Company registration in Switzerland
Company registration in Switzerland

Switzerland’s economic stability, neutral political stance, competitive labor force, highly innovative industry, and the popularity of its banking system make it a highly sought-after jurisdiction for international investors.  It prides itself in offering competitive tax rates, various incentives and grants for start-ups, transparency in business, and an optimal geographical location that allows businesses to break into the European market.  Although Switzerland is not an EU member state, the extensive Double Tax Treaty agreements signed with the EU allow the country to benefit from duty-free trade, free movement of capital and rules similar to the EU Parent-Subsidiary Directive and the EU Interest and Royalty Directive.  The country has a long-standing history of a highly efficient banking system which is renowned all over the world for its high-quality services, strength, stability, confidentiality and unparalleled account holder protection.  Likewise, it is also a global example of innovation, attracting valuable talent from all over the globe and producing remarkable results in research and development. 

WHY SWITZERLAND?

WHY NOT?


  • Competitive corporate tax rate varying between 12.32% and 24.16% depending on the canton that the company is registered in
  • Residents are taxed on worldwide income; non-residents pay taxes on income obtained from Swiss sources only
  • Profits derived from immovable property abroad and foreign branches are tax-exempt
  • Losses can be carried forward for seven years
  • No capital gains levied on the federal level.  Sale of shares are fully exempt from capital gains provided they have been held for more than one year and the participation was more than 10%
  • No withholding taxes levied on royalties
  • No withholding tax levied on interests under domestic law, however, 35% federal tax is applicable on interests obtained from deposits in Swiss banks, bonds, and bond-like loans
  • Full exemption of withholding tax on dividend distribution if the capital participation is more than 25% for a period of more than two years
  • No federal real estate tax, however real estate tax is levied in some cantons
  • No inheritance
  • No surtax
  • The net worth/wealth tax can be credited against income tax in most cantons
  • No foreign exchange control
  • 7.7% VAT
  • More than 100 double tax treaties 
  • Easy access to the European market

  • An expensive jurisdiction overall: high costs of company formation and maintenance. Highly priced facilities and services, especially for those who wish to have a physical presence in the country
  • At least one director of a Swiss company must be a local resident
  • Complex tax system composed of federal, cantonal, and municipal taxes
  • 35% withholding tax on dividends (Incentives and deductions apply if certain criteria are met) 
  • A net wealth/worth tax rate of 0.001% - 0.5% depending on the canton
  • Switzerland has one of the highest average wage rates in Europe.  Furthermore, employee health insurance is mandatory which can make labor cost exceptionally high
  • Strict and complex immigration procedures for non-EU citizens
  • Relatively long company formation time compared to other jurisdictions
  • Companies with physical offices in Switzerland are subject to a radio and television tax that can vary between CHF 365 and CHF 35,590 depending on the turnover of the company


GOLD STORAGE IN SWITZERLAND FOR ULTIMATE CAPITAL PROTECTION AND INVESTMENT:

Switzerland is renowned for guaranteeing the protection of private property and individual privacy, in fact it has the strictest asset protection laws in the world.  This failsafe security makes Switzerland an ideal place for storing precious metals such as gold, silver, platinum and palladium.  In today’s unpredictable economic environment, instability of financial institutions and constant currency inflations and devaluation, investment in precious metals is an excellent solution for capital protection.  Furthermore, history has shown that the purchase of precious metals, gold in particular is a wise investment that can yield substantial returns especially during periods of global economic crisis due to high demand and low risk of devaluation.  

