Note that the following relates to a Swiss corporation (Aktiengesellschaft: AG or Société Anonyme: SA).

Incorporators

Three persons or entities must act as incorporators and initial shareholders; they need not be Swiss citizens or residents. The incorporators may appoint one or more proxies to form the corporation on their behalf; accordingly, their presence in Switzerland is not required.


Capital

A Swiss corporation must have a share capital of at least CHF 100,000, of which at least 20 per cent or CHF 50'000, whichever is higher, must be paid in on the date of the incorporators' meeting. The corporate capital remains in a blocked account at a Swiss bank during the incorporation process. Upon publication of the company in the Commercial Registry the corporate capital will be available to the company.


Articles of Incorporation

The incorporators must adopt written articles of incorporation which set forth the name, domicile, purpose, share capital, par value and type of shares, transfer restrictions (if any) and the basic organization of the corporation.


Board of Directors

The majority of the members of the board of directors of a Swiss corporation must be Swiss citizens or citizens of a member state of the EU or the EFTA and must be domiciled in Switzerland.


Auditors

The incorporators must appoint one or more auditors. At least one auditor must have its domicile in Switzerland.


Domicile

The corporation must have a registered domicile in Switzerland. It may have either its own offices or a c/o address, in which case a third party acts as domicile holder for the corporation.


Do you wish to proceed with the incorporation of your Swiss company? Simply follow our step-by-step guidance.