Company Formation
Open a GmbH in Switzerland
The GmbH (Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung) is Switzerland's most popular legal form for SMEs. Limited liability, flexible governance, and ideal for foreign entrepreneurs.
CHF 20,000
Min. share capital
1+
Shareholders required
10–15 days
Typical registration time
Canton Zug
Lowest corporate tax CH
GmbH at a glance
CHF 20,000
Share capital (fully paid-in)
1+
Shareholders (resident or foreign)
1+
Managing directors required
1
Swiss-resident director mandatory
8.5%
Federal corporate tax rate
~11.9%
Zug effective combined tax rate
Complete formation process — VOZ + Notary partner
10 steps from payment to registered GmbH — 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 GmbH capital deposit account
UBS or Valiant opens a dedicated consignation account for your GmbH incorporation. Capital minimum: CHF 20,000 (fully paid up).
Days 2-3
6
Deposit your share capital
Transfer CHF 20,000 minimum to your capital deposit account. The GmbH requires full payment of share capital at incorporation.
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 GmbH 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 deposit | Released post-registration | CHF 20,000 |
| Notary fees | Canton Zug — varies by notary | CHF 1,200–1,800 |
| Commercial Register fee | One-time government fee | CHF 600 |
| VOZ formation service | Statutes, coordination, filing | CHF 1,500 |
| Domiciliation (year 1) | Virtual office address, Zug | CHF 708 (CHF 59/mo) |
| Bank account opening | Depends on bank chosen | CHF 0–500 |
| Total (approx.) | CHF 24,000–25,000 |
Requirements
Shareholders
Minimum 1, no maximum. Shareholders can be individuals or legal entities of any nationality.
Swiss Director
At least one managing director must be a Swiss resident (can be provided through our nominee director service).
Swiss Address
A Swiss domiciliation address is required at registration — provided by our Zug virtual office plans.
Documents
Passport copies of all shareholders and directors, plus apostilled power of attorney for remote formations.
Company Purpose
A clear statement of business purpose (Zweck) is required — we help you draft this correctly.
Share Register
GmbH shares are registered (not bearer). A shareholders register must be maintained.
Ready to form your Swiss GmbH?
Our team manages the entire process — from name check to commercial register entry. Start today.
Start GmbH Formation View Pricing