Formation process
Company formation checklist: from idea to first day of work
The complete checklist for forming a company in Switzerland: legal form, name, insurance, taxes, bank account, bookkeeping and the first 90 days of operation.
3 min read
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Guides for Swiss founders
All articles →Costs
Deducting company formation costs: getting the most from your tax return
Which formation costs you can deduct as a sole proprietorship or GmbH: investments, input tax, pre-launch business expenses and the most common mistakes.
3 min read
Formation process
Dissolving a GmbH: liquidation process, costs and alternatives
How to correctly dissolve a Swiss GmbH: dissolution resolution, liquidation, settling debts, deletion from the commercial register – with costs and faster alternatives.
3 min read
Frequently asked questions about company formation
How much does it cost to start a company in Switzerland?
You can start a sole proprietorship from CHF 0 (plus approx. CHF 120 commercial register fee if registered). An LLC (GmbH) costs CHF 0 to 999 in service fees depending on the provider, plus approx. CHF 700 in external fees – you also need CHF 20’000 in share capital, which belongs to your company afterwards.
How can a company formation be free?
Portals like Fasoon or IFJ are financed by partner companies (insurers, banks, telecoms). If you e.g. take a consultation call or open an account with the partner bank, the partners cover the formation costs.
Which legal form is right for me?
As a solo founder without major risk, you usually start with a sole proprietorship. If you want to protect your personal assets or incorporate with partners, the LLC (GmbH) with CHF 20’000 share capital is the standard. Our calculator suggests the right form for you.
How long does an incorporation take?
Online portals file your incorporation within a few days. After that, the commercial register entry takes 1–2 weeks depending on the canton. Expect 2–3 weeks in total.
When do I need a fiduciary instead of an online portal?
For holding structures, contributions in kind, regulated industries, founders without Swiss residence or 5+ shareholders, professional support from a fiduciary or legal advisor is worthwhile.