With the above in mind, our firm offers its client the opportunity to diversify their investment portfolio and enhance asset protection by assisting with the process of the seamless acquisition of gold and the arrangements and legalities for its secure storage in carefully selected and trusted vaults in Switzerland or Liechtenstein.  For added protection the repositories, that our firm suggests, regularly undergo inspections for full compliance and any assets deposited are insured by the world's leading insurance broker, Marsh which issues a Certificate of Evidence of Insurance that covers all risks of loss or damage.  Furthermore, upon deposit of the asset, the investor will be given a warehouse receipt as a guarantee of the right to ownership which can be used as collateral for loans and as an instrument for succession planning.  The assets can also be easily transferred to another person within 24 hours or to a private location as specified by the owner of the asset, it can also be easily exchanged for cash, if the need arises, which adds invaluable flexibility and transaction ease.   In addition, it is worth noting that, the banking system has absolutely no connection with the repositories where the assets are kept, nor does the law require for stored precious metals to be supervised by any financial regulator which further adds to the anonymity and protection of their owner.  For additional security and diversification our firm also recommends its clients who wish to invest in precious metals to consider the formation of a secure corporate structure via a legal entity or foundation in a reputable tax-exempt jurisdiction such the UAE, which will act as a holding instrument for the assets and ensure full anonymity and ease of control for the beneficial owner. 

Please feel free to contact our consultants for more detailed information on the formalities of gold purchase, storage rates and the services and carefully tailored packages offered by our firm.  

Company Formation in Switzerland:

The timeframe and exact procedures for the establishment of a company in Switzerland depends on the canton chosen as the domicile of the company.  Depending on the location, company formation can take 2 to 6 weeks. 

There are two main business entities famous in the country and opted for by foreign investors, due to accessible legal requirements, flexible corporate structures and shorter formation timeframes, these are:

  • a limited liability joint stock company/corporation - Aktiengesellschaft (AG)/ Société anonyme (SA)
  • a private limited liability company - A Gesellschaft mit beschraenkte Haftung (GmbH)/ Société à responsabilité limitée (SARL)

Our qualified staff can advise you on the right type of entity for your particular business model and can help you establish your business in the country.  Furthermore, we can assist with your bank account opening whether it be in Switzerland or another reputable jurisdiction.  We can also help you build a failproof compliance portfolio and advise you on how to set up your physical presence in your country of choice for secure and smooth business operations without challenges by foreign tax authorities. 

Corporate Features of a Swiss AG/SA and GmbH/SARL Company

GENERAL

AG/SA

GMBH/SARL

Incorporation Time

2 -6 weeks

2 - 4 weeks

Local Registered Agent Required

No

No

Local Registered Address Required

Yes

Yes

Migration of Domicile Permitted

Yes

Yes

SHARE CAPITAL

Minimum Share Capital

CHF 100,000

CHF 20,000

Minimum Paid Up

20% – but at least CHF 50,000

100%

Maximum Share Capital

No Maximum

No Maximum

Bearer Shares Allowed

No

No

SHAREHOLDERS/MEMBERS

Minimum number

One

One

Maximum number

No Maximum

No Maximum

Publicly accessible records

No

Yes (Nominee Shareholders are allowed for added privacy)

Corporate shareholder allowed

Yes

Yes

Annual General Meeting Required

Yes

Yes

DIRECTORS

Minimum Number

One

One

Maximum Number

No Maximum

    No Maximum

Local required

Yes

Yes

Publicly accessible records

Yes

Yes

Corporate directorship allowed

No

No

COMPANY OFFICIALS

Secretary Required

No

No

Local Secretary Required

No 

No

Other Officials Required

No

No

COMPANY ACCOUNTS

Requirement to Prepare

Yes

Yes

Requirements to File Accounts

Yes

No

Audit Required

Yes

No (unless any of the following criteria is met :  Company has more than 250 employees; Total assets are valued over CHF 20 million; Total turnover exceeds CHF 40 million)

OTHER ANNUAL REQUIREMENTS

Government Renewal Fee

 

 

Annual Return

Yes

Yes

Tax Return

Yes

Yes

Submission of Economic Substance Report

No

No

For any enquires or further clarifications, please feel free to contact us at any time, our corporate team will promptly address your request and advise you on how to set up your business in Switzerland or any other jurisdiction.

 

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