GmbH or AG — we handle everything from articles of association through commercial register entry, bank account opening, and first-year accounting setup.
Tell us what you need — we'll confirm the next steps within 24 hours.
Thank you — we'll be in touch within one business day.
GmbH vs AG
Most owner-managed businesses choose GmbH. AG is preferred for external investment, larger operations, and group structures.
| Feature | GmbH | AG |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum capital | CHF 20'000 (100% paid up) | CHF 100'000 (50% paid up) |
| Shareholders | 1 or more, names public | 1 or more, names can be private |
| Governance | Managing directors (Geschäftsführer) | Board of directors (Verwaltungsrat) |
| Transfer of ownership | Requires notarial deed | Share transfer by endorsement (bearer shares abolished) |
| Statutory audit | Required above thresholds or 10 FTE | Same thresholds apply |
| Best for | Owner-managed SMEs, startups, subsidiaries | Larger operations, external investors, holding structures |
| Corporate tax rate | Same as AG: approx. 19.7% effective (Zürich) | Same as GmbH: approx. 19.7% effective (Zürich) |
What We Handle
GmbH vs AG recommendation based on your ownership structure, business activity, investor requirements, and long-term plans. We also advise on holding company arrangements and subsidiary structures for Swiss groups.
Drafting of tailored articles covering company purpose, capital structure, governance, share transfer restrictions, and distribution rules. We prepare the final version for notarial execution.
Capital deposited into a formation bank account. We produce the Kapitaleinzahlungsbestätigung (capital verification) required for notarisation — and the auditor's capital certificate (Prüfungsbestätigung) for AGs.
Electronic submission to the Handelsregisteramt Zürich, including all required documents. We track progress and correspond with the register until the company appears in the Zefix database.
Business domicile address at Stockerstrasse 21, 8002 Zürich — required for the HR entry and ESTV correspondence. Mail received and forwarded. Annual fee included in the first year of our service package.
We coordinate: MWST registration with the ESTV, AHV Ausgleichskasse registration for employer obligations, accident insurance (SUVA), pension fund (BVG), and corporate bank account introduction letters.
How It Works
We confirm entity type, shareholders, directors, capital structure, business activity, and whether you need a registered address. Fixed-fee quote provided.
We prepare the Statuten and formation resolutions. You deposit capital into the formation bank account and send us the confirmation.
Articles signed before a Swiss notary. We arrange the appointment and attend with you or handle by power of attorney for non-residents.
We submit to the Handelsregisteramt. The company appears in Zefix within 2–3 weeks. You receive the UID number and can begin trading immediately.
Pricing
All packages include articles of association, HR filing, capital verification, and post-formation checklist. State fees (notary, HR) are additional at cost.
Full GmbH formation service for standard structures. State fees (approx. CHF 1'800–2'600) additional.
Formation plus full post-formation setup: VAT, AHV, insurance registrations, and first-year accounting onboarding.
AG formation with capital verification (Prüfungsbestätigung). Complex structures quoted individually.
I was setting up from Germany and had no idea how to navigate the Swiss notary and HR process. Treuhand Hive handled everything by power of attorney — I never had to travel to Zürich.Founder, technology GmbH, Zürich (registered 2025)
Frequently Asked Questions
Tell us your business activity and whether you need GmbH or AG — we'll handle the rest.
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