After the expose of Arvind Kejriwal about the Swiss banking system and its ease of opening the accounts we found that a lot of our readers have cultivated interest in getting to switzerland. To avoid getting into any controversies many were asking about the incorporation of companies in Switzerland.

In Switzerland it is possible to establish various types of companies depending on your requirements.

Let us look at some of these company forms in brief –

Single Trader (Einzelfirma)
This form is popular with smaller types of business. No fixed capital is required, however, you do have unlimited liability. You also must include your family name in the name of your company. The company is registered in the Companies Register. It is not mandatory that you reside in Switzerland.

Partnership (Kollektivgesellschaft)
This company is basically the same as a Single Trader regarding liability but is intended for 2 or more owners. In addition, the company is advised to issue a company contact to establish the relationships between the owning parties. Please ask for details.

Limited Company (GmbH)
This company must have at least CHF 20’000.00 Capital and the Managing Director must reside in Switzerland. The company is incorporated using a Notary Public. The company has limited liability in relation to its own capital. The company may have one owner and this person or entity is not required to reside in Switzerland. There are professional companies which provide the managing directors for a cost.

Joint Stock Company (AG)
This company must have at least CHF 100’000.00 capital and one of the Board of Directors must reside in Switzerland. The company is incorporated using a Notary Public and has limited liability in relation to its own capital. The owner is anonymous to the public domain.