Forming a Swiss AG: capital, notary and commercial register
A Swiss AG can be formed by at least one natural or legal person. Share capital is at least CHF 100,000; at least 20 percent and at least CHF 50,000 must be paid in. Formation requires notarisation, articles, a board and commercial-register entry. At least one person authorised to represent the company must reside in Switzerland.
A Swiss AG can be formed by at least one natural or legal person. Share capital is at least CHF 100,000; at least 20 percent and at least CHF 50,000 must be paid in. Formation requires notarisation, articles, a board and commercial-register entry. At least one person authorised to represent the company must reside in Switzerland.
Quick facts
Articles 620–763 CO govern the AG. One founder is sufficient. Articles, capital payment, notarisation, corporate bodies and register entry form the core sequence.
Capital
Share capital is at least CHF 100,000, with at least 20 percent and CHF 50,000 paid in. This is not the full operating budget.
Define the share structure.
Confirm capital-payment steps with the bank.
Have the package checked for notarisation.
Handle further registrations after entry.
Articles and governance
Articles cover name, purpose, seat, capital and share details. The board, representation, share register and audit position need separate decisions.
Foreign founders
Ownership, Swiss representation, immigration, personal tax residence and company taxation are separate questions.
Primary sources
https://www.kmu.admin.ch/en/legal-form-the-limited-company
https://www.kmu.admin.ch/en/checklist-starting-a-corporation-sa
https://www.kmu.admin.ch/en/how-to-register-a-company
https://www.easygov.swiss/easygov/portal/resource/document/Rechtsformen_e.pdf
In Brief
A Swiss AG can be formed by at least one natural or legal person. Share capital is at least CHF 100,000; at least 20 percent and at least CHF 50,000 must be paid in. Formation requires notarisation, articles, a board and commercial-register entry. At least one person authorised to represent the company must reside in Switzerland.
Key Takeaways
- The AG exists upon register entry.
- Minimum CHF 100,000 share capital.
- At least 20 percent and CHF 50,000 paid in.
- Notary and register are required.