brown and white concrete building near river under blue sky during daytime

Foreign Entrepreneurs Eye Switzerland for Company Formation

Foreign Entrepreneurs Eye Switzerland for Company Formation

Switzerland continues to attract international entrepreneurs seeking stability, transparency, and access to the European market. For non-residents, opening a company in Switzerland is possible, but the process comes with specific requirements and formal steps. 

Who Can Register a Company? 

Both Swiss citizens and foreign nationals are eligible to register a company. Non-residents may own 100 percent of a Swiss entity, but the law requires at least one director with signatory rights to be domiciled in Switzerland. This ensures local accountability and compliance with Swiss regulations. 

The Main Steps to Register 

The procedure for company formation is highly structured: 

  1. Select a legal form – Most entrepreneurs choose between a GmbH (limited liability company) or an AG (corporation). 

  2. Verify the company name – Names must be unique and approved through the ZEFIX register. 

  3. Draft Articles of Association – These outline the company’s purpose, capital, and governance. 

  4. Deposit share capital – CHF 20,000 for a GmbH or CHF 100,000 for an AG, placed in a Swiss bank account. 

  5. Notarisation – A Swiss notary certifies the founding documents. 

  6. Commercial Register filing – The company is officially entered into the cantonal register. 

  7. Publication in SHAB – The Swiss Official Gazette of Commerce announces the new entity. 

  8. Post-registration obligations – VAT registration, social insurance enrolment, and opening an operational bank account. 

Can Foreigners Open a Swiss Company? 

Yes. Foreigners may establish a business remotely, often through power of attorney, without traveling to Switzerland. However, strict anti-money laundering checks apply when opening bank accounts. Certain industries, such as finance and insurance, require additional approval from the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA). 

Why Switzerland? 

Analysts point to Switzerland’s political stability, strong banking sector, and central European location as key advantages. “The country offers a predictable legal environment and access to skilled labor,” said a spokesperson from Switzerland Global Enterprise, the official trade promotion agency. 

Timeline and Considerations 

Company formation typically takes two to four weeks. Entrepreneurs are advised to draft broad Articles of Association to avoid costly amendments later. A registered Swiss business address is mandatory, and compliance with local tax and employment laws is essential. 

Sources