Europe · GmbH (Sarl)
Switzerland Company Formation 2026
Filing $700 · Annual $150 · Corp tax 14.6% · Banking 9/10
The numbers
| Entity type | GmbH (Sarl) |
|---|---|
| Filing fee (one-off) | $700 |
| Annual government fee | $150 |
| Registered agent / corp. secretary | Not required |
| Headline corporate tax | 14.6% |
| Effective tax notes | Federal 8.5% + cantonal varies. Effective combined ~12-21% depending on canton (Zug ~11.85%). |
| VAT / GST / sales tax | 8.1% |
| Minimum paid-up capital | $22,000 |
| Processing time | 14 business days |
| Remote formation | In-person typically required |
| UBO public | No (private register) |
| Banking accessibility | 9/10 |
| Privacy score | 6/10 |
| Stripe | ✅ Available |
| PayPal Business | ✅ |
| Wise Business | ✅ |
Why people choose Switzerland
- Top banking secrecy reputation
- Stable currency
- Crypto-friendly Zug canton
Trade-offs to know
- Min capital CHF 20,000 paid-up
- Swiss-resident director required
- High setup costs
Who Switzerland is best for
- Crypto valley (Zug)
- Wealth holding
- Premium brand
GmbH min capital CHF 20k. AG min CHF 100k. Notarisation required.
Authoritative sources
Switzerland official business registry / authorityFees last verified against the source: 2026-05-15
Other commonly compared Europe jurisdictions
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to form a company in Switzerland?
The state/registry filing fee is approximately $700. Annual maintenance is approximately $150.
What is the corporate tax rate in Switzerland?
Switzerland's headline corporate income tax rate is 14.6%. Federal 8.5% + cantonal varies. Effective combined ~12-21% depending on canton (Zug ~11.85%).
Can a non-resident form a company in Switzerland?
Remote formation in Switzerland is typically limited; in-person presence or a local representative is usually required.
Is Stripe available for Switzerland companies?
Yes, Stripe supports businesses incorporated in Switzerland.
What is the minimum paid-up capital?
Approximately $22,000.