Switzerland flag

SWITZERLAND


The Swiss Confederation is an excellent starting point for companies that want to enter the European market. The country is a member of the European Free Trade Association and has several existing bilateral agreements with the EU, but is not a member of the European Union. Thus, establishing a business in Bern or any other city in Switzerland will allow free trade with EU countries. In doing so, the company must only comply with local legislation. Due to low inflation and solid government support, registering a company in Switzerland is considered useful and promising.


Advantages of company registration

  • A favorable and stable business environment;
  • Fair taxation;
  • The openness of state borders for the movement of goods and people in the EU;
  • The anonymity of business owners;
  • Protection of assets from frivolous lawsuits.


    • Basic forms of legal presence and doing business

  • Sole trading company (SP);
  • Limited Liability Company (SA);
  • Private Limited Liability Company (SARL) - the minimum share capital required to set up a company is 20,000 Swiss francs (about 22,000 Euros). At the time of its establishment, it must be fully paid up. SARL registration requires one or more individuals and legal entities. At the same time, the company can be founded and managed by one person. This is the most preferred form of legal entity in Switzerland.;
  • Corporation.


    • Registration procedure

  • Choose and reserve a unique company name;
  • Open a consignment account in a bank and deposit the amount of share capital into it;
  • To register the company in Switzerland in the Commercial Register;
  • Get a VAT number from the Swiss Federal Tax Office;
  • Opening a payment bank account and transferring the funds from the consignment account to it;
  • Obtaining additional permits and licenses.


    • Legislation and Regulatory Environment


    In order to be self-employed and stay in Switzerland, non-EU or EFTA nationals must have a residence permit. For this purpose, an application must be submitted to the cantonal authorities and all the conditions necessary for the residence of a foreigner in the Confederation must be met. In addition, foreign entrepreneurs must also prove the positive and lasting impact of their company on the Swiss labor market. The main legal act regulating the process of creation and operation of companies in the country is the Civil Code. Legislation obliges SARL owners to form reserves of 5% of the annual profit of a limited liability company until reaching 20% ​​of the paid-up share capital. SARLs are required to maintain and archive accounts. Companies are subject to audit if:

  • the balance amount exceeds 20 million Swiss francs;
  • commercial turnover amounts to more than 40 million Swiss francs;
  • the number of employees is over 250.


    • Tax system Switzerland


    It is a common misconception that Switzerland is offshore. The country has signed more than 70 agreements to avoid double taxation, allowing companies and entrepreneurs to benefit from lower tax rates. Taxes are collected at federal, cantonal and municipal level and are among the lowest in the European region for companies and individuals. General tax rates:

  • Corporate tax - from 11.9% to 21.0% (depending on the location in Switzerland), of which the federal tax is 8.5% (on profits after taxes) or 7.83% (on profits before taxes );
  • Depending on the canton, personal income tax is between 22.1% and 45.5%. The federal tax rate is 11.5%;
  • VAT - 7.7% (an increase to 8.1% is foreseen from 01.01.2024);
  • Dividend tax – from 0% to 35%;
  • Capital gains tax – not applicable (profits are subject to corporation tax).


    • Companies in Switzerland with research and development departments or with patents can benefit from the Swiss Patent Box. In this case, incentives such as a reduced tax rate on profits from research activities up to 90% can be provided upon request. The cantons provide different types of preferences for businesses and compete with each other to attract investment. Many offer tax incentives for new companies or expansion investments. For example, they can take advantage of tax holidays for up to 10 years. In some specific economic development regions and regional centers, tax holidays may even be granted for federal income tax purposes if certain conditions are met.


    Low tax rates and the openness of the Swiss economy encourage foreign entrepreneurs to set up companies in the country. However, to maximize the benefits of overseas business, investors should understand the nuances of local law and the opportunities offered by different cantons. "Smart Startup UK" specialists will advise on critical legal issues, help with the preparation of incorporation documents and register a company in Switzerland. In addition, we can be entrusted with the accounting and annual maintenance of your foreign company.


    CREATE A COMPANY


  • Checking and saving the company name in the register of the canton of Switzerland
  • Memorandum of Association
  • Payment of state fees
  • Registration of company GmbH/AG
  • Registration of the company in the export/import register
  • Company registration with the Swiss Federal Tax Office (FAT)
  • Certified copies of documents made by the Swiss Commercial Register
  • Company stamp
  • Legalized copy of the company's statutory documents in electronic form
  • Local Director for one (1) year
  • Opening a corporate bank account in a Swiss bank (UBS, Credit Suisse, CIM Banque, Post Finance)
  • Free consultation
  • Assistance in opening a personal bank account in Switzerland (UBS, Credit Suisse, CIM Banque, Post Finance)
  • Obtaining a VAT number
  • Help with online trading and opening an account at viva.com for online trading
  • Accounting services - 12 months
  • Annual renewal (payable from the second year)

    • *Within 30 days


    IMPORTANT! We can provide you with the initial share capital (if the amount is over EUR 5,000) for the registration of your company in the form of a loan from our company. Please, if you are interested, make an inquiry to us.


    What is the procedure!

    1. You submit a request for company registration using the request form.

    2. We check if the registration company name is free and eligible for registration.

    3. Choose a bank that suits your company's needs from a list of Smart Startup UK partner banks provided. 4. We send you a proforma payment invoice to pay to our bank account + the initial capital amount of your company. 5. You receive all necessary company documents for verification. 6. You receive details of your newly opened bank account. 7. In the specified period (for Switzerland it is 30 days), you receive all the services included in the package. 8. You can manage through our platform all the services included in the package, as our team works 24/7 and you can get help from us within up to 30 minutes. We have built an internal ticket system for our customers through which we process your every support request.


    All services like management, accounting, request to open bank accounts, licensing, filing tax returns, paying taxes and more are done through your account on our platform, it makes it easy managing your business!