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Non-Resident Company Formation

Swiss Company Registration for Non-Residents

Full ownership guaranteed. We handle the entire registration process remotely — from notarization to bank account opening — without requiring your physical presence in Switzerland.

See the Process
100%
Foreign ownership permitted by Swiss law
2–4
Weeks from consultation to active company
11.9%
Effective corporate tax rate in Zug
100+
DTT countries covered by Switzerland
Markus Pritzker
Markus Pritzker
Swiss Business Lawyer, Off-Counsel — 15+ years incorporating Swiss companies
Updated: January 2025

Eligibility

Can a Foreigner Open a Company in Switzerland?

Yes. Swiss law permits foreigners to own 100% of a GmbH or AG, regardless of nationality or residence. Article 698 of the Swiss Code of Obligations confirms this right explicitly.

The distinction matters: you, as shareholder, retain full ownership and control. However, Swiss regulations require at least one director with Swiss residency to sign on behalf of the company (Article 718 CO). This person handles official filings, bank representations, and compliance with cantonal authorities.

  • Opening a corporate bank account without a local presence
  • Navigating notary appointments and Commercial Register (ZEFIX) procedures remotely
  • Meeting the registered address requirement in your chosen canton

SwissFirma solves these barriers. We provide a licensed fiduciary director, handle notarization via Power of Attorney, and secure your registered office in Zug or Zürich — all without requiring your physical presence in Switzerland.

Over 30% of new Swiss companies are founded by foreign entrepreneurs. With the right structure, you gain access to Switzerland's stability, tax efficiency, and global credibility from day one.

Not sure if Switzerland is right for your business?

Free 20-minute consultation with a Swiss business lawyer.

Non-Residents in Switzerland

30%

of new Swiss companies are founded by foreign entrepreneurs without Swiss residency.

The Swiss Resident Director Requirement

Swiss law mandates that every GmbH and AG must have at least one director authorized to sign who resides in Switzerland.

  • You make all business decisions
  • The nominee signs documents only with your prior instruction
  • You retain 100% ownership of shares and voting rights
  • Director carries professional liability insurance

Annual cost: CHF 2,000 – CHF 5,000 depending on canton and complexity.

Registered Office & Domiciliation

Zug
11.9%
Lowest rate. Crypto & fintech hub.
Zürich
~20%
Financial prestige, international banking.
Geneva
~20%
International organizations, diplomacy.

Your registered office determines your cantonal tax rate. SwissFirma maintains offices in Zug and Zürich.

Legal Structure

Choose Your Swiss Company Structure: GmbH vs. AG

Switzerland offers two primary limited liability structures for non-residents. Your choice depends on capital availability, ownership privacy goals, and growth plans.

Criteria GmbH (LLC) AG (Ltd)
Minimum CapitalCHF 20,000 (fully paid)CHF 100,000 (min. CHF 50,000 upfront)
LiabilityLimited to share capitalLimited to share capital
Shareholder PrivacyNames published in Commercial RegisterShareholders remain private (share register only)
Best ForStartups, SMEs, service businessesCapital-raising, investors, international prestige
Share TransferNotary requiredEasier transfer (registered shares)
Bank CredibilityStandard acceptanceHigher perceived stability
Limited Liability Company
GmbH
CHF 20,000 minimum
  • Fully paid before registration
  • Lower entry cost vs AG
  • Simpler accounting requirements
  • Full control for founders
  • Shareholder names are publicly visible in ZEFIX
Pros
  • Low capital barrier
  • Simple governance
  • No audit if <CHF 500k revenue
Cons
  • Public shareholder names
  • Notary for share transfers
  • Less attractive for investors

Ideal for: Consultancies, agencies, e-commerce, SaaS startups

Most Popular for Non-Residents
Corporation
AG
CHF 100,000 minimum
  • CHF 50,000 paid upfront, CHF 50,000 callable
  • Shareholders remain private
  • Preferred by venture capital & institutional investors
  • Easier share transfer mechanisms
  • Ideal for FINMA-licensed businesses
Pros
  • Shareholder privacy
  • Easier fundraising
  • Higher bank credibility
Cons
  • Higher capital required
  • Complex governance
  • Mandatory audit >CHF 500k

Ideal for: Fintech, holding companies, fundraising, investor-backed businesses

Common mistake: Choosing GmbH solely for lower capital, then needing to convert to AG when raising investment. Conversion costs CHF 5,000–10,000 in notary and registry fees.

