Company Formation Intake
Swiss company formation (Firmengründung) intake form: legal form (GmbH/AG/sole trader), founders, share capital, registered office, business purpose, signatory powers. Covers Swiss OR (Code of Obligations) and UID registration.
About this template
Forming a company in Switzerland is a straightforward process when you have all the required information ready. Whether you are establishing a GmbH (limited liability company), an AG (stock corporation), or registering as a sole trader, your fiduciary or legal advisor needs a specific set of information to prepare the articles of association, register with the commercial register (Handelsregister), and apply for a UID (company identification number). This intake form collects all necessary data in a single structured submission.
What this form collects
- Proposed company name and legal form
- Founders / shareholders and their personal details
- Share capital or nominal capital amount
- Registered office (domicile) address
- Business purpose (Zweck / but social)
- Signatory powers (sole, joint, collective)
- Board members or managing directors
- Desired start date and fiscal year end
- Identity documents of founders
- Client declaration and signature
Swiss company formation requirements
A GmbH requires a minimum share capital of CHF 20,000 (fully paid in). An AG requires a minimum of CHF 100,000 (at least 50% paid in at formation). A sole trader (Einzelunternehmen) has no minimum capital requirement but must be registered in the commercial register if annual revenue exceeds CHF 100,000. All companies require a Swiss domicile and at least one resident in Switzerland authorised to sign.
How to use this template
Use this template
Click 'Use template' to create a copy in your dashboard.
Customise for your practice
Add your fiduciary firm's name and any additional questions specific to your incorporation workflow.
Send to prospective founders
Share the form link with clients who want to form a company. They can complete it on any device.
Prepare incorporation documents
Use the completed data to draft the articles of association, prepare the Handelsregister application, and coordinate notarisation.
Swiss Company Formation: A Complete Guide
Switzerland consistently ranks among the top countries in the world for ease of doing business, with a transparent legal framework, political stability, and a competitive tax environment. The most common legal forms for businesses are the GmbH (Gesellschaft mit beschrankter Haftung) and the AG (Aktiengesellschaft), both governed by the Swiss Code of Obligations (OR, revised comprehensively in 2023).
What is the difference between a GmbH and an AG in Switzerland?
The GmbH is typically preferred by smaller businesses, freelancers, and startups. It requires a minimum capital of CHF 20,000, has a simpler governance structure, and the names of shareholders are publicly listed in the commercial register. The AG is preferred for larger businesses, those seeking external investors, or companies that want share transferability without public disclosure of shareholders. The AG requires a minimum capital of CHF 100,000 and a board of directors of at least one member.
What is the Swiss commercial register (Handelsregister)?
The Handelsregister is the official public registry of all legally registered Swiss companies. Registration is mandatory for AGs, GmbHs, cooperatives, and sole traders with revenue above CHF 100,000. The register records the company name, legal form, domicile, purpose, share capital, board members, and signatory powers. Commercial register entries are publicly accessible and form the legal basis for the company's existence.
What is a UID and when is it required?
The UID (Unternehmens-Identifikationsnummer) is Switzerland's nine-digit company identification number, prefixed CHE-. It is assigned automatically upon commercial register registration and is required for VAT registration, social insurance applications, import/export declarations, and dealings with Swiss federal authorities. All entities with commercial activities in Switzerland require a UID.
What VAT registration obligations apply at formation?
Voluntary VAT registration is possible from day one of business activity. Mandatory registration is triggered when annual turnover exceeds CHF 100,000. Certain activities (healthcare, education, financial services) are exempt from VAT. A new company expecting to exceed the threshold should register proactively to allow input tax recovery from inception.
How does the revised Swiss Code of Obligations (OR 2023) affect new companies?
The major revision of the OR, effective 1 January 2023, introduced several important changes: increased flexibility for virtual shareholder meetings, enhanced rules for capital band instruments in AGs, stronger sustainability reporting obligations for larger companies, and modernised rules on director liability and corporate governance. New companies benefit from the updated framework from the date of incorporation.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to form a company in Switzerland?
With all documents prepared, a GmbH or AG can typically be incorporated within 5-10 business days, including notarisation and commercial register filing. Online incorporation through the EasyGov platform can accelerate this timeline. The company has legal existence from the date of commercial register entry.
Can a foreign national form a company in Switzerland?
Yes. There is no nationality requirement for shareholders of a Swiss GmbH or AG. However, at least one member of the board of directors (AG) or one managing director (GmbH) who is authorised to sign must be domiciled in Switzerland. This can be a Swiss national, a foreigner with Swiss residency, or a professional domiciliary service provider.
Is a notary required for Swiss company formation?
Yes. The formation of a GmbH or AG in Switzerland requires a public deed (offentliche Beurkundung) by a Swiss notary. The notary certifies the articles of association, the shareholders' identities, and the capital contribution. The notary then submits the formation documents to the commercial register. Some cantons have online notarisation options available.