1. Decide on a Legal StructureThe first step in the company formation process is selecting the appropriate legal form. Common options include:
- Sole proprietorship
- Limited Liability Company (LLC or GmbH)
- Corporation (AG or Inc.)
Choosing between a
Swiss AG and Swiss GMBH, for example, depends on your capital, tax planning, and shareholder preferences.
2. Reserve a Company NameEvery company must have a unique name. This name should comply with local naming laws and not infringe on existing trademarks.
Use official registries, like the
Swiss Commercial Registry, to verify availability.
3. Prepare Incorporation DocumentsOne of the most critical company formation steps is drafting and notarizing incorporation documents such as:
- Articles of Association
- Shareholder agreements
- Director and founder identification documents
The legal requirements for company formation often mandate notarization and certified translations (in multilingual jurisdictions).
4. Register with AuthoritiesThis is the core of the company registration procedure. Companies must register with:
- Commercial or corporate registry
- Tax authority
- Social security office (for employing staff)
This stage formalizes the process of incorporating a business and creates a separate legal identity for your company.
5. Open a Corporate Bank AccountOnce registration is confirmed, a corporate bank account is opened in the name of the company. For Swiss AG and
Swiss GMBH, capital must be deposited before registration is finalized.
Refer to your jurisdiction's central bank or financial supervisory authority for capital deposit requirements:
https://www.finma.ch/en/6. Publish Official Notice (if required)Some jurisdictions require a formal announcement in an official gazette to finalize the incorporation.
7. Register for Tax and VATAll companies must register for tax. Depending on your business type and size, you may also need:
- VAT number
- Import/export licenses
- Sector-specific permits
This part of the business setup process ensures full operational compliance.