Legal Requirements

Key Requirements for Swiss Company Registration as a Non-Resident

Registering a Swiss company as a non-resident involves meeting specific legal and financial requirements. SwissFirma ensures compliance at every step.

01

Swiss Resident Director

At least one director authorized to sign must reside in Switzerland (Article 718 CO). SwissFirma provides licensed fiduciary directors who act under your instruction via General Power of Attorney.

02

Registered Office

Your company must have a legal address in a Swiss canton, appearing in the Commercial Register. SwissFirma offers domiciliation in Zug and Zürich, including mail scanning and forwarding.

03

Share Capital Deposit

GmbH: CHF 20,000 fully paid. AG: CHF 100,000 minimum, with at least CHF 50,000 upfront. Capital is blocked until the Commercial Register confirms your company's entry, then becomes working capital.

04

Notarized Articles of Association

Swiss law requires notarization of founding documents. SwissFirma coordinates with licensed notaries and handles the entire process remotely via Power of Attorney.

05

Commercial Register Entry

After notarization, your company is registered in the cantonal Commercial Register and receives a UID number (Swiss business identifier). This process takes 10–14 days.

06

Corporate Bank Account

Mandatory for capital deposit and operations. Banks require KYC documentation, proof of business activity, and economic substance. SwissFirma streamlines approval through pre-established banking relationships.

07

VAT Registration

If worldwide turnover exceeds CHF 100,000 annually, VAT registration is mandatory. SwissFirma handles the application with the Federal Tax Administration (ESTV).

08

Industry-Specific Licensing

Certain activities require additional permits — FINMA for finance and crypto, cantonal permits for healthcare. SwissFirma identifies licensing requirements upfront during the initial consultation.

Corporate Bank Account & Share Capital Deposit

Opening a corporate bank account in Switzerland is the most challenging step for non-residents. Swiss banks apply strict KYC and AML standards, often rejecting applications that lack local presence.

Step 1

Pre-Established Banking Relationships

SwissFirma maintains direct contacts with Swiss banks and digital banking platforms, enabling faster processing and higher approval rates.

Step 2

Economic Substance Package

Registered office in Zug or Zürich, nominee director with Swiss residency, and mail handling — satisfying "economic substance" requirements even for remote operations.

Step 3

KYC Preparation & Pre-Approval

SwissFirma prepares all KYC documentation and conducts a pre-check with partner banks before you deposit capital — avoiding costly rejections after funds are blocked.

Account TypePurposeTimelineCost
Capital Deposit Account (Blocked)Required for company registration3–7 daysIncluded in package
Corporate Operating AccountActivated after Commercial Register entry2–4 weeksCHF 0–500

Additional Licensing & Compliance

Certain industries in Switzerland require additional permits beyond standard company registration.

FINMA Licensing — Financial Services

If your business involves banking, asset management, payment processing, or cryptocurrency services, you must obtain authorization from the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA).

  • Accepting deposits from the public (banking license)
  • Managing client assets (asset management license)
  • Issuing payment instruments or e-money
  • Operating a crypto exchange or wallet (VASP registration under AMLA)

Timeline: 6–12 months. Minimum capital: CHF 1M–10M. Legal fees: CHF 50,000–200,000.

Crypto Valley Zug — VASP Registration

Zug is Switzerland's hub for blockchain businesses. If you operate a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP), you must register with FINMA under AMLA, join a Self-Regulatory Organization (SRO), and implement KYC/AML procedures. SwissFirma has direct experience with VASP registrations in Zug.

