Question 1

How much does it cost to set up a GmbH in Switzerland?

Accepted Answer

At firmagründen.jetzt the flat fee for a GmbH is CHF 390.– (excl. 8.1% VAT), including advice, all documents, notarisation and filing. The only additional cost is the cantonal commercial register fee of roughly CHF 600–800. The share capital of CHF 20'000 is not a cost: it becomes available to the company after registration.

Question 2

Can a foreigner set up a company in Switzerland?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Anyone can own a Swiss GmbH or AG regardless of nationality. However, the company must be represented by at least one person residing in Switzerland – a managing director or director for a GmbH, a board member or director for an AG. Since 1 October 2026 this person must also have access to the share register (Art. 718 and 814 CO).

Question 3

Do I need to travel to Switzerland to sign?

Accepted Answer

No. The formation can be completed fully digitally with a qualified electronic signature (QES). Alternatively, you can sign on paper and return the documents by post.

Question 4

Can the share capital be in euros or US dollars?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Swiss law allows share capital in a foreign currency that is essential for the business, provided it is equivalent to at least CHF 100'000 (AG) or CHF 20'000 (GmbH) at the time of formation. Bookkeeping and accounts must then be kept in that currency (Art. 621 and 773 CO).

Question 5

Can I set up a company without a Swiss bank account?

Accepted Answer

Yes, with a contribution in kind: instead of paying cash into a Swiss bank, you contribute assets such as equipment, receivables or crypto assets. A licensed auditor confirms the valuation. Our flat fee for a formation with contribution in kind is CHF 950.– (excl. VAT).

Question 6

How long does it take to register a company in Switzerland?

Accepted Answer

Typically 2–4 weeks from start to entry in the commercial register. Our notarial part takes 24 hours once all documents are complete; the bank account and the commercial register office take most of the time.

Question 7

Can the notarial deed be in English?

Accepted Answer

Yes, notarisation in English is possible. Our team also answers questions in English by phone. Please note that our AI formation assistant currently works in German.

Question 8

Do I have to report beneficial owners?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Since 1 October 2026, Swiss companies must report their beneficial owners to the federal transparency register. New companies have one month after registration. With every GmbH or AG formation we prepare the list of beneficial owners free of charge.

Legal form	Our price	Key requirement
GmbH (limited liability company)	CHF 390.– flat fee	Minimum share capital CHF 20'000, fully paid in (Art. 773 CO).
AG (company limited by shares)	CHF 490.– flat fee	Minimum share capital CHF 100'000, at least CHF 50'000 paid in (Art. 621 CO).
Sole proprietorship	CHF 99.– flat fee	No minimum capital and no notarisation required.
Contribution in kind	CHF 950.– flat fee	Formation without a Swiss bank account, using assets instead of cash.

Company formation in Switzerland, directly with a notary

Legal forms and prices

How it works

Enter your details online

Receive your documents

Pay in the share capital

Sign on paper or digitally

Notarisation and filing

Entry in the commercial register

Why a notary instead of an intermediary?

Frequently asked questions