The following forms are available:
- Set up a partnership;
- Set up a corporation, either a company limited by shares (“AG”) or a limited liability company (“GmbH”);
- Set up a branch office;
- Set up a joint venture (partnership or corporation);
- Acquire an existing company in Switzerland (partnership or corporation);
- Create a (Strategic) alliance with or without a capital investment.
NOTE: Limited liability company (“GmbH”)
The limited liability company (“GmbH”) is a smaller version of the “AG”, and is becoming increasingly popular for small and medium-sized companies. Each partner contributes to the company capital, and is liable only to the extent of the company’s registered capital.
Advantages of the limited liability company over the “AG”:
The company is a legal entity in which two or more persons or trading companies form a separate company with a predefined amount of capital (company capital).
Lower minimum capital (CHF 20,000) and structural costs.
Simple and brief articles of incorporation.
Only two founding members are required (persons or trading companies).
The “GmbH” company can later be managed as a sole proprietorship.
The founders can themselves act as the corporate bodies (i.e. no board of directors is required).
Auditors are optional.
The article above may not contain current information.
See also…