercial Register with all required documents.
Days 10-12
10
Your AG is published in the Commercial Register
Your company is officially registered and published. Capital is released and your business can operate.
~Week 3
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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