Registration Process

How to Register a Swiss Company: Step-by-Step Guide

SwissFirma handles every step remotely, eliminating the need for you to travel. Total timeline: 2–4 weeks from initial consultation to active company with a UID number.

Step 01

Consultation & Name Check

Free consultation to assess your business model, structure (GmbH vs AG), and canton selection. Company name availability check in the Swiss Commercial Register (ZEFIX). Compliance pre-assessment to identify any licensing requirements.

Your role: Provide business details and submit KYC documents (passport, proof of address). SwissFirma's role: Verify name uniqueness, recommend optimal canton, prepare fixed-price quote.

Days 1–2 Timeline
Confirmed name + roadmap Outcome
Step 02

Capital Deposit Account

Opening a blocked Swiss bank account for share capital deposit. Transfer of CHF 20,000 (GmbH) or CHF 50,000 (AG). Bank issues a capital confirmation letter required for notarization.

Your role: Transfer funds and provide source of funds documentation. SwissFirma's role: Coordinate with partner banks, ensure KYC/AML compliance, obtain capital confirmation.

Days 3–7 Timeline
Capital deposited & confirmed Outcome
Step 03

Notarization & Commercial Register Entry

Preparation of articles of association and founding documents. Notarization by a licensed Swiss notary. Submission to the cantonal Commercial Register.

Your role: Sign a General Power of Attorney, review articles of association. SwissFirma's role: Draft articles, coordinate notary, submit to Commercial Register.

Days 8–14 Timeline
Registered in ZEFIX with UID Outcome
Step 04

Bank Account Opening

Opening a corporate operating account. Release of blocked capital. Activation of online banking. Banks require a UID number before processing the corporate account application.

Your role: Provide business plan and complete bank KYC questionnaire. SwissFirma's role: Submit account application, follow up with banks, coordinate capital release.

Days 15–30 Timeline
Fully operational bank account Outcome
Step 05

Post-Registration Compliance Setup

VAT registration with ESTV if turnover exceeds CHF 100,000. Setup of accounting systems. Activation of registered office and mail forwarding service.

Your role: Provide revenue projections, decide on accounting package. SwissFirma's role: Submit VAT registration, set up quarterly reporting, activate domiciliation services.

Day 30+ Timeline
Company fully compliant & operational Outcome

Skip the complexity — we handle everything from notarization to bank account

Start Your Company Formation — 6-Week Guarantee

International Clients

Cross-Border Solutions: Setting Up a Swiss Company from Abroad

Switzerland's strategic location, political stability, and extensive network of double taxation treaties make it an ideal base for international businesses.

Why Non-Residents Choose Switzerland

  • Tax efficiency: Corporate tax rates as low as 11.9% in Zug, combined with favorable holding company regimes
  • Asset protection: Strong legal framework protecting shareholder rights and business assets
  • Market access: EFTA membership provides access to European markets without EU regulatory burden
  • Banking infrastructure: World-class financial services and stable Swiss franc
  • Reputation: Swiss company headquarters signals credibility to clients and partners

Key Cross-Border Considerations

Controlled Foreign Corporation (CFC) rules: Many countries (Germany, UK, Austria, US) have CFC rules that tax foreign company profits if the company lacks economic substance. SwissFirma provides the economic substance package required to satisfy CFC rules.

Withholding tax on dividends: Switzerland imposes a 35% withholding tax on dividends. However, DTTs often reduce this to 0–15%.

Swiss Company for German & Austrian Business Owners

Germany's corporate tax rate ranges from 25–33%. Austria's rate is 23%. Swiss cantons like Zug offer effective rates as low as 11.9%.

Holding Company Advantages

  • Participation exemption: dividends from subsidiaries are tax-free (≥10% ownership for ≥1 year)
  • Capital gains exemption: selling subsidiary shares is tax-free under the same conditions
  • Germany-Switzerland & Austria-Switzerland DTTs eliminate double taxation
  • German-speaking team — seamless communication with authorities

Common use cases: E-commerce and SaaS (German startups register a Swiss GmbH to reduce tax), consulting (Austrian consultants use Swiss entities for international invoicing), holding structures for family businesses.

