Founding a Company in Switzerland

Founding a company in Switzerland is a fast and simple process. Despite the unburdened course of action, we recommend consulting a legal expert to ensure all steps are correctly followed.

The Core of Every Start-Up: The Business Idea

The core of every start-up is a business idea. This concept need not be a pioneering invention; you can simply provide an existing product with a new modality. The next step is putting your idea into reality. This means choosing the appropriate legal form, which depends on a number of different variables: invested capital, type of leadership, personal liability, number of involved proprietors, and many more.

Choosing the Appropriate Legal Form

In Switzerland, the most common legal forms for companies are:

1. Sole Proprietorship (Einzelfirma)
2. General Partnership (Kollektivgesellschaft)
3. Limited Liability Company (GmbH – Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung)
4. Company Limited by Shares (AG – Aktiengesellschaft)

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the limited liability company (GmbH) as a legal form. Despite its relatively low capital requirement, the GmbH offers limited liability to all proprietors and is therefore ideal for a start-up.

Necessary Documents and Registration

After choosing a suitable legal form, the next step is to compile all the necessary documents and authenticate them through a solicitor. These include the statutes, the application for entry into the commercial register, and various other documents. In the case of a company with a statutorily prescribed share capital (e.g., GmbH, AG), you will need a confirmation of your capital contribution.

Capital Confirmation

For companies like an LLC (GmbH) or a Company Limited by Shares (AG), which require a statutorily prescribed share capital, obtaining a capital contribution confirmation is essential. This document verifies that the required capital has been deposited in a Swiss bank account.

Commercial Register Entry

Once all the necessary documents are authenticated and submitted, the final step is the entry into the commercial register. This official registration marks the legal formation of your company, allowing you to start your business operations.

Professional Guidance with STARTUPS.CH

For a smooth and efficient company formation process, consider using STARTUPS.CH. They offer professional guidance before and after the foundation, helping you with:

• Expert Guidance: Receive professional advice on the incorporation process.
• Cost-Effective Solutions: Minimize costs through partner offers.
• Comprehensive Support: Benefit from ongoing support throughout the formation process.

You can apply for a counselling interview and request free documentation through their platform. For more questions regarding the foundation of a company, feel free to visit the STARTUPS.CH website.