Do business in Switzerland. Without the mess.
Low cantonal tax rates, strong IP protection, and bilateral access to EU markets make Switzerland a serious choice for holding companies and operating subsidiaries. Commenda handles AG formation, Commercial Register filing, and ongoing cantonal and federal compliance.
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Why Switzerland
Why Switzerland is one of Europe's most effective business jurisdictions
Switzerland is not an EU member, but bilateral agreements provide access to EU markets across sectors including financial services, insurance, and research. The tax advantage is significant: effective corporate tax rates range from approximately 12% to 15% depending on canton, with Zug as low as 11.9%. Switzerland maintains one of Europe's lowest VAT rates at 8.1%, strong IP protection, a stable currency, and a highly skilled multilingual workforce. Formation of an AG requires CHF 100,000 in share capital and at least one Swiss-resident director. It is demanding to set up but straightforward to operate. Commenda manages the complexity so you capture the advantage.
See how incorporation works- ~12%Effective corporate tax rateSwitzerland's effective corporate tax rate varies by canton, ranging from approximately 12% to 15%. Zug canton offers rates as low as 11.9%.
- CHF 100KAG minimum share capitalThe Aktiengesellschaft (AG) requires CHF 100,000 in share capital (at least 50% paid in at formation). The GmbH requires CHF 20,000.
- 8.1%VAT rateSwitzerland's standard VAT rate of 8.1% is one of the lowest in Europe, reducing the indirect tax burden on Swiss-based operations.
- 2-4 wksTypical incorporation timelineSwiss AG or GmbH incorporation typically completes in 2 to 4 weeks, including notarization and Commercial Register (Handelsregister) filing.
Product Suite
One platform.
Every jurisdiction. No gaps.
Built for finance teams running international operations without a dedicated compliance function. This is the infrastructure you should have had from day one.
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Entity Management
Formation, maintenance, and oversight for subsidiaries across 70+ countries.
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Global Indirect Tax
VAT, GST, and sales tax obligations tracked, filed, and confirmed.
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Transfer Pricing
Intercompany policy, documentation, and filing - built to OECD standards.
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Tax & Accounting
Consolidated financial reporting and local corporate tax filings. One audit trail.
Entity types
Choose the right structure for your business
Recommended
AG / SA (Aktiengesellschaft / Société Anonyme)
The AG is Switzerland's public-facing joint stock company and the standard choice for foreign subsidiaries, holding companies, and entities planning to raise capital. It offers strong creditor recognition, flexible share structures, and access to Switzerland's full treaty and IP protection framework.
Benefits
- Shares can be freely transferred without shareholder approval (unless restricted by articles)
- Strong creditor and investor recognition across Switzerland and internationally
- Access to Switzerland's 100+ double taxation treaties
- IP box regime available in most cantons: qualifying IP income taxed at reduced rates
- No residency requirement for shareholders
- Broad flexibility in board composition and share class structure
Key considerations
- Minimum share capital of CHF 100,000, with at least 50% (CHF 50,000) paid in at formation
- At least one board member must be a Swiss resident or a resident of a country with an enforcement treaty with Switzerland
- Notarization required for articles of association and Commercial Register filing
- Annual statutory audit required for larger entities; simplified audit available for smaller ones
- Canton of registration determines cantonal tax rate: canton selection is a strategic decision
How it works
From kickoff to open for business in Switzerland
Incorporating in a new country means unfamiliar filings, local requirements, and moving parts across multiple vendors.
We handle all of it so you don't have to.
Day 1
Onboarding
Your details submitted once. Entity name checked, documents collected, filings kicked off. No back-and-forth.
Days 1–3
Entity confirmed
Incorporation done. Formation documents, company number, and registered address live in your Commenda dashboard.
Week 1–2
Tax setup
Tax registrations filed, banking guidance underway. Compliance calendar set for your jurisdiction.
Week 2
Open for business
You're operational in a new market. Without a single trip to a government office.
G2 Reviews
Rated by the teams using it
Scores from finance and legal leads handling compliance globally.
Entity Management
#1 Ranked9.6/ 10Set up your entity and keep it in good standing. Filings, records, and renewals tracked in one place.
Corporate Tax & Compliance
Top Rated9.1/ 10Every tax deadline on one calendar. Corporate returns and statutory filings handled without the back-and-forth.
Sales Tax & VAT/GST
Commenda Leads9.4/ 10Register for VAT, GST, and sales tax in every country you operate in, and manage it all in one place.
Switzerland resources
Everything you need for your Switzerland operations
Detailed guides on tax, compliance, and business structure in Switzerland.
- Incorporation
How to Incorporate in Switzerland
Guide to Swiss AG and GmbH formation: canton selection, notarization, Commercial Register filing, and cantonal tax enrollment.
Read guide - Corporate Tax
Switzerland Corporate Tax Guide
Federal and cantonal corporate tax rates in Switzerland, IP box regimes, and filing deadlines by canton.
Read guide - Indirect Tax
Switzerland VAT Guide
Swiss VAT registration thresholds, the 8.1% standard rate, reduced rates, and filing obligations for Swiss entities.
Read guide - Compliance
Switzerland Compliance Calendar
Annual deadlines for Swiss corporate tax returns, Commercial Register updates, and VAT filings by canton.
Read guide - Transfer Pricing
Transfer Pricing in Switzerland
Switzerland's transfer pricing rules, OECD alignment, and documentation requirements for intercompany transactions.
Read guide
FAQ
Common questions
Yes. For an AG, at least one member of the board of directors must be domiciled in Switzerland or in a country with an enforcement treaty with Switzerland. This is a statutory requirement under Swiss company law. Commenda can help you identify appropriate director arrangements as part of the formation process.
Canton selection is one of the most consequential decisions in a Swiss incorporation because cantonal tax rates vary significantly. Zug offers an effective rate as low as 11.9%, making it the most common choice for holding and IP structures. Zurich and Geneva offer proximity to talent and financial services at slightly higher rates. The right canton depends on your business activity, substance requirements, and planned operations. Commenda advises on canton selection based on your specific structure.
No. Switzerland is not an EU member. However, a network of bilateral agreements with the EU covers key areas including free movement of persons, air and land transport, research, and several regulated sectors. Swiss entities do not have automatic access to EU financial services passporting, which is a relevant consideration for financial institutions and fund managers.
Most Swiss cantons offer an IP box that reduces cantonal and communal income tax on qualifying IP income, including income from patents and similar rights. The effective rate on IP income varies by canton but is typically significantly below the standard rate. At the federal level, Switzerland applies the OECD-compliant nexus approach, meaning the IP must be self-developed to qualify. Commenda's tax team can structure your IP holding correctly.
Swiss AG incorporation typically takes 2 to 4 weeks from submission of complete documents to Commercial Register (Handelsregister) entry. The process includes notarization of the articles of association, a bank confirmation of paid-in share capital, and Commercial Register filing. Commenda coordinates each stage.
A Swiss AG must file an annual corporate tax return at both federal and cantonal levels, maintain Commercial Register entries with current information, and file VAT returns if Swiss turnover exceeds CHF 100,000. Statutory audit requirements apply: larger entities require an ordinary audit, while smaller companies may qualify for a simplified (limited) audit or opt out entirely if all shareholders consent. Commenda manages all of these obligations through the platform.
Join hundreds of international businesses growing fast with Commenda
Tell us where you're expanding and we'll scope the requirements, handle the filing, and keep your entity compliant, usually within 24 hours of kickoff.