Fast-track registration in Zug and Zürich: 2–3 weeks.

Swiss Company for UK Entrepreneurs (Post-Brexit)

Post-Brexit, UK entrepreneurs face new challenges accessing EU markets. A Swiss company offers a strategic solution combining European market access with tax efficiency.

Post-Brexit Advantages

  • EFTA membership provides preferential access to EU markets through bilateral agreements
  • UK corporation tax is 25% vs Zug's 11.9% effective rate
  • UK-Switzerland DTT: 0% withholding tax on dividends if UK shareholder owns ≥10%
  • Swiss banks offer multi-currency accounts for international cash flow

Common use cases: UK online retailers serving EU customers, UK consultants invoicing EU clients, UK investors managing international portfolios.

English-speaking team with experience in UK-Swiss cross-border setups. Fast-track registration: 2–3 weeks.

Full-Cycle Corporate Services

Comprehensive Swiss Corporate Services

Registering a company is just the beginning. SwissFirma provides full-cycle corporate services to ensure your Swiss entity remains compliant, operationally efficient, and tax-optimized.

Corporate Bank Account Opening

Pre-established banking relationships enabling faster processing. KYC preparation, follow-up with compliance teams, capital release coordination.

Timeline: 2–4 weeks

Accounting & VAT Compliance

Monthly bookkeeping, quarterly VAT returns, annual financial statements, audit coordination. Required if worldwide turnover exceeds CHF 100,000.

From CHF 200/month

Payroll & Social Security

Employee registration, monthly payroll processing, annual salary certificates. For businesses hiring staff in Switzerland.

From CHF 50/employee/month

Ongoing Compliance & Fiduciary

Registered office, mail forwarding, nominee director services, AGM coordination, Commercial Register updates.

From CHF 2,000/year

Domiciliation Services

Official legal address for Commercial Register entry. Scanning and forwarding of postal mail within 24 hours. Physical space for official inspections.

Zug or Zürich

Company Liquidation

Preparation of liquidation resolution, publication of liquidation notice, settlement of debts, deregistration from all authorities.

From CHF 3,000 — 3–6 months

Calculate your exact tax savings in Switzerland

Use our free Swiss tax calculator to estimate your burden instantly.

Open Tax Calculator

Transparent Pricing

Pricing for Swiss Company Formation

Fixed-price packages for Swiss company formation. All packages include notary fees, Commercial Register entry, and first-year compliance support. No hidden fees.

For residents or those with existing director
Basic Setup
CHF 5,000
Timeline: 2 weeks
  • Company name check
  • Articles of association
  • Notarization
  • Commercial Register entry
  • UID number
Most Popular
For non-residents — full remote setup
Standard Package
CHF 15,000
Timeline: 2–3 weeks
  • Everything in Basic Setup
  • Nominee director (first year)
  • Registered office in Zug or Zürich (first year)
  • Mail scanning & forwarding
  • Bank account coordination
Full compliance & accounting support
Turnkey Solution
CHF 25,000
Timeline: 3–4 weeks
  • Everything in Standard Package
  • VAT registration
  • Monthly bookkeeping (first year)
  • Quarterly VAT returns (first year)
  • Annual financial statements

FINMA Licensing Support

From CHF 50,000

Crypto VASP Registration

CHF 10,000–20,000

Holding Company Structuring

CHF 5,000–10,000

Company Liquidation

From CHF 3,000

Money-back guarantee: Full refund if your company cannot be registered due to our error. Bank coordination fee refunded if account opening fails after pre-approval.

Not included in any package: Share capital (CHF 20,000 for GmbH, CHF 50,000 for AG), bank account opening fees (CHF 0–500), annual renewal of nominee director and registered office (CHF 2,000–5,000/year). Payment terms: 50% deposit upon signing, 50% upon Commercial Register entry.

