3 August 2026
Set up GmbH in Switzerland
Learn how to set up a GmbH in Switzerland: registration steps, share capital, shareholders, managing directors and foreign ownership. Contact us for help.
A GmbH in Switzerland is a limited liability company or a Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung. Our team of specialists in company registration in Switzerland can assist investors during the incorporation formalities necessary for the Swiss limited liability company.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Applicable law | Company Act |
| Minimum number of shareholders | 1 |
Minimum number of directors | 1 |
| Resident director required (YES/NO) | Yes |
| Local legal address required (YES/NO) | Yes |
| Minimum share capital | CHF 20,000, fully paid in; the nominal value per capital contribution only needs to be greater than zero |
| Local bank account required (YES/NO) | Yes |
| Uses | Commercial activities, subsidiary entity, shelf company, holding company, trading activities |
| Liability of the shareholders | Limited to their contribution to the capital |
| Visit required for incorporation (YES/NO) | No, local representative can be appointed through power of attorney |
| Taxes to pay | Corporate tax, value added tax, withholding taxes |
| Corporate tax rate | 8.5% federal standard corporate tax, cantonal taxes apply |
| Audited financial statements required (YES/NO) | Yes |
| Advantages | Easy to register, multiple uses, simple incorporation requirements, available for a wide range of activities |
| Incorporation support (YES/NO) | Yes |
| Audited financial statements required (YES/NO) | Yes, audit requirements are in place for the Swiss GmbH. |
Specific requirements for the company name | No, the company may use any trading name, as long as it is not offensive and complies with the law. |
Operational restrictions (if any) | No, the private limited liability company can be used for most activities. |
| Available for registration for natural persons | Yes, it is suitable for one or more persons. |
| Available for registration for companies | Yes, companies can use it to set up subsidiaries in Switzerland. |
| Documents required for registration | – trading name reservation; – Articles of Association; – bank account certificate attesting the deposit of the share capital; – proof of Swiss legal address; personal information of the shareholder(s) and director(s) |
| Possibility to be converted into a public company | Yes |
| Registration timeframe (approx.) | Approx. 3 weeks |
| Licensing requirements (if any) | Licenses may be required for specific activities. |
| VAT registration required upon creation | No, however, voluntary registration is available. |
| Access to double tax treaties (YES/NO) | Yes, for foreign shareholders |
| Possibility of hiring local staff (YES/NO) | Yes |
| Possibility to transfer foreign employees | Yes, employee transfer is available for such an entity. |
| Availability of accounting services for a Swiss GmbH | Yes, our accounting company in Switzerland offers specialized services. |
| Other services we offer for a GmbH in Switzerland | – support in hiring employees, – assistance in amending company documents, – tax registration, etc. |
| Audited financial statements required (YES/NO) | Yes, audit requirements are in place for the Swiss GmbH. |
Specific requirements for the company name | No, the company may use any trading name, as long as it is not offensive and complies with the law. |
Operational restrictions (if any) | No, the private limited liability company can be used for most activities. |
| Available for registration for natural persons | Yes, it is suitable for one or more persons. |
| Available for registration for companies | Yes, companies can use it to set up subsidiaries in Switzerland. |
| Documents required for registration | – trading name reservation; – Articles of Association; – bank account certificate attesting the deposit of the share capital; – proof of Swiss legal address; personal information of the shareholder(s) and director(s) |
| Possibility to be converted into a public company | Yes |
| Registration timeframe (approx.) | Approx. 3 weeks |
| Licensing requirements (if any) | Licenses may be required for specific activities. |
| VAT registration required upon creation | No, however, voluntary registration is available. |
| Access to double tax treaties (YES/NO) | Yes, for foreign shareholders |
| Possibility of hiring local staff (YES/NO) | Yes |
| Possibility to transfer foreign employees | Yes, employee transfer is available for such an entity. |
| Availability of accounting services for a Swiss GmbH | Yes, our accounting company in Switzerland offers specialized services. |
| Other services we offer for a GmbH in Switzerland | – support in hiring employees, – assistance in amending company documents, – tax registration, etc. |
What are the steps to open a private company in Switzerland?
