The first question is not “GmbH or AG?” It is whether the business should be Swiss at all.

If you move to Switzerland and continue managing an existing foreign company from your new home, Swiss tax residence can arise through effective management even without a Swiss incorporation. For some founders the right answer is to keep real management abroad. For others it is cleaner to accept Swiss corporate residence or form a Swiss company.

The detailed GmbH versus AG comparison shows where capital, public ownership disclosure and governance actually diverge.

GmbH or AG

A GmbH requires CHF 20,000 fully paid-in share capital. An AG requires CHF 100,000, with at least 20% of each share and at least CHF 50,000 paid in.

For the surrounding context, see GmbH versus AG.

The practical difference for many wealthy founders is privacy: GmbH shareholders and participations appear in the commercial register; AG shareholders are not listed there in the same way. Beneficial-ownership and banking transparency still apply.

Formation sequence

  1. Choose legal form, name, registered office and governance.
  2. Open the capital contribution account.
  3. Deposit the required capital.
  4. Execute the notarised incorporation documents.
  5. File with the commercial register.
  6. Release the capital into the company’s operating account.
  7. Register for social security, VAT and payroll obligations where required.

If this decision changes the viability or sequence of your move, a Swiss relocation strategy consultation can apply it to your own facts.

Banking is part of formation

The capital account and operating account are separate stages. Source-of-funds checks apply to the founder’s capital. International business models, US owners and complex shareholder chains can extend onboarding.

For the surrounding context, see Swiss business banking.

Corporate tax

Swiss corporate tax is federal, cantonal and communal. The source material’s 2026 benchmark effective rates for cantonal capitals include roughly 11.66% in Lucerne, 11.71% in Zug, 19.47% in Zurich, with a Swiss average around 14.43%. Your actual commune and company facts matter.

Dividends

Swiss companies generally withhold 35% anticipatory tax on dividends, but for a Swiss-resident individual who properly declares the dividend this is normally a refundable/creditable security mechanism rather than a final 35% tax. Participation relief at individual level can apply to qualifying substantial shareholdings.

Residence and company are linked

EU/EFTA founders have broad access to self-employment if the activity is genuine. Non-EU founders need a separate immigration case showing economic benefit; incorporating a company does not buy a work permit.

And if you use expenditure-based taxation, active gainful work in Switzerland can be incompatible with the regime.

Set the immigration, personal tax and corporate management story before the notary appointment.