Starting a Business in Switzerland - Register Your Swiss Business Online
Starting a business in Switzerland has never been easier. At IncoSwiss, we help entrepreneurs from around the world register a Swiss company quickly, securely and entirely online. Whether you are a Swiss resident or a foreign founder, we guide you through every step of the Swiss company registration process without requiring you to travel to Switzerland.
Our fully digital service includes online identification, digital signatures, preparation of all incorporation documents, assistance with opening your capital payment account, and submission of your company to the Swiss Commercial Registry. We make registering your Swiss company simple, efficient and fully compliant with Swiss law.
With more than 20 years of experience supporting international entrepreneurs, we understand that the Swiss business register process can feel complex when you are starting a business in Switzerland from abroad. That is why we manage the entire incorporation process on your behalf—from selecting the right legal structure and preparing the documentation to coordinating the notary and completing the company registration.
Whether you want to register a Swiss company as an AG, a GmbH, a branch of an existing business or a sole proprietorship, we tailor the incorporation process to your specific circumstances. Every legal structure comes with different capital requirements, legal obligations, residency conditions and registration procedures. We explain the advantages of each option and help you choose the structure that best fits your business before you proceed with incorporation.
Types of Businesses you can register in Switzerland
Swiss Limited Company (AG/SA/LTD)
Benefits
+ Limited liability
+ Anonymity
+ Simple share transfer process
Requirements
* CHF 100’000 paid in share capital
* Local resident board member
* Registered address in Switzerland
Swiss Limited Liability Company (GmbH/Sàrl/Sagl/LLC)
Benefits
+ Limited liability
+ Lower initial paid in capital
Requirements
* CHF 20’000 paid in share capital
* Swiss resident director
* Registered address in Switzerland
Swiss Branch of a Swiss or Foreign Company
Benefits
+ No capital required
Requirements
* Swiss resident authorised representative
* Registered address in Switzerland
Sole Proprietorship
Benefits
+ No share capital required
+ Simpler registration
Requirements
* Work permit in Switzerland
* Registered address in Switzerland
How IncoSwiss Helps You Register Your Swiss Business
From the initial consultation until your company is officially registered, we manage the entire Swiss business register process for you.
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1. Choose your company form
(We help you determine whether an AG, GmbH, branch or sole proprietorship is the most suitable option for your business.)
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2. Complete our online questionnaire
(Provide the required company information through our secure online onboarding system.)
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3. Transfer the share capital to the capital payment account
If requested, we assist with opening your capital contribution account
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4. Sign digitally & verify your identity online
Complete the identification and signing process securely online using the links provided by our team
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5. IncoSwiss prepares notarisation & registration documents
(IncoSwiss prepares the incorporation documents, coordinates the notarisation and submits your company for registration with the Swiss Business Register)
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Completion
Your company is officially incorporated and listed in the Swiss Commercial Registry. You are now ready to start operating your Swiss business.
Q&A
Can I register a Swiss business if I am not a Swiss resident?
Yes. You can register a Swiss business even if you are not a Swiss resident. There are no limitations in terms of the nationalities and residencies of the shareholders of Swiss companies. IncoSwiss supports foreign founders by providing a fully digital incorporation process and, if required, a Swiss resident representative.
Do I need to travel to Switzerland to incorporate a Swiss business?
No. The entire incorporation process can be completed remotely. IncoSwiss offers digital signatures, online identification, and assistance with opening a capital payment bank account, allowing you to set up your Swiss business without visiting Switzerland.
How does the Swiss business register process work?
The Swiss business register process involves choosing the appropriate legal structure, preparing the incorporation documents, opening a capital payment account where required, signing the documents before a Swiss notary and submitting the application to the Swiss Commercial Registry. IncoSwiss manages the entire process on your behalf.
Which types of Swiss businesses can I register?
IncoSwiss assists with the registration of all common Swiss company types, including:
- Swiss Limited Company (AG/SA)
- Swiss Limited Liability Company (GmbH/Sàrl/Sagl)
- Swiss Branch of a Swiss or foreign company
- Swiss Sole Proprietorship
How long does it take to register a Swiss business?
The timeframe depends on the company type and readiness of documentation. In most cases, a Swiss company can be registered within 10 business days after all required documentation is delivered and capital is paid in.
What is a capital payment account and do I need one?
A capital payment account is a temporary Swiss bank account used to deposit the required share capital before company registration. In Switzerland it is mandatory for Swiss AG and GmbH incorporations for shareholders to pay in the share capital of the future Swiss company. IncoSwiss arranges the opening of this account as part of the Swiss company incorporation process.
Is a Swiss resident director or representative required?
Yes. Swiss law requires at least one Swiss resident director or authorized signatory for AG, GmbH, and branch structures. If you do not have one, IncoSwiss can provide this service.
What documents are required to start the Swiss business incorporation process?
Typically, you will need:
- Passport copy of shareholders and directors
- Utility bill of shareholders and directors
- Company structure and business plan
- Initial capital
IncoSwiss guides you step by step and provides a clear checklist.
Can IncoSwiss also help after the business is registered?
Absolutely. IncoSwiss offers a full range of ongoing corporate services, including accounting, payroll, compliance, domiciliation, licensing, and administrative support — allowing you to focus on growing your business.
Is the Swiss business incorporation process fully digital?
Yes. Our process is fully digital, from questionnaire and identity verification to document signing and company registration.
How much does it cost to register a Swiss business?
Costs vary depending on the company type and required services. IncoSwiss offers transparent, cost-effective packages tailored to your specific needs. A detailed quote is provided before starting the process.
Still have questions?
We offer a 30 min complimentary initial call to discuss your questions regarding registering your Swiss business.