Starting a Business - Switzerland

No foreign-ownership restrictions apply to either the GmbH or AG. A foreigner may hold 100% of shares or quotas and be the sole shareholder. The only structural constraint is that at least one person with individual signatory authority — or two persons with joint signatory authority — must be resident in Switzerland.

A GmbH requires a minimum share capital of CHF 20,000, fully paid in at incorporation. An AG requires CHF 100,000 minimum, of which at least CHF 50,000 must be paid up at formation. Capital must be deposited with a Swiss bank and confirmed before the notarial deed is executed.

Core steps: (1) check/reserve company name via ZEFIX; (2) deposit minimum capital in a Swiss escrow bank account; (3) execute notarised articles of association; (4) appoint management and auditors; (5) file with the relevant cantonal commercial register. Official sources indicate registration takes 5–60 days depending on cantonal workload.

Citizens of EU/EFTA states may become self-employed and incorporate in Switzerland holding only a standard B residence permit (5-year, renewable). No labour market test or special economic-benefit assessment is required; registration with social insurance as self-employed and a commercial register entry suffice.

Non-EU/EFTA founders must first obtain cantonal approval under the AIG/FNA before a B or L residence permit is issued. Requirements include a detailed business plan, demonstrated economic benefit to Switzerland (e.g., sustainable job creation), industry-standard income projections, and evidence of organisational relationships or contracts. Approval is discretionary at the cantonal level and is not guaranteed.

Both GmbH and AG formation require a notarial deed; notary fees vary by canton but typically range from CHF 500 to over CHF 2,000. Commercial register filing fees are also canton-specific and are published on the official federal SME portal.