Company formation cost estimator in Switzerland
Are you planning to form your company in Switzerland and want a clear picture of the costs involved? Our online estimator lets you calculate in a few clicks the budget needed to launch your business. Whether you opt for an LLC, a corporation or a sole proprietorship, costs vary considerably depending on the legal form, the canton of establishment and the services you need.
Forming a company involves numerous cost items: notary fees, commercial register inscription, minimum share capital, fiduciary fees, bank account opening and administrative procedures. Without a precise estimate, it is easy to underestimate the required budget or, conversely, overestimate costs and unnecessarily postpone your project. Our tool takes all these parameters into account to provide you with a detailed and realistic estimate, tailored to your situation. Complete the form below to get your personalised estimate in seconds.
Understanding company formation costs in Switzerland
Forming a company in Switzerland is a structured process involving several administrative and legal steps, each associated with specific costs. Understanding these costs is essential for properly planning your launch and avoiding unpleasant surprises.
Notary fees
For legal forms requiring an authentic deed (LLC and corporation), the notary visit is mandatory. Notary fees cover the drafting and authentication of the articles, the incorporation declaration and the verification of the founders' identity. In Switzerland, these fees vary from canton to canton. In Geneva, expect between CHF 800 and CHF 1,500 for an LLC and between CHF 1,200 and CHF 2,500 for a corporation. These amounts include the notary's fees, cantonal taxes and document legalisation costs.
Commercial register inscription
Every company must be inscribed in the commercial register (CR) of its canton of registered office. Inscription fees include the register's fees (CHF 120 to 800 depending on the legal form) and publication in the Swiss Official Gazette of Commerce (SOGC). CR inscription confers legal personality on your company and makes it officially existent in the eyes of the law.
Share capital
The minimum capital required depends on the chosen legal form. For an LLC, the minimum share capital is CHF 20,000, fully paid up at formation. For a corporation, the minimum share capital is CHF 100,000, of which at least CHF 50,000 must be paid up at formation. It is important to note that this capital is not an expense: it constitutes your company's equity and can be used to finance your activities once the company is inscribed in the commercial register.
Fiduciary fees
Engaging a fiduciary for your company formation guarantees a smooth and compliant process. Fees cover the preparation of all documents, coordination with the notary and bank, commercial register procedures, VAT registration if necessary, and social insurance affiliation. At AX-Fiduciaire, our all-inclusive formation packages start at CHF 2,500 for an LLC and CHF 3,500 for a corporation.
Bank fees
Opening an escrow account for the share capital deposit is mandatory for LLCs and corporations. Swiss banks generally charge between CHF 100 and CHF 200 for this service. Once the commercial register inscription is completed, the escrow account is converted to a business current account, whose fees vary by banking institution.
Additional administrative procedures
Beyond formation costs proper, you should plan for VAT registration (free but mandatory if revenue exceeds CHF 100,000 per year), AHV compensation fund affiliation, accident insurance (LAA) subscription and, where applicable, occupational pension (BVG) setup. These procedures do not incur direct costs but require time and precise knowledge of Swiss legal obligations.
Sole proprietorship: an economical alternative
If you wish to start with a reduced budget, the sole proprietorship is the most economical legal form. No minimum capital is required and commercial register inscription is mandatory only if revenue exceeds CHF 100,000 per year. Formation costs are then limited to fiduciary fees for setting up the structure and initial administrative procedures. However, this form entails unlimited personal liability for the entrepreneur.