_Swiss Offshore Company Formation Information



Switzerland is often regarded as an offshore company location along with many other offshore jurisdictions. However unlike other “brass plate” jurisdictions it enjoys relatively low tax rates, a reputation for quality and security and is enviably located in the heart of Europe and, whilst not a member of the EU, enjoys many bilateral treaties with the EU as well as an extensive range of International Double Tax Treaties.

Many International Companies and Entrepreneurs decide to incorporate in Switzerland for these reasons and in some cases decide to take up the option of personal residency. 


Below is some useful information relating to Swiss Offshore Company Formation, types of business organisation, share capital structures, corporate taxation, company formation procedures and documentation, and incorporation costs.


Switzerland  – Forms of Business Organization

Swiss Corporation (Aktiengesellschaft (AG)) Company with predetermined capital divided into bearer or registered shares. Shareholders liability limited to nominal capital invested in shares.
Limited Liability Company (Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung (GmbH)) Company with limited capital divided into quotas. Any change or transfer of quotas requires amendment of statutes.
General Partnership (Kollektivgesellschaft) Partnership of two or more individuals in which partners have unlimited liability.
Limited Partnership (Kommanditgesellschaft) Partnership of two or more persons or companies. One or more have unlimited liability while other partners may have limited liability.
Simple Partnership (Einfache Gesellschaft) Contractual relationship between two or more individuals or companies relating to a specific project.
Cooperative (Genossenschaft) Union of min seven persons (with no upper limit) organised as an entity mainly by agricultural and/or large retail organisations.
Branch Locally registered branch office of Foreign Corporation.
Sole Proprietorship Individual trade




Switzerland - Types of Share Capital and Share Classes

Minimum Share Capital For a Swiss Corporation (AG) the minimum capital is CHF 100'000 of which min CHF 50'000 must be paid-in. For a Limited Liability Company (GmbH) the minimum capital requirement is CHF 20'000.
Denomination Minimum par value for an AG is CHF 0.01 per share. For a GmbH the min quotas are CHF 100.00 or multiples thereof.
Registered Shares Registered Shares may be issues provided that 20% of the capital has been subscribed subject to a minimum of CHF 50'000. For an AG shareholders identity is not recorded in the Commercial Registry.
Bearer Shares Bearer Shares may be issues only if fully paid up and not subject to any transfer restriction.
Dual-Class Common Stock Shares may be issued with differing voting power and par values. Voting shares must be in Registered form.
Non-Voting Shares (Participation certificates) Swiss Corporations may issue Non-Voting Shares which convey rights etc. but do not permit the holders to vote at shareholders meetings.
Non-Equity Shares Swiss Corporations may issue these shares, which have no par value or voting rights - but may confer on the holder certain rights to liquidation proceeds or rights to subscribe to new Shares.




Switzerland - Corporate Taxes for Zug Companies

Tax Description Swiss Activities International Activities
Federal Corporate Income Taxes 8.5% 8.5%
Canton/Municipal Corporate Income Taxes 3% on profits up to CHF 100'000
6.25% on profits over CHF 100'000 (6% in 2013 and 5.75% in 2014)		 There are a variety of tax privileged companies, which may benefit from 0% tax on foreign profits.
e.g.
Holding Companies
Management Companies
Mixed Companies
Principal Companies
Cantonal/Municipal Capital & Reserves Tax 0.5% Reduced to 0.075% for tax privileged companies.
Withholding Taxes 35% Dividends and Bond Interest
0% on Royalties, Licenses and Similar Fees
Dependent on Double tax treaties.		 Shares may be issued with differing voting power and par values. Voting shares must be in Registered form.
VAT 8.0% Standard Rate
2.5% for goods covering basic needs
3.6% for accommodation related services.		 Swiss VAT not chargeable on services performed outside Switzerland or goods exported outside Switzerland.
Capital Gains Capital Gain is generally recognized as income for Federal and Cantonal tax purposes.
Investments in CH - Normal Income tax rates apply or exempt.		 Investments where over 10% (or CHF 2 Mio) voting rights held and held for more than one year are exempt from CH tax-
Capital Gains on Real Estate Real Estate in CH - 5%-60% Gains on Foreign Real Estate exempt from CH tax.
Dividend Income 0% or partially exempt provided more than 20% or CHF 2 Million equity holding. 0% or partially exempt provided more than 10% or CHF 1 Million equity holding.
Foreign Income Not taxed incl. Real Estate Income Not taxed incl. Real Estate Income




Switzerland - Company Incorporation Procedures

Core Incorporation Tasks
Company Name Agree and check availability with Swiss Commercial Registry
Prepare founding documents Articles of Association etc.
Payment of capital Swiss Bank Account
Founding of Company Deed of incorporation with Notary Public
Commercial Registry Publication in Official Gazette of Canton




Core documentation required for incorporation of a Swiss Company

Core Incorporation Tasks
Company Name Confirm availability with Swiss Commercial Registry
Articles of Association Draft and agree
Corporate Information Company Name
Registered Office and address
Capital Structure
Founders Details & Signatory Powers
Board of Directors & Signatory Powers
Statutory Auditors (if required)
Officers & Signatory Powers
Auditor Acceptance Letter Auditor appointed must confirm acceptance in writing (if required)
Confirmation of paid in Capital Must be in blocked account at Swiss Bank
Power of Attorney To represent founders in incorporation matters
Founder's delcaration
Qualifying shares declaration
Proxy Agreement If to be incorporated in absence of founders
Statutes Draft and agree
Shareholder's Agreement Draft and agree if applicable
Form 3 Stamp Duty on new shares 1% only if value greater than CHF 1'000'000
Shareholder Register Make entries/issue certificates
Commercial Registry Submission New company details to be submitted to Commercial Registry
Entry in Commercial Register Official Publication of incorporation
VAT Registration If Applicable




Incorporation and Administration Costs for
Swiss Stock Corporation (AG/SA) or Limited Liability Company (GmbH/Sarl)

Incorporation Fee CHF 2'500 This covers all work associated with preparing deed of incorporation, constituent documentation, proxy and attending notary meetings and registration with local commercial registry.
Notary and Commercial Registry Fees CHF 1'700 Approx Fees charged by Notary Public and Commercial Registry Dept for company with capital of CHF 100'000.
Stamp Duty N/A Federal Duty payable at 1% on capital subscribed over CHF 1'000'000.
Annual Directors fee CHF 3'500 p.a. Fees paid for Nominee Swiss Director (at least one Swiss resident director required by law).
Annual Maintenance of Registered Office CHF 2'000 p.a. Provision and maintenance of registered office address plus handling of mail, telephone, forwarding etc.

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