Why SwissFirma

Why Choose Us to Register Your Swiss Company?

SwissFirma is a licensed Swiss fiduciary firm specializing in company formation for non-residents. With over 10 years of experience and a team of legal and financial experts.

Licensed Fiduciary Services

SwissFirma operates under Swiss fiduciary regulations. Directors carry professional liability insurance and adhere to strict confidentiality obligations.

Direct Access to Swiss Notaries

Unlike intermediaries who add markup, SwissFirma works directly with licensed Swiss notaries in Zug and Zürich, eliminating delays and reducing costs.

Proven Track Record

Over 80% of clients are non-residents from Germany, Austria, the UK, and the US. Streamlined processes overcome specific challenges foreign entrepreneurs face.

Fast Response Times

Average response time to client inquiries: 1–2 hours during business hours. Available via email, phone, and video call.

Transparent Pricing

All packages include fixed prices with no hidden fees. Notary and Commercial Register fees are included upfront. No surprises.

Multilingual Support

The team speaks English, German, and French, ensuring seamless communication with Swiss authorities and international clients.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to the most common questions about Swiss company registration for non-residents.

No. SwissFirma handles the entire registration process remotely via Power of Attorney. You sign documents electronically or by courier, and the team coordinates with notaries and the Commercial Register. Physical presence is not required.

Yes. Swiss law permits foreigners to own 100% of a GmbH or AG, regardless of nationality or residence. The only requirement is that at least one director authorized to sign must reside in Switzerland. SwissFirma provides licensed nominee directors to fulfill this requirement.

2–4 weeks from initial consultation to active company with a UID number. Delays typically occur during bank account opening (2–4 weeks) due to KYC verification.

Swiss companies pay corporate tax at the cantonal and federal levels. Effective rates vary by canton — Zug: 11.9%, Zürich: ~20%, Geneva: ~20%. Switzerland imposes a 35% withholding tax on dividends, but double taxation treaties often reduce this rate to 0–15%. Non-resident shareholders must also consider tax obligations in their home country.

GmbH requires CHF 20,000 minimum capital (fully paid), shareholder names are publicly visible in ZEFIX, and it's best for startups and SMEs. AG requires CHF 100,000 minimum (CHF 50,000 upfront), shareholders remain private, and it's ideal for capital-raising and investor-backed businesses.

No. Swiss banks require a UID number to open a corporate account. The correct sequence is: deposit share capital → register company → receive UID number → open operating account.

No. Shareholders can be non-residents without a Swiss residence permit. However, if you plan to live in Switzerland and actively manage the company, you may need a residence permit. SwissFirma can advise on immigration options.

SwissFirma conducts a pre-approval process with partner banks before you deposit share capital. If a bank rejects your application after pre-approval, coordination with alternative banks happens at no additional cost.

Yes, but conversion requires notarization and re-registration. Costs range from CHF 5,000 to CHF 10,000. SwissFirma recommends choosing the correct structure upfront to avoid unnecessary costs.

VAT registration is mandatory if your worldwide turnover exceeds CHF 100,000 annually. The standard VAT rate in Switzerland is 8.1%, with reduced rates of 2.6% for certain goods and 3.8% for accommodation services. SwissFirma handles the registration with the Federal Tax Administration (ESTV).

Ready to Start?

Book a free consultation with a Swiss business lawyer. We'll assess your business model, recommend the right structure and canton, and provide a fixed-price quote.

What happens during the consultation:

  • —Business model & structure assessment (GmbH vs AG)
  • —Canton selection based on tax rates and industry
  • —Timeline and cost breakdown
  • —Answers to your specific questions
+41 44 51 52 591

Response time

1–2 hours during business hours

Office

Baarerstrasse 21, 6300 Zug, Switzerland

Ready to Start Your Swiss Venture?

Register your Swiss company remotely with SwissFirma. Book a free consultation to discuss your business goals, confirm eligibility, and receive a fixed-price quote.

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