| Feature |
GmbH |
AG |
| Minimum capital |
CHF 20,000, fully paid |
CHF 100,000 |
| Minimum paid in at formation |
CHF 20,000 |
at least 20% per share and at least CHF 50,000 total |
| Shareholders publicly shown in commercial register |
Yes |
No, not in the same way |
| Commercial-register new-entry fee in source |
CHF 420 |
CHF 420 |
The source’s nationwide SME portal ranges put notarial costs around CHF 700–2,000 for a GmbH and CHF 800–2,500 for an AG, with advisory costs potentially additional. Treat those as planning ranges, not fixed tariffs.
Privacy
A GmbH identifies owners publicly. An AG’s shareholder register is kept by the company rather than published as a list of shareholders in the commercial register.
For the surrounding context, see Swiss company formation.
This is not anonymity from authorities or banks. Beneficial owners must still be identified under company and AML rules.
Foreign-currency capital
Swiss company capital can be denominated in authorised foreign currencies including EUR, USD, GBP and JPY, provided the capital meets the Swiss-franc equivalent requirements at formation and bookkeeping is maintained consistently in the chosen currency.
If this decision changes the viability or sequence of your move, a Swiss relocation strategy consultation can apply it to your own facts.
Issue stamp duty
Federal issue stamp duty generally becomes relevant on qualifying equity contributions above the statutory CHF 1 million exemption, at 1% on the taxable excess. Standard small-company formation falls below that threshold.
For the surrounding context, see Swiss business banking.
Audit
Small companies can generally opt out of the limited audit if they have no more than ten full-time positions on annual average and all shareholders agree, subject to the statutory formalities. Larger companies cross into ordinary audit when they exceed two of the applicable size thresholds over the relevant period; the source lists CHF 20 million balance sheet, CHF 40 million revenue and 250 FTE as the thresholds it uses.
Which one?
Choose GmbH when capital efficiency and simplicity matter most. Choose AG when public shareholder privacy, future investors, share transfers or institutional presentation justify the extra capital and formality.
For the surrounding context, see the Swiss incorporation process.
Do not choose the legal form from the logo. Choose it from the next ten years.
General information on Swiss law and practice, not individual legal, tax or investment advice.
