REGISTRATION OF A BUSINESS (FIRM) IN SWITZERLAND

So how to register a new company, or how to move an existing company to Switzerland? What is the price of opening a company in Zurich, Geneva, Bern? What is the best organizational and legal form of entrepreneurial activity?

How to do business in Switzerland? But what are the advantages of registering an LLC or FOP in Switzerland?

Advantages of doing business as an individual entrepreneur

There is no need to pay the authorized capital, registration in the trade register is required for legal activity. A sole proprietorship with a turnover of less than 500,000 Swiss francs must at least keep accounts that include information on income, expenses and financial position. If the turnover is less than 500,000 Swiss francs for the last financial year, it is also necessary to submit reports in accordance with the Legislation.

Disadvantages of doing business as an individual entrepreneur

The personal responsibility of the business owner, therefore, in case of problems, the person bears the negative consequences on his own. Also, anonymity is not possible because the name and surname are entered in the trade register.

If you don’t want to do business as an individual entrepreneur, you can do business in other forms:

A limited liability company (GMBH) is the most popular organizational and legal form of entrepreneurial activity. Founders can be foreigners, but at least one director must be a resident of Switzerland. There are requirements for authorized capital – 18,000 euros. At the time of registration, at least half must be deposited into the technical account. There are requirements for the maximum size of the authorized capital – 1,850,000 euros. It is necessary to have a registered legal address, the company can be registered remotely, but the account must be opened in person at the bank. The founders are responsible for the amount of the contribution.

A joint-stock company (AG) is also a popular form of business in Switzerland. At least 3 shareholders are required. The founders can be non-residents, but in the future it is necessary that at least one resident of Switzerland is in the management. There are requirements regarding the size of the authorized capital, so it should be at least 100,000 euros. At the time of registration, it is necessary to deposit at least 20% of the shares in the technical account. Liability depends on the number of issued shares.

What are the stages of company registration in Switzerland?

• Choosing an organizational and legal form (we recommend LLC)
• Choose a unique legal address
• Choose a unique name, the name is checked on the official website of the Chamber of Commerce
• Preparation of constituent documents
• Transfer of authorized capital to a special technical account in full or a certain part
• Registration in the Trade Register of Enterprises. The cost depends on the location
• Registration of employees in the social security service

What is required for company registration:

• unique name;
• copies of passports of the beneficiary, shareholders, director;
• if the shareholder is a legal entity, then copies of statutory documents;
• confirmation of a permanent address (for example, a utility bill).

What is the cost of registering a company in Switzerland? To answer this question, leave your phone number or call us.