How to start a GmbH in Switzerland: 7 steps, cost and timeline
Updated · 3 sources
Direct answer
To start a Swiss GmbH you need CHF 20,000 capital paid in full into a blocked capital deposit account, a notarised deed of incorporation, and entry in the Commercial Register (Handelsregister), which is what makes the GmbH a legal person. The sequence name check → articles → capital account → notary → register takes days to a few weeks; at least one authorised signatory must live in Switzerland.
Key facts
- Minimum capital: CHF 20,000, 100% paid in before the notary appointment
- The GmbH exists legally only from Commercial Register entry; all owners are public on Zefix
- At least one person with signatory power must be resident in Switzerland (CO Art. 814 para. 3)
- VAT registration becomes mandatory at CHF 100,000 taxable turnover; AHV registration is due before the first employee starts
The 7 steps, in order
Steps 2 to 4 depend on each other, so do not book the notary before the bank confirms the capital account.
- 1Check the company name on Zefix.ch and the trademark register; the name must not mislead and needs the suffix GmbH or Sàrl.
- 2Draft the articles of association: purpose, capital, quotas per founder, signatory rules, and how quotas may be transferred.
- 3Open a capital deposit account (Kapitaleinzahlungskonto) at a Swiss bank and pay in the full CHF 20,000; the bank issues the capital payment confirmation.
- 4Sign the deed of incorporation before a notary with all founders (or powers of attorney), the articles, and the Lex Friedrich declaration if relevant.
- 5The notary files the Commercial Register entry. On publication the GmbH becomes a legal person and the capital is released to the company account.
- 6Register for VAT with the Federal Tax Administration if you expect CHF 100,000+ taxable turnover, and obtain the company UID if not auto-assigned.
- 7Before hiring: register with the cantonal AHV compensation fund, take out mandatory accident insurance (UVG), and set up a BVG pension solution for staff above the CHF 22,680 threshold.
What it costs beyond the capital
The CHF 20,000 is your company's money, not a fee; it is available for the business once the register entry is published. The actual founding cost is notary, Commercial Register and bank fees plus any advice, and it varies by canton and complexity, so get a fixed quote before you sign. What does not vary: a GmbH has running bookkeeping and annual financial statement duties that an Einzelfirma at low turnover can handle more lightly.
| Item | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Share capital | CHF 20,000 | Paid in 100%, released after register entry |
| Notary + register | Varies by canton | Get a fixed quote; complexity drives price |
| Capital account | Often free–low fee | Blocked until register publication |
FAQ
- How long does it take to found a GmbH in Switzerland?
- With documents ready, typically days to a few weeks. The capital account confirmation and the notary appointment are the two scheduling bottlenecks.
- Can a foreigner found a Swiss GmbH?
- Yes, nationality is not restricted. But at least one person authorised to represent the GmbH must be resident in Switzerland (CO Art. 814 para. 3).
- Is the CHF 20,000 capital lost after founding?
- No. After Commercial Register entry the blocked account is released and the money is the company's working capital.
- GmbH or Einzelfirma to start?
- An Einzelfirma costs nothing to start but leaves you personally liable for everything. A GmbH caps liability at company assets and is the usual choice once you sign client contracts, hire, or take on debt.
Related guides
- Einzelfirma vs. GmbH vs. AG: choosing a Swiss company form in 2026Switzerland's three main company forms are the Einzelfirma (CHF 0 minimum capital, unlimited personal liability, Commercial Register entry mandatory at CHF 100,000 turnover), the GmbH / Sàrl (CHF 20,000 minimum capital, company-only liability, partners public in Zefix), and the AG / SA (CHF 100,000 share capital with at least CHF 50,000 paid in, company-only liability, private shareholders).
- Swiss VAT rates in 2026: 8.1%, 2.6% and 3.8%Switzerland has three VAT rates in 2026: 8.1% standard, 2.6% reduced and 3.8% for accommodation. They have applied since 1 January 2024.
- Einzelfirma vs GmbH: when to switch and what changesStart as an Einzelfirma if you are alone, low-risk and testing demand: it costs nothing, but you are personally liable and pay self-employed AHV on the whole profit. Switch to a GmbH (CHF 20,000 capital) when contracts, employees or debt put your private assets at risk, or when leaving profit in the company beats being taxed on every franc of profit personally.