Why Choose Switzerland for Business?
Switzerland remains one of the most stable and respected financial centers in the world. With a strong economy, high confidentiality standards, and attractive tax regimes, it is ideal for holding companies, private equity structures, and asset management.
Key Advantages of Switzerland:
- Politically and economically stable environment
- Attractive tax regimes for holding and domiciliary companies
- Access to 100+ Double Tax Treaties (DTT)
- Ability to obtain tax residency and certificate of domicile
- Strong protection of trade and professional secrets
Types of Companies in Switzerland
| Entity Type | Key Features |
|---|---|
| AG (Public Limited Company) | Ideal for holdings and investment structures; possible share listing |
| GmbH (Limited Liability Company) | Flexible form for small to medium-sized businesses |
| Domiciliary Company | Registered in Switzerland, but conducts business abroad only |
| Branch of Foreign Company | For international expansion |
Tax Advantages in Switzerland
| Company Type | Effective Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| Standard Rate | 12% – 21% (varies by canton, average ~14.9%) |
| Holding Company | 7.8% – 11% (cantonal tax reductions) |
| Domiciliary Company | 8% – 12% (foreign income exemption) |
Additional Benefits:
- No withholding tax on dividends under DTT or EU Parent-Subsidiary Directive
- Capital gains from qualifying shareholdings can be fully exempt
- No capital gains tax for individuals on private assets
Compliance & Substance Requirements
| Requirement | AG / GmbH |
|---|---|
| Minimum Share Capital | AG: CHF 100,000 (min. CHF 50,000 paid-in) GmbH: CHF 20,000 |
| Audit | Mandatory for medium and large companies |
| Accounting | Required under Swiss GAAP |
| Beneficial Owner Registry | Yes (non-public) |
How to Set Up a Company in Switzerland
- Choose entity type (AG, GmbH, Domiciliary)
- Verify company name and prepare Articles of Association
- Open capital deposit account and deposit share capital
- Notarize incorporation and register with the Commercial Register
- Register for tax and obtain UID number
- (Optional) Negotiate tax ruling for optimized tax treatment
Timeframe: 2–4 weeks
Practical Tips
- Tax Ruling: Possible for tailored tax optimization
- Substance: Management must be based in Switzerland (resident director required)
- Bank Account: Requires in-person visit and full KYC compliance
- Nominee Services: Available, but UBO must be disclosed to authorities
Who is Switzerland Suitable For?
- Holding structures and investment companies
- Private equity & venture capital funds
- International trading companies
- Wealth management and asset protection
- Family Offices
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
Is Switzerland a tax haven?
- No. Switzerland is a highly reputable jurisdiction offering legitimate tax advantages.
Is ownership confidential?
- Yes. The UBO registry exists but is not public.
Can I obtain Swiss tax residency for my company?
- Yes, if the company is effectively managed from Switzerland and substance requirements are met.
Interested in more?
Complexity
Establishment of the company, its settlement, delivery of apostilled documentation, bookkeeping. All under one agency.
Support
Do you have a foreign company and don’t know if you have fulfilled all your legal obligations? We can help you to check and comply with all government requirements.
Management
Are you dissatisfied with the performance of your directors? Are they not meeting deadlines? Try us.
Fair price
Do you already have an offshore company? Do you want better conditions? Change your registration agent.