Service · Switzerland company formation
Open a Swiss company with Auditaxes UK
We help international founders and families incorporate in Switzerland — typically an AG or a GmbH — and integrate the company into a wider cross-border structure. Our role is advisory and coordinating: we choose the right legal form with you, prepare the incorporation and stay alongside the company once it is registered.
Who this service suits
- Founders and groups wanting a Swiss entity for holding, trading or finance.
- Families structuring patrimony across generations through a stable, respected jurisdiction.
- Entrepreneurs who want the formation planned together with ownership, governance and the rest of their structure — not just a filing.
AG or GmbH
The AG (Société Anonyme) is the form most used in international and holding structures: capital is held in Swiss francs and shares can change hands with flexibility. The GmbH (Sàrl) is a leaner alternative, common in owner-managed businesses.
We explain the trade-offs between the two forms for your activity, ownership and plans, and coordinate the incorporation with the relevant commercial register.
What company formation does not include
It is separate from banking. Swiss banks run their own checks and make their own decisions. We help you prepare clear information about the business and its owners, but we cannot promise that an account will be opened.
Where a step requires a specialist — for example a notary, a local lawyer or a regulated adviser — we identify it and coordinate with professionals in our international network or with your own advisers.
How we work with you
- 01
Initial consultation
We discuss your activity, where you and your partners are based, and what the Swiss company should do in your overall plans.
- 02
Form and structure design
We compare the AG and GmbH for your case and agree the setup: shareholders, capital, governing bodies and registered office.
- 03
Coordinating incorporation
We prepare the documents with you and coordinate the notarial deed, the capital deposit and the entry in the Swiss commercial register.
- 04
Ongoing governance
After registration we help you keep records, filings and decisions in order, and connect the Swiss company with the rest of your structure.
Common questions
Can I set up a Swiss company while living abroad?
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Yes. Shareholders are not required to live in Switzerland. There is a management requirement though: Swiss law requires at least one member of the governing body with sole signing authority to be resident in Switzerland, and we help you cover it.
AG or GmbH — which suits me?
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The AG is the usual form for international, holding and investment structures; the GmbH is leaner and common in owner-managed businesses. We explain the differences for your activity, ownership and plans before you decide.
Do directors need to live in Switzerland?
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Swiss law requires at least one board member (AG) or manager (GmbH) with sole signing authority to be resident in Switzerland. Through our international network we coordinate local directorship where it is needed.
Will I get a Swiss bank account?
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Opening an account is a decision for the bank, after their own checks. We help you present the business and its ownership clearly, but no adviser can guarantee approval.
How long does it take?
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Typically a few weeks, depending on the notarial deed, the capital deposit and the processing times of the commercial register of the relevant canton.
Regulatory points on this page summarise Swiss commercial register guidance. Always check the current rules with the official sources.
Related
Tell us about the Swiss company you want to open
Write to us with a short description of your activity and where the owners are based. We will reply to arrange an initial consultation.
contact@auditaxes.uk