What is the main difference between a Swiss GmbH and an AG?

A GmbH requires CHF 20,000 minimum capital (100% paid in) and publishes every owner's name in the Commercial Register (Zefix). An AG requires CHF 100,000 nominal capital (at least CHF 50,000 paid in) and keeps shareholders anonymous from the public register (only board members and authorized signatories are listed).

When must an Einzelfirma register in the Swiss Commercial Register (Handelsregister)?

Under CO Art. 931, a sole proprietorship (Einzelfirma) must register in the Commercial Register once its annual gross turnover reaches CHF 100,000.

Can an Einzelfirma have multiple co-founders?

No. An Einzelfirma can only have a single natural person as owner. If two or more founders start a business without CHF 20,000 for a GmbH, they must form a general partnership (Kollektivgesellschaft) or incorporate a GmbH/AG.

Einzelfirma vs. GmbH vs. AG calculator

Compare Swiss legal forms (Sole Proprietorship, GmbH/Sàrl, AG/SA) by minimum capital, personal liability, anonymity and setup cost.

Expected annual turnover (CHF)Available starting capital (CHF)

Number of founders / partners

Recommended legal form

GmbH / Sàrl

GmbH (Sàrl) separates personal assets from business liability with CHF 20,000 minimum capital.

VAT (MWST) obligation

Mandatory (≥ CHF 100k)

Einzelfirma HR entry

Mandatory (≥ CHF 100k)

Form	Min. paid-in	Setup cost	Code
Einzelunternehmen (Einzelfirma)	CHF 0.00	CHF 0 – 900	CO / OR art. 931, 945
GmbH / Sàrl / Sagl	CHF 20'000.00	CHF 1,500 – 3,000	CO / OR art. 772 – 827
AG / SA	CHF 50'000.00	CHF 2,000 – 4,500	CO / OR art. 620 – 763

Direct answer

In Switzerland, a Sole Proprietorship (Einzelfirma) requires CHF 0 minimum capital (Commercial Register entry mandatory from CHF 100,000 turnover) but exposes personal assets to unlimited liability. A GmbH (Sàrl) requires CHF 20,000 fully paid-in capital and limits liability, while an AG (SA) requires CHF 100,000 share capital (at least CHF 50,000 paid in) and keeps shareholders off the public Commercial Register.

Key statutory figures & facts

•Einzelfirma: CHF 0 min. capital; unlimited personal liability; Handelsregister mandatory ≥ CHF 100,000 revenue
•GmbH (Sàrl): CHF 20,000 min. capital (100% paid in); corporate liability; quota holders are public in Zefix
•AG (SA): CHF 100,000 min. capital (min. CHF 50,000 or 20% paid in); shareholders stay private
•Mandatory VAT (MWST) threshold for all legal forms: CHF 100,000 annual taxable revenue

How it's calculated

Checks founder count (Einzelfirma only allows 1 owner), available capital (CHF 0 vs. CHF 20,000 vs. CHF 50,000/100,000), liability protection and shareholder privacy.
Flags mandatory Commercial Register (Handelsregister) and VAT (MWST) registration at the CHF 100,000 annual turnover threshold.

Assumptions

Setup cost ranges reflect standard Swiss notary, Commercial Register and EasyGov fees.

Frequently asked questions

What is the main difference between a Swiss GmbH and an AG?: A GmbH requires CHF 20,000 minimum capital (100% paid in) and publishes every owner's name in the Commercial Register (Zefix). An AG requires CHF 100,000 nominal capital (at least CHF 50,000 paid in) and keeps shareholders anonymous from the public register (only board members and authorized signatories are listed).
When must an Einzelfirma register in the Swiss Commercial Register (Handelsregister)?: Under CO Art. 931, a sole proprietorship (Einzelfirma) must register in the Commercial Register once its annual gross turnover reaches CHF 100,000.
Can an Einzelfirma have multiple co-founders?: No. An Einzelfirma can only have a single natural person as owner. If two or more founders start a business without CHF 20,000 for a GmbH, they must form a general partnership (Kollektivgesellschaft) or incorporate a GmbH/AG.