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
Formation steps
1
Choose company name
Check availability with the Commercial Register of Canton Zug. Name must contain "GmbH" and must not conflict with existing entries.
Day 1
2
Prepare articles of association
Draft the Statutes (Statuten) defining shares, purpose, governance, and capital. We handle this for you.
Day 1–3
3
Open a blocking account
Deposit CHF 20,000 into a Swiss bank blocking account. Funds are released immediately after registration.
Day 2–5
4
Notarial deed of incorporation
Appear before a Swiss notary (in person or via power of attorney) to sign the formation deed.
Day 5–7
5
Commercial Register filing
Submit the complete dossier to the Canton Zug Commercial Register. Registration confirmed in gazette.
Day 7–12
6
Post-registration setup
Obtain UID number, register for VAT (if applicable), open operating bank account, set up payroll.
Day 12–15
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.
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