With a per-capita GDP of over CHF 85,000, Switzerland’s prosperity is built on open markets and global trade. Seven out of ten Swiss employees work in companies active in international trade, proof that access to foreign markets isn’t just beneficial, it’s essential to Swiss competitiveness. For many of these export-oriented firms, Germany, right next door, is the natural next step.
Registering a company in Germany from Switzerland allows you to expand seamlessly into the EU’s largest economy while keeping operations close to home. This guide explains how to do it, covering entity types, incorporation steps, costs, and compliance requirements to make your cross-border setup efficient and compliant.
Can You Register a Company in Germany from Switzerland?
Yes, you can absolutely register a company in Germany from Switzerland. German corporate law fully permits foreign nationals, including Swiss citizens and residents, to establish and own businesses without foreign ownership restrictions. The legal framework is transparent and straightforward for Swiss entrepreneurs.
Swiss entrepreneurs have access to all major German business structures, including the GmbH (Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung, equivalent to a limited liability company), UG (Unternehmergesellschaft, a starter entity), and AG (Aktiengesellschaft, similar to a public corporation). Each provides limited liability protection, separating personal from business assets.
However, you must appoint at least one managing director (Geschäftsführer) who resides in Germany or another EU member state. This ensures local accountability under German law. If not relocating to Germany, you can partner with an EU-resident director, hire a professional, or use director services to fulfil this requirement.
Why Start a Business in Germany from Switzerland?
Germany remains Europe’s largest national economy, and globally ranks among the top three by nominal GDP. For Swiss businesses already familiar with European markets, this makes Germany a natural target for expansion.
Switzerland is consistently among the world’s highest GDP per capita nations, and its economy is built on high productivity, innovation, and international trade.
Key advantages for Swiss entrepreneurs:
- EU market access: Germany offers direct entry to Europe’s single market
- Economic scale & stability: Reliable macroeconomy with strong demand and institutional depth
- Geographic and cultural proximity: Ease of logistics, shared language regions, and cross-border business culture
- Robust legal & IP protections: Credibility with European partners and suppliers
- Innovation & R&D opportunities: Strong incentives and research collaboration across Germany
Suppose you’re a Swiss founder ready to expand beyond domestic borders. In that case, this guide explains exactly how to register a company in Germany from Switzerland, covering entity types, incorporation process, costs, compliance, and cross-border operations.
Types of Business Structures in Germany for Swiss Entrepreneurs
When incorporating in Germany from Switzerland, choosing the right entity structure is critical. Each option differs in liability, capital, and compliance requirements.
The GmbH remains the top choice for Swiss entrepreneurs; it offers limited liability, strong credibility, and manageable capital needs. The UG provides a low-cost entry for startups, while the AG fits larger corporations.
| Entity Type | Liability | Minimum Capital | Best For |
| GmbH | Limited to share capital | €25,000 (€12,500 payable upfront) | Swiss businesses seeking credibility and EU presence |
| UG (haftungsbeschränkt) | Limited to share capital | €1 minimum | Startups with limited capital |
| AG | Limited to share capital | €50,000 fully paid | Large enterprises |
| Einzelunternehmen | Unlimited personal liability | None | Freelancers and consultants |
| OHG (General Partnership) | Unlimited joint liability | None | Joint ventures |
The GmbH requires €25,000 share capital, with half payable before registration. The UG, starting from €1, must retain 25% of profits until it reaches €25,000, after which it can convert into a GmbH.
For Swiss founders, the GmbH offers the best mix of liability protection, credibility, and flexibility, a worthwhile investment for smoother dealings with German banks, clients, and partners.
Step-by-Step Process to Register a Company in Germany from Switzerland
Registering a company in Germany from Switzerland follows a structured legal process, typically taking 4-8 weeks. While the procedure is well-defined, proper documentation and German-language requirements require careful attention.
Step 1: Select Your Business Structure.
Choose between GmbH, UG, and AG based on capital availability and long-term European strategy.
Step 2: Choose and Verify Company Name.
Select a unique name through the Chamber of Commerce (IHK) without trademark conflicts. Names must end with “Limited” or “Ltd” for limited companies.
Step 3: Prepare Articles of Association (Gesellschaftsvertrag).
Draft foundational corporate documents in German outlining business purpose, share structure, management, and shareholder rights. Use standardised templates (Musterprotokoll) or customise for complex structures.
Step 4: Identify and Appoint Managing Director(s).
Select at least one managing director residing in Germany or another EU member state.
Step 5: Open Capital Contribution Account.
Contact a German bank to deposit the required share capital. The bank issues a confirmation certificate (Einzahlungsbestätigung) needed for registration.
Step 6: Execute Notarization.
Shareholders appear before a German notary to execute the Articles of Association. Swiss shareholders typically grant power of attorney to German representatives for this step.
