Swiss Company Formation Checklist
Everything you need to start your Swiss GmbH — step by step.
0 of 20 completed
Before You Start
4 items
Valid passport or national ID ready
Your identification document must be valid for at least 6 months. A notarised copy may be required for the commercial register.
Swiss address confirmed
You need a registered address in Switzerland — this can be a virtual office address in Zug.
CHF 20,000 share capital available
The minimum paid-in capital for a GmbH is CHF 20,000. For an AG (public limited), the minimum is CHF 100,000.
Business name ideas shortlisted
Check availability on zefix.ch. The name must be unique and include "GmbH" or "Sàrl" (French-speaking cantons).
Choose Your Structure
3 items
GmbH vs AG comparison reviewed
GmbH: simpler, CHF 20K capital, member-managed. AG: better for investment, CHF 100K capital, board structure.
Zug canton domicile confirmed
Zug offers the lowest corporate tax rates in Switzerland — as low as 4.02% cantonal rate in Zug City.
Director residency requirement checked
At least one director must be domiciled in Switzerland with sole or joint signing authority. Virtual Office Zug can help.
Documents Required
5 items
Certified passport copies for all shareholders
Each shareholder and managing director must provide a certified copy of their passport or ID.
Proof of address for all shareholders
A recent utility bill or bank statement (less than 3 months old) for each shareholder.
Articles of association (Gesellschaftsvertrag) drafted
The articles define the company name, purpose, share capital, and governance structure. Our team provides a standard template.
Capital deposit certificate from Swiss bank
The CHF 20,000 share capital must be deposited in a blocked account at a Swiss bank. The bank issues a confirmation letter.
Notary appointment booked
A Swiss notary must authenticate the articles of association and the founders' signatures. Can be done remotely via power of attorney.
Registration Process
4 items
Commercial register filing submitted
Filing to the Cantonal Commercial Register (Handelsregister). Typically takes 2–5 business days in Zug.
CHE company number received
The unique identification number (UID) is assigned upon registration and appears in the Zefix database.
MwST (VAT) registration assessed
Mandatory if annual turnover exceeds CHF 100,000. Voluntary registration possible for lower turnover businesses.
Business bank account opened
After registration, transfer the blocked capital to your operating account. Many online banks (Neon, Yapeal, PostFinance) work with Zug entities.
After Registration
4 items
Accounting system set up
Swiss law requires proper double-entry bookkeeping. Tools like Bexio, AbaCus, or Banana Accounting are popular choices.
Compliance calendar created
Mark key dates: annual tax return, VAT submissions (quarterly or annually), and annual general meeting.
Bank signatories registered
Ensure all authorised signatories are registered with the bank and match the commercial register entries.
First annual report scheduled
GmbHs must prepare audited or reviewed financial statements annually. Standard audit threshold: CHF 20M turnover.
Need help with your Swiss company formation?
Our team handles the entire process — from name reservation and notary coordination to commercial register filing and bank account opening.