Lawyer
Expert in corporate and international corporate law. Has extensive experience in supporting the acquisition of financial licenses in Ukraine, as well as business incorporation in the EU, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, the UAE, and key Asian jurisdictions.
Business registration and support in Switzerland
It is a well-known fact that Switzerland is a reliable jurisdiction, which for decades has been associated with financial stability, high business standards, and a transparent legal system. In addition, this country is among the most attractive jurisdictions in the world for company registration, international business structuring, and investment. At the same time, please note that starting a business in Switzerland requires a thorough legal and financial approach, as regulatory requirements here are strict and detailed.
Company Registration in Switzerland
As in most countries with a civil law system, the most common types of companies in Switzerland are AG (public limited company) and GmbH (limited liability company). The choice depends on the business goals, the number of founders, and the scale of activities. However, for most businesses, the most suitable option is GmbH (limited liability company).
If we look at the registration process in more detail, the main stages are:
- preparation of incorporation documents and articles of association;
- determination of share capital (for GmbH — from 20,000 CHF, for AG — from 100,000 CHF);
- entry into the Swiss Commercial Register;
- obtaining a tax number and, if necessary, VAT registration.
Please note that we provide full legal support for the process, including communication with notaries and local authorities.
Get a consultation on business registration in Switzerland
Opening a Bank Account in Switzerland
Swiss banks are traditionally considered a symbol of reliability, stability, and confidentiality. That is why opening an account here is a strategic step for businesses aiming to enter the international market and work with European and global partners. At the same time, gaining access to banking services in Switzerland is not easy: banks strictly check client documents, sources of funds, and the company’s business model.
Our legal team supports clients at every stage of account opening, including:
- selection of the most suitable bank depending on business goals (universal banks, private banks, fintech solutions);
- preparation of corporate documents and confirmation of ownership structure;
- preparation and translation of financial documents to confirm the origin of funds;
- communication with the bank and support during KYC/AML checks;
- advising on account maintenance, minimum balances, and fees.
Example: if a company plans to work with large international trade contracts, we recommend universal banks with wide correspondent networks (e.g., UBS, Credit Suisse). For startups or IT businesses, neobanks and fintech solutions may be suitable, as they allow quick opening of multi-currency accounts and integration with payment systems.
A feature of Switzerland is that a bank may request a deep verification of the income sources of the owners and the company. For example, if the owner receives dividends from another business, the bank may require incorporation documents of that business and tax reports. Without a properly prepared document package, account opening may take months or end with a refusal.
We help clients not only to open an account but also to build proper relationships with the bank, ensuring stability in future servicing. This enables businesses to seamlessly conduct international transactions, conclude profitable contracts, and increase partner trust.
Legal Support for Business in Switzerland
Successful business operations in Switzerland require continuous compliance with legislative requirements. What we offer our clients:
- drafting corporate documents;
- consultations on labor law and employee arrangements;
- preparation of contracts with partners and clients;
- legal support for mergers and acquisitions.
Our team monitors updates in Swiss legislation and applies them in practice to ensure your business operates in a safe legal environment.
Virtual Office in Switzerland
For companies that want to be present in the market without significant rental expenses, or if a physical address is not needed, we offer a virtual office service, which includes:
- providing a legal address for company registration;
- receiving and forwarding correspondence;
- use of meeting rooms for partner negotiations;
- secretarial support services.
This solution allows compliance with the requirements for company registration in Switzerland while maintaining business flexibility.
Accounting Support in Switzerland
Swiss legislation imposes strict requirements for accounting, even for small companies. Every firm must maintain accurate financial reporting in accordance with the Swiss Code of Obligations, and for medium and large enterprises, international standards (IFRS or Swiss GAAP FER) are often applied.
Our team provides a full range of accounting services, including:
- monthly bookkeeping of income and expenses;
- preparation and submission of annual financial statements;
- payroll calculation and social contributions (AHV/IV/EO, LAA, pension funds);
- tax planning and optimization of tax burden.
We ensure transparency and accuracy valued not only by Swiss tax authorities but also by banks and potential investors. Properly structured accounting processes allow a company not only to avoid fines but also to gain a competitive advantage through transparent financial indicators.
Business Due Diligence in Switzerland
Switzerland is a country where investments often reach millions of francs. Therefore, any transaction involving the purchase of a ready-made business, real estate, or long-term contracts requires thorough legal and financial analysis (Due Diligence).
We conduct a comprehensive review, which includes:
- analysis of corporate documents (articles of association, meeting resolutions, ownership structure);
- review of financial indicators, reports, and hidden liabilities;
- identification of lawsuits, arrests, debts;
- tax risk assessment;
- verification of intellectual property rights.
Example: if an investor purchases a Swiss company with a history, our review may show that the firm has hidden tax debts or litigation. This allows the client either to withdraw from the deal or to significantly reduce the purchase price.
Thanks to Due Diligence by “Prikhodko & Partners”, you get a clear picture of the business or asset, avoid unpleasant “surprises,” and minimize financial risks.
Financial Monitoring in Switzerland
The financial monitoring system in Switzerland is one of the strictest in the world, as the country actively combats money laundering and terrorist financing. Banks and financial institutions are required to thoroughly verify the origin of funds, company beneficiaries, and even business partners.
We help clients:
- prepare a document package to confirm the origin of funds (bank statements, contracts, tax returns);
- properly structure the business and cash flows to avoid account blocking;
- support communication with banks and regulators;
- implement internal AML/KYC policies for the company.
Example: if a Ukrainian entrepreneur opens an account in a Swiss bank for his company, the bank may require confirmation of the origin of funds for the last 3–5 years. An improperly prepared document package may result in refusal to open an account or freezing of funds. Our support allows avoiding such situations.
Financial monitoring is not only a “legal obligation” but also a tool to protect business from reputational and financial risks. We ensure that your operations meet the highest standards of transparency and security.
Conclusion
Switzerland is a unique jurisdiction for doing business due to its stable legal system, developed financial sector, international reputation, and high level of investor protection. Entering the Swiss market requires thorough preparation, knowledge of local legislation, tax specifics, and banking procedures. Independent company registration or account opening can turn into a complicated process with bureaucratic delays and high risks due to the lack of local experience.
Our law firm “Prikhodko & Partners” provides a wide range of services for clients who want to enter the Swiss market or develop their business in this jurisdiction. We accompany clients at all stages: from choosing the optimal legal form of a company to accounting and ensuring compliance in day-to-day business operations.
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Protection of honour, dignity, and business reputationContract Development for Business and Legal Entities
Licensing of business activities
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Legal services in the field of cryptocurrency and blockchain
REGISTRATION OF COMPANIES AND OPENING OF BANK ACCOUNTS
Sale and purchase of ready-made firms
Grants and attracting investment
Business registration and support in Great Britain
Business registration and support in Switzerland
Business registration and support in the EU
Business Registration and Support in the Gulf Countries (GCC)
Business registration and support in Turkey
Business registration and support in USA
Lawyer for administrative cases
Legal services for medical businesses and doctors
Protection of honour, dignity, and business reputation
Real estate transaction support
Escort of the tender participant
Trial lawyer: support and defense in court
European Court of Human Rights (ECHR)
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