Step 7: File Commercial Register Application.
The notary submits incorporation documents to the commercial register (Handelsregister). Processing takes 1-2 weeks.
Step 8: Obtain Tax Identification Numbers
Register with the local tax office (Finanzamt) for your tax identification number (Steuernummer) and VAT number if applicable.
Step 9: Complete Trade Office Registration.
Register with the trade office (Gewerbeamt) if operating a commercial business, triggering Chamber of Commerce notifications.
Step 10: Register for Additional Permits
Complete industry-specific registrations, professional licenses, or specialised authorisations as needed.
Requirements for Swiss Entrepreneurs
Before incorporating, you’ll need comprehensive documentation to satisfy German requirements. Swiss entrepreneurs face minimal additional documentation compared to German nationals, as Switzerland maintains robust legal systems similar to Germany’s.
Most documents require a certified German translation if originally in French, Italian, or Romansh. Unlike many jurisdictions, Switzerland and Germany have streamlined documentation through historical cooperation and harmonised business standards.
Key requirements include:
- Valid Swiss passport: Current identification for all shareholders and directors
- Proof of Swiss address: Recent utility bill, bank statement, or lease (within last 3 months)
- Articles of Association: Drafted in German per German GmbH Act requirements
- Bank confirmation of capital deposit: Official certificate showing required share capital
- German registered office address: Physical address in Germany (virtual offices acceptable)
- Managing director appointment documentation: Formal appointment letters and acceptance declarations
- Swiss corporate documents (if applicable): Certificate of incorporation, memorandum, board resolution
- Business plan: Detailed plan with objectives, market analysis, and financial projections
- Power of attorney: Notarised authorisation if using representatives for incorporation
Cost of Incorporating a Company in Germany from Switzerland
Understanding full incorporation costs enables proper budgeting. Total expenses vary based on entity type, customisation needs, and professional service engagement.
Opening a Business Bank Account in Germany from Switzerland
Securing a German business bank account is essential for operations. Fortunately, Swiss applicants face significantly fewer barriers than many foreign entrepreneurs due to Switzerland’s advanced banking standards and EU-adjacent regulatory framework.
Traditional German banks like Deutsche Bank, Commerzbank, and regional Sparkasse institutions typically accept applications from Swiss-based businesses with streamlined documentation. The account opening process usually takes 4-6 weeks rather than the 8-10 weeks typical for distant jurisdictions.
Swiss entrepreneurs benefit from established banking relationships between Swiss and German institutions and mutual recognition of banking standards. Banks view Swiss beneficial owners favorably compared to applicants from distant jurisdictions.
You’ll need to provide commercial register extracts, notarised Articles of Association, director identification, business plans, and proof of registered address. Most banks now offer video verification procedures, eliminating requirements for in-person visits.
Modern alternatives like Wise Business, Payoneer, and German fintechs such as N26 Business or Kontist provide even faster remote account opening. These platforms offer multi-currency accounts ideal for Switzerland-Germany operations, competitive forex rates, and English-language interfaces.
Visas and Residency Considerations
Registering a company in Germany does not automatically grant residency or work authorisation. Swiss citizens enjoy significant advantages under EU bilateral agreements, though this has become more complex since Switzerland is not an EU member.
Swiss nationals can currently live and work in Germany under existing bilateral agreements, though the new Switzerland-EU agreement (expected spring 2025) may provide clarification or enhanced provisions. This is one area where Swiss entrepreneurs benefit significantly compared to other third-country nationals.
If planning to manage your German company while residing there actively, consult the current Swiss-German bilateral agreements. Swiss citizens have historically had favourable treatment compared to other non-EU nationals under existing treaties.
The new Switzerland-EU agreement simplifies cross-border professional mobility, potentially making it easier for Swiss entrepreneurs to work in Germany for their own company.
Compliance and Ongoing Responsibilities
Your German company must maintain strict compliance with German corporate, tax, and commercial law. German authorities enforce regulations rigorously.
Annual Compliance Obligations:
- Annual financial statements: Prepared within 12 months of fiscal year-end per German GAAP (HGB) or IFRS
- Statutory audit: Required exceeding certain thresholds (€6 million+ balance sheet, €12 million+ revenue, 50+ employees)
- Corporate & trade tax returns: Due annually, usually on 31 July following the calendar year (i.e. ~7 months) for standard tax filings. But extensions are common when a tax advisor is engaged, shifting it toward the end of February of the next year.
