Company Formation Guide – Start a company in Switzerland from Abroad.
Starting a company in Switzerland while living abroad is absolutely possible. This guide shows foreign founders how to choose the right structure, open a bank account, handle permits, secure a domicile and resident director, and keep the company compliant – without needing to be physically present.
1
Decide if Switzerland is right for you.
Understand how Switzerland compares to other hubs on tax, stability, reputation and talent, and how different cantons affect your effective tax rate and lifestyle. Start here if you are still validating whether a Swiss entity makes strategic sense.
The Swiss Advantage.
Switzerland offers political stability, reliable courts, strong IP protection and a business‑friendly tax system with predictable rules. For international founders, it is an attractive jurisdiction to hold assets, run operating companies or set up a European hub.
As a foreign entrepreneur you do not need to live in Switzerland to own a Swiss company, but you do need a Swiss registered address and at least one Swiss‑resident board member. Our packages combine both, together with accounting, payroll and administration, so you can operate remotely with local compliance handled..
See our guide below and our services overview
2
Choose your Swiss legal structure.
Decide whether you need a GmbH, AG, branch or more advanced structure (such as a holding or family office). This choice sets your capital, governance, liability and investor‑readiness for years to come.
The Legal Structure.
Foreign founders most often choose between a Swiss GmbH (Sàrl)(LLC), an AG (SA)(PLC), a holding company or a branch of a foreign entity.
GmbH (Sàrl) (LLC) – The most common form for SMEs and startups. Limited liability, minimum share capital CHF 20,000 and shareholders are publicly listed.
AG (SA)(PLC) – Often used for larger businesses and holding structures. Higher capital (CHF 100,000) and more flexible for future investors.
Holding company – Designed primarily to hold participations and receive dividends from subsidiaries.
Branch office – For foreign companies that want a Swiss presence without incorporating a separate legal entity.
See our guide below or legal forms at Company Formation overview
3
Incorporate and fund your company.
Walk through the practical steps: name search, purpose drafting, appointing a Swiss‑resident director, opening a blocked capital account and signing before the notary. Learn when a shelf company can make sense if timing is critical.
Your Company Formation
Even if all shareholders and ultimate beneficial owners live abroad, Swiss law requires:
- A registered office address in Switzerland where official mail is served.
- At least one director or board member resident in Switzerland, authorised to represent the company.
- Proper accounting records, VAT and tax filings, and, if you have employees, payroll and social security registrations.
Our Starter, Active/Switch and Maintain packages combine domicile, resident director, accounting, payroll and administration so you don’t have to coordinate multiple providers or worry about compliance gaps.
See our guide below or our Company Formation overview
4
Open your Swiss bank account.
Release your locked Share capital deposit to your operating account and get operational.
Open Bank Account
Banking is often the slowest step for foreign founders. This section explains how to choose between traditional and digital banks, what KYC/AML information you will need, and how to avoid the most common reasons for rejection.
Included in our Starter package, we apply for the bank accounts, supporting preparation and coordination.
See our guide below.
5
Plan residence, permits and your own status.
Residence Permits if required
If you or key team members want to relocate, you need to understand the difference between EU/EFTA and non‑EU founders, the self‑employment permit, and how your Swiss company supports the application. Most founders decide to work from abroad.
See our guide below.
6
Hire and run payroll correctly as required.
Staffing your company.
Once the company is formed and banked, you can hire staff locally or abroad. Learn how gross and net salary differ, which social contributions are mandatory, how to register as an employer and what a compliant payslip looks like.
See our guide below.
7
Understand licenses, IP and advanced structures.
Permits & Trademarks
Certain activities need additional licenses, and valuable brands or technology deserve proper protection. As your business matures you may also explore holding or IP structures for efficiency and risk management.
See our guide below.
Plan your Swiss Company
With an Expert
Your Swiss company is a platform for strong potential. We support you to unlock that potential and thrive in the Swiss and global markets.
From ongoing management to specialized advisory, we are here to ensure your journey is seamless and successful.
Explore our Company Management Services to see how we can support your long-term growth.