INCORPORATION
SWITZERLAND
See also: LCG-Special-Website Switzerland
| Company Type: | Aktiengesellschaft (AG) (Public Limited Company) |
| Name: | Any name can be chosen provided not already in use according to Swiss commercial register. References to commercial activities must reflect the actual business of the company. |
| Capital: | Minimum of 100 000 CHF, whereby half of each share must be paid up before incorporation. |
| Shares: | Bearer and/or registered shares (some of which can also be issued as participation certificates - without voting rights). |
| Shares Index: | Yes, for registered shares. |
| Registered Agent Requirement: | No |
| Registered Headquarters: | Anywhere in Switzerland. |
| Entry in the Public Register: | Article of incorporation must be publically registered and following incorporation the company must be entered in the commercial register. |
| Shareholders: | Minimum of 3 shareholders, natural or legal persons - also foreign natural persons |
| Directors: | Board of Directors:- one or more persons
- the majority of members must be resident in Switzerland and have Swiss citizenship or be EU/EFTA nationals with a registered domicile in Switzerland.
|
| Auditor: | Yes, an auditor's report is mandatory. At least one auditor must have a registered domicile in Switzerland. |
| Incorporation Period: | Up to 2 weeks |
| Disclosure of Beneficial Owner: | No |
| Disclosure of Shareholders: | Yes, registered shareholders. |
| Disclosure of Directors: | Yes, board of directors. |
| Trading Restrictions: | Yes, some commercial activities must be authorised. |
| Taxation: | Federal taxes, cantonal tax and municipal taxes must be paid. The Zug region has the lowest taxation rate.- Holding companies have tax advantages: 8.5% federal tax on profits, no cantonal tax on capital gains, 0.0075% tax on company joint capital.
- Operating companies: 8.5% federal tax on profits, 4%-7% cantonal tax - income-based, 0.05% tax on company joint capital.
- Dividends are subject to a 35% withholding tax - a refund is possible according to certain dividend refund provisions.
|
| Double Taxation Agreements: | Yes |
| Financial Statements: | Yes |
| Tax Returns: | Yes |
| Accounting: | Yes |
| Annual Reports: | Yes |
| Formation Costs: | 4 200 € |
| Annual Running Costs: | 6 700 € (minimum) - 10.500,00 € (full service) |
| Company Type: | Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung (GmbH) (Limited Liability Company) |
| Name: | Any name can be chosen provided not already in use according to Swiss commercial register. References to commercial activities must reflect the actual business of the company. |
| Capital: | Minimum of 20 000 CHF |
| Shares: | minimum nominal value of the shares CHF 100.00. Shareholders may hold more than one share. |
| Shares Index: | No (Partners must always be entered in the commercial register.) |
| Registered Agent Requirement: | No |
| Registered Headquarters: | Anywhere in Switzerland. |
| Entry in the Public Register: | Article of incorporation must be publically registered and following incorporation the company must be entered in the commercial register. |
| Shareholders: | Minimum of 2 persons (natural or legal); Sole proprietorship possible. |
| Directors: | Managing Directors:- no limitations on foreign nationals
- only one authorised signatory must have a registered address in Switzerland
- managing directors do not have to be GmbH partners.
|
| Auditor: | No, auditing optional. |
| Incorporation Period: | Up to 2 weeks |
| Disclosure of Beneficial Owner: | No |
| Disclosure of Shareholders: | Yes, partners' names must be entered in the commercial register. |
| Disclosure of Directors: | Yes, managing directors. |
| Trading Restrictions: | No |
| Taxation: | Federal taxes, cantonal taxes and municipal taxes must be paid. The Zug region has the lowest taxation rate.- Holding companies have tax advantages: 8.5% federal tax on profits, no cantonal tax on capital gains, 0.0075% tax on company joint capital.
- Operating companies: 8.5% federal tax on profits, 4%-7% contonal tax - income-based, 0.05% tax on company joint capital.
- Dividends are subject to a 35% withholding tax - a refund is possible according to certain dividend refund provisions.
|
| Double Taxation Agreements: | Yes |
| Financial Statements: | Yes |
| Tax Returns: | Yes |
| Accounting: | Yes |
| Annual Reports: | Yes |
| Formation Costs: | 4 200 € |
| Annual Running Costs: | 6 700 € (minimum) - 10 500 € (full service) |
| Area: | 41 293 sq km |
| Capital: | Bern |
| GDP per capita: | 40 000 Euro |
| Unemployment Rate: | 3,9% |
| Population: | 7,4 Million |
| Language: | German, French, Italian, Rhaeto-Romanic |
| Currency: | Swiss Franc (CHF) |
| Rate of Inflation: | 0,8% |
| Political Risks: | None |
| Cost of Living: | Among the highest in Europe |
| Communications: | Good |
| Residence Permit: | Since the introduction of a bilateral agreement between Switzerland and the EU on 01.06.2002, EU nationals can become residents. |
| Legal System: | The Swiss Civil Law of 1907 and the Obligation Law of 1911, which comprises the law on trading companies. |
| Exchange Control: | Does not exist; all currencies can be traded freely. |
| Patent Law: | Patent law of 1956 with additions |
| Tax Information Exchange Agreement: | None, with the exception of USA: Legal support in relation to tax offences using money from organised crime. |