Here are the steps:
- reserve the trading name: propose at least 3 names;
- determine the registered address: you can also opt for a virtual office;
- draft the Articles of Association: the statutory documents must also be notarized;
- prepare the personal information of the shareholders and directors: ID, residence permit, passport, depending on their nationality;
- open the bank account: a bank statement indicating the deposit of the share capital is required;
- submit the documents with the Trade Register: registration will be with the local office of the Register in the canton where the company has its legal seat;
- register for taxation: it is also necessary to obtain a tax identification code;
- apply for a business license: it depends on the activities to be carried out.
What are the documents for opening a Swiss GmbH?
Here they are:
- the company trading name reservation form, that follows the applicable law and that ends in “GmbH”, designating the company’s type;
- passport copies of the company’s shareholders and proposed directors;
- the documents attesting the investors’ residence and financial status (by offering a recent bank statement);
- information on the types of activities that will be carried out through the GmbH, as well as the company’s business plan;
- details regarding the company’s founders (personal information such as the name, home address, and others).
We also have an infographic on starting a company in Switzerland as an LLC below:
What is the required capital for a Swiss GmbH?
The minimum share capital required for setting up a limited liability company in Switzerland or a GmbH is CHF 20,000. This capital is divided into “quotas”. Each quota has a nominal value, and since 2023 a quota only needs a nominal value greater than zero.
What is the minimum number of shareholders for a GmbH in Switzerland?
At least one shareholder must decide upon establishing an LLC in Switzerland,and he or she can be either individuals or legal entities. Their liability is limited by the shares owned in the limited liability company in Switzerland.
What are the management requirements for an LLC in Switzerland?
At least one managing director is required for a Swiss GmbH, and at least one person authorised to represent the company must reside in Switzerland (nationality is irrelevant). It isn’t necessary to appoint a board of directors in a Swiss limited liability company, but the responsibility in this case falls under the obligations of the managing director. A company secretary is optional.
How long does it take to register a Swiss GmbH?
The registration procedure takes about a week to complete; however, you should add a few more days for the preparation of the documents.
What types of operations can a GmbH complete?
The GmbH can be used for most commercial activities in Switzerland. It can also offer its services or sell goods abroad.
Is it possible for all the shareholders in the GmbH to be foreigners?
Yes, full foreign ownership is available in this business form.
Is it possible to register an LLC in Switzerland remotely?
Yes, it is possible to register such a business form remotely with the help of our Swiss specialists. You can grant us a power of attorney so we can start the formalities. However, you will be required to travel to the country for the bank account opening procedure.
Also, working with a local service provider is advised by various foreign citizens who have already started their Swiss companies and noted a much smoother procedure.
Can I hire foreign workers in a Swiss GmbH?
Yes, it is possible; however, you need to get acquainted with the work and residence permit requirements applicable to different nationalities, as well as the immigration quotas imposed by the authorities.
The following video offers a short presentation on the Swiss GmbH:
What are the registration costs for a GmbH in Switzerland?
According to the SME portal, the basic commercial register fee for a Swiss GmbH is approx. CHF 420 (plus small fees per registered person). Other fees that should be considered are related to the document preparation and legalization. However, these depend on the service provider and the canton of establishment. Professional registration fees should also be considered if you need help.
Our partnerships
In case you are thinking of starting a company in another country, for example in Lithuania, please contact our partners – CompanyFormationLithuania.com.
If you want to know the main steps for setting up a company in Montenegro or need assistance in this matter, our partners from CompanyFormationMontenegro.com can help you.
Businessmen are invited to contact our company formation agents in Switzerland for further information regarding other taxes that are applicable to Swiss LLCs. Foreign businessmen who are also interested in moving to Switzerland can receive specialized assistance from our experienced partners – immigration-switzerland.co. In case you need other types of legal services, for example debt recovery services, we recommend our partners – DebtCollectionGermany.com.
Please contact our Swiss company formation specialists for more information on how to open a GmbH in Switzerland.