Company formation in Geneva – Steps and Pricing
Need help creating your company in Geneva?
We are here to guide you through the administrative and legal aspects of your project.
Company formation (SA or Sàrl) for CHF 2,000 including notarized articles of association
Creating a company involves costs due to the strict legal process that must be followed. We offer a comprehensive package for CHF 2,000 including validation of the articles of association by a notary.
What does the CHF 2,000 fee include?
- Initial consultation: An in-depth discussion with an expert to understand your needs and help you choose the most appropriate legal structure.
- Drafting of the articles of association: We prepare the founding legal document defining the purpose, capital, and governance of your company.
- Notary validation: Preparation and submission of the required documents to a notary for official validation and commercial register filing.
- Commercial register fees included (approx. CHF 700).
- Bank introduction (optional): Assistance in choosing a bank to open the mandatory capital deposit account.
- Full support throughout the process: Our team guides you step by step until your company is successfully created.
The 6 steps to creating a company in Switzerland
1. Find a business idea
Every company starts with an idea—either a unique product/service or a new approach to an existing concept.
2. Market research
Understand your potential clients, their needs, and how you can meet them effectively while analyzing competitors.
3. Financing
Estimate the funds required for development, premises, marketing, etc. Financing can come from personal savings, bank loans, investors, grants, or crowdfunding.
4. Choose the legal structure
Options in Switzerland include sole proprietorship, SA (public limited company), and Sàrl (limited liability company).
5. Registration with the commercial register
This involves submitting documents such as the articles of association and paying registration fees.
6. Registration with social security (AVS)
All companies must register with the Swiss social security system to ensure coverage for employees.
Difference between an SA and a Sàrl
1. Initial capital
SA: Minimum CHF 100,000, with at least CHF 50,000 paid in at incorporation.
Sàrl: Minimum CHF 20,000, fully paid in at incorporation.
2. Ownership
SA: Ownership divided into shares, easily transferable.
Sàrl: Ownership divided into quotas, transfers are more restrictive.
3. Management
SA: Requires a board of directors responsible for management.
Sàrl: Partners are more directly involved in management.
4. Liability
In both structures, liability is limited to the capital contribution, except in cases such as fraud.
5. Public perception
SA: Often perceived as more prestigious and stable.
Sàrl: Seen as smaller and more personal.
Who can create a company in Switzerland?
Company formation in Switzerland is open to Swiss citizens, permanent residents, and, under certain conditions, EU citizens.
European nationals
Due to bilateral agreements, EU nationals (except Bulgarian and Romanian citizens) can create or acquire a company in Switzerland.
Work permit
Non-residents wishing to create or acquire a company must apply for a work permit (G permit) with the competent cantonal authority, including a complete business project file.