Company Formation Switzerland | SA, Sàrl | DHAC Geneva
DHAC supports you in setting up your company in Switzerland
DHAC supports you in setting up your company in Switzerland. Whether you are a local entrepreneur or a foreign company seeking to establish a Swiss presence, we advise you and coordinate the entire administrative process.
The incorporation of companies in Switzerland is governed by several legal texts: the Swiss Code of Obligations (CO, art. 552 et seq.), which defines the different legal forms and their requirements; the Ordinance on the Commercial Register (OCR), which regulates registration formalities; the Federal law on Merger, Demerger, Transformation and Transfer of Assets (LFus) for corporate restructurings; and cantonal regulations, which may impose specific requirements depending on the nature of your business activities.
Swiss law distinguishes between partnerships and legal entities. But the company formation process always begins with an entrepreneurial vision, followed by an initial discussion with your accounting firm to clarify your needs and objectives. Once the legal form is determined, we initiate for you the registration application. The registration process itself varies depending on the chosen legal structure and typically concludes with the official birth of your company upon inscription in the Commercial Register.
Ready to start a new journey ?
To know about the kind of company, let us introduce or remind the most common legal forms in Switzerland :
Legal Framework :
and most common legal forms in Switzerland
Sole Proprietorship (Raison individuelle)
A sole proprietorship is not a legal entity but an individual business directly linked to the entrepreneur. It is the simplest and most flexible form, ideal for freelancers, consultants, artisans, and small independent businesses with limited financial risk. The entrepreneur bears unlimited personal liability with their entire assets.
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Minimum capital: none
Liability: unlimited (personal)
Legal basis: General provisions of the Swiss Code of Obligations
Commercial Register: Mandatory if annual revenue exceeds CHF 100,000
Taxation: Taxed as an individual (personal income tax on business profits)
VAT registration: Mandatory if annual revenue exceeds CHF 100,000
Limited Liability Company (Sàrl / GmbH)
The Sàrl is a legal entity separate from its shareholders, offering limited liability protection. It is particularly suitable for small and medium-sized enterprises, startups, family businesses, and commercial activities requiring credibility with partners and clients. Shareholders are only liable up to the amount of their capital contribution.
Minimum share capital: CHF 20,000
Liability: limited to share capital
Legal basis: Swiss Code of Obligations, art. 772-827 CO
Commercial Register: Mandatory (required by law)
Taxation: Corporate income tax on profits + personal income tax on distributed dividends
VAT registration: Mandatory if annual revenue exceeds CHF 100,000
Corporation (SA / AG)
The SA is a legal entity designed for larger-scale projects and companies seeking external investors. It is the preferred form for businesses planning growth, fundraising, stock exchange listing, or establishing credibility with institutional partners. Shareholders are only liable up to their invested capital, and shares are freely transferable.
Minimum share capital: CHF 100,000, paid up at minimum 20% or CHF 50,000
Liability: limited to share capital
Legal basis: Swiss Code of Obligations, art. 620-763 CO
Commercial Register: Mandatory (required by law)
Taxation: Corporate income tax on profits + personal income tax on distributed dividends
VAT registration: Mandatory if annual revenue exceeds CHF 100,000
Start your entrepreneurship journey asap with DHAC
As your accounting firm, we guide you through the entire process: advising on the optimal legal structure, coordinating with our partner NEWCO for all legal formalities (efficient process, transparent costs), and ensuring a smooth setup.
What else if required :
- Company domiciliation in Geneva (to know more)
- Accounting setup from day one (optional services)
Timeline: 2-4 weeks from initial consultation to Commercial Register inscription.
Frequently asked questions
Here are some common questions about our company creation in Geneva
Geneva is one of the most attractive cantons in Switzerland for entrepreneurs:
- International economic hub: home to multinationals, international organizations, banks and investment funds
- Dynamic startup ecosystem: FONGIT, Genilem, MassChallenge, access to funding (FAE, Fondetec)
- Competitive taxation: corporate tax rate among the lowest in Switzerland (~13.99% for SMEs)
- Qualified workforce: access to a multilingual talent pool (FR/EN/DE)
- Strategic location: heart of Europe, international airport, proximity to France
it depend, let's discuss your project, below a short recap :
| Criteria | Sole Proprietorship | Sàrl (LLC) | SA (Corp.) |
| Minimum capital | None | CHF 20,000 (100% paid up) | CHF 100,000 (50% min. paid up) |
| Liability | Unlimited (personal assets) | Limited to capital | Limited to capital |
| Number of founders | 1 person | 1+ partners | 1+ shareholders |
| Anonymity | No (name published) | No (partners published) | Yes (shareholders not published) |
| Investor credibility | Low | Medium | High |
| Director social charges | Self-employed AHV | Employee AHV | Employee AHV |
Step 1 : Define your project (Day 1-3): Business plan finalised, Choose legal form, Define company name, Check availability on Commercial Register (Zefix)
Step 2 : Prepare documents (Day 3-7) : Draft articles of association, Open account (capital deposit), Founders' ID documents
Step 3 : Notary appointment (Day 7-10) : Sign incorporation deed, Signature certification
Step 4 : Commercial Register inscription (Day 10-20) : File submission to Geneva RC, Publication in FOSC, Receive IDE number
Step 5 : Post-incorporation steps (Day 20-30) : AHV/compensation fund registration, VAT registration (if turnover > CHF 100,000), Insurance (liability, accident, pension), Open definitive bank account, Set up accounting
Yes, but with conditions:
- Sàrl/SA: At least one manager or director must be domiciled in Switzerland. Solution: DHAC can assume this role through an administration mandate.
- Sole Proprietorship: The founder must be a Swiss resident or hold a work permit.
- EU/EFTA nationals: Facilitated access thanks to bilateral agreements.
- Non-EU: Work permit required before any incorporation.
Yes. Any company registered with the Geneva Commercial Register must have its registered office in the canton. You have three options:
- Your own commercial premises
- A coworking space with a legal address
- Domiciliation with DHAC: professional address in central Geneva, mail reception, administrative management
| Advantage | Details |
| NewCo partnership | Streamlined incorporation process, negotiated rates, zero friction |
| Odoo from day 1 | Your accounting, invoicing and CRM configured from incorporation |
| Single point of contact | Incorporation + accounting + tax + advisory = one partner |
| CFO available | Business plan, financial projections, fundraising support |
| Geneva expertise | We know cantonal specifics, timelines, and contacts |
You start your business. We take care of the rest.