- Trade tax return: Filed alongside corporate tax returns
- VAT returns: Monthly, quarterly, or annual filing depending on turnover
- Statutory registers: Maintain shareholder registers, meeting minutes, and corporate resolutions
- Commercial register updates: Report director, shareholder, or capital changes within specified timeframes
Consequences of Non-Compliance:
Late filing results in automatic penalties. Tax authorities impose penalties and interest for late returns. Directors face personal liability for company debts if insolvency filing obligations are missed. Serious non-compliance can lead to company dissolution and director bans.
For Swiss-based owners, engaging a qualified German accounting firm or compliance service provider is highly advisable given the regulatory complexity.
Challenges When Registering a Company in Germany from Switzerland
While Switzerland-Germany business relationships are exceptionally strong, several practical challenges can arise during incorporation.
- Language barriers occasionally surface. While German is shared, legal and technical terminology requires precision. Professional translation services ensure documentation meets German standards.
- Time zone differences are minimal (typically zero, occasionally one hour), making coordination relatively straightforward compared to most international incorporations.
- Banking account opening, while easier for Swiss applicants than most non-EU nationals, still requires extensive documentation and can take 4-6 weeks.
- Physical presence may be required for certain banking procedures, though many can now be handled remotely.
- Director appointments require careful vetting, as this person has significant authority over your company.
These challenges are manageable and significantly less complex than for most foreign entrepreneurs establishing German operations.
How Commenda Helps with Incorporation in Germany from Switzerland
Commenda helps Swiss entrepreneurs expand into Germany with complete, end-to-end incorporation and compliance support. With deep expertise across both jurisdictions, Commenda simplifies every step, from formation to ongoing operations.
- Comprehensive Services: The team manages entity structuring, document preparation, and translation, coordination with notaries, commercial register filings, and tax registrations. It also supports bank account setup, provides registered office services, sources qualified managing directors, and ensures continuous compliance.
- Cross-Border Expertise: Commenda’s advisors understand Swiss-German business operations, covering tax treaty benefits, the upcoming Switzerland-EU–EU agreement, and efficient corporate structures for cross-border entities.
- Ongoing Partnership: Beyond setup, Commenda supports governance, reporting, and EU market expansion, offering one platform to manage your company’s filings, deadlines, and compliance seamlessly.
With the right guidance and structure in place, expanding your Swiss business into Germany becomes a natural, strategic progression, not a logistical challenge.
Conclusion
Registering a company in Germany from Switzerland opens access to Europe’s largest economy and the EU single market. While the process involves specific legal steps and documentation, it’s entirely manageable with the right preparation and expert support.
The upcoming Switzerland–EU agreement further strengthens cross-border cooperation, giving Swiss entrepreneurs streamlined market access and operational flexibility. With Germany’s economic strength, skilled talent, and strategic location, expansion across the border is both practical and profitable.
Get expert guidance from Commenda to register your German entity seamlessly and stay fully compliant from day one. Book a free demo today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can I register a company in Germany from Switzerland without visiting?
Yes. Incorporation can be completed remotely through Swiss notaries and a power of attorney. Bank accounts can often be opened via video verification. Many Swiss founders finish the setup without visiting Germany by working with incorporation specialists.
Q. Which business structures are available to Switzerland citizens in Germany?
Swiss citizens can form any entity, GmbH (€25,000 capital), UG (€1), AG (€50,000), or partnerships. The GmbH is preferred for its liability protection, credibility, and practical setup cost.
Q. How much does it cost to incorporate in Germany from Switzerland?
Setup costs range €5,000–€12,000, covering notary (€300–€1,000), register fees (€150–€240), legal services (€2,000–€6,000), and translations (€300–€800). Annual costs include 24–36% corporate taxes, accounting (€1,500–€8,000), tax advisory (€2,500–€10,000), and Chamber fees (€200–€600).
Q. Do I need a local partner or director in Germany?
No local partner required. However, every company must have a managing director resident in Germany or the EU. You can appoint a professional director or partner within the EU for representation.
Q. Can I open a German business bank account from Switzerland?
Yes. Swiss applicants benefit from banking alignment between both countries. Traditional banks (e.g., Deutsche Bank) process within 4–6 weeks, while fintechs like Wise Business or N26 offer faster remote setup.
Q. Does registering a company in Germany give me a work visa?
No. Incorporation does not grant residency rights, but Swiss nationals enjoy favourable mobility under bilateral agreements. The upcoming Switzerland–EU accord (2025) may further simplify cross-border work rights.
Q. What are the annual compliance requirements in Germany?
Companies must file annual financial statements, corporate and trade tax returns, VAT filings, and maintain shareholder records. Larger firms require audits. Non-compliance can trigger fines or director liability.
Q. LLC vs Corporation in Germany: Which is better for Switzerland entrepreneurs?
Germany’s equivalents are GmbH (like an LLC) and AG (like a corporation). For most Swiss businesses, the GmbH offers the best mix of credibility, protection, and simplicity, while AG suits larger enterprises.
