How to Open a Company in Switzerland as a Non-Resident: Complete Guide 

• Open a Company in Switzerland as a Non-Resident and position your business in one of the world’s most stable and prosperous economies. A strong legal framework, low corporate tax rates, and a strategic location at the heart of Europe combine to make Switzerland a truly great place to do business. Over 30,000 new companies are attracted to this country each year. Ranked 36th out of 190 countries in the 2023 World Bank Ease of Doing Business Index, Switzerland remains one of the world’s business hubs. Should you decide to register a company in Switzerland, the process is swift and hassle-free for non-residents. Through this guide, Tetra Consultants provides you with all the information and support to open a company in Switzerland as a Non-Resident successfully. 

Steps to open a company in Switzerland as a Non-Resident 

Step 1: Selecting the right business structure 

• Before you open a company in Switzerland as a Non-Resident, you should determine what form of business you need. The right choice depends on your business model and long-term objectives. Tetra Consultants will help you choose the most appropriate company form for you, calculate the minimum share capital, define your corporate structure, and select any necessary business licenses. Setting up a Limited Liability Company (SARL), is a general recommendation because it is actually the most frequent type of form in Switzerland and provides much flexibility along with protection from liability. 

Step 2: Reserving your company name 

• Once you have settled for the proper structure, you then reserve your company name. Tetra Consultants will assist you in doing so by carrying out a search in the Swiss Commercial Registry for any existing name of the same kind. The Swiss trade register, popularly known as the Registries of Commerce of Switzerland, keeps track of all registered firms. Thus, we shall ensure your chosen name is unique and legally compliant. 

• Additionally, we will also provide international trademark registration services for securing your brand name globally. 

Step 3: Comply with pre-requisites 

• There are various business structures that have various pre-requisites depending on the business structure you have chosen. A recommended company structure is an LLC which will require various statutory requirements. Those pre-requisites are: 

• A minimum capital requirement of CHF 20,000, which must be fully paid up before registration. 

• At least one managing director must be a resident of Switzerland. To comply with such requirements, we at Tetra Consultants can provide you with nominee director and shareholder services. 

• At least 1 shareholder without residency requirements. 

• The LLC must have a physical address in Switzerland that serves as its registered office. 

• A social insurance registration is necessary for employee benefits. 

Step 4: Preparing and submitting the required documents 

• To open a company in Switzerland as a non-resident it requires certain key documents. Typically, these involve the names of directors and the resolutions of the company, along with identification proofs of the parties involved. Tetra Consultants will collaborate with you to gather the necessary Know Your Customer (KYC) documentation. Using this information, we will prepare and notarize the following incorporation documents, namely Memorandum and Articles of Association, business plan, and so on.  

• Once we successfully get registered with the Swiss Commercial Registry, you will receive your Incorporation Certificate by courier along with Memorandum and Articles of Association, as well as other corporate documents at the designated address. 

Step 5: Corporate bank account opening 

• Once your business is successfully registered, we will proceed with the corporate bank account opening in Switzerland. For an operational Swiss company, the requirements for opening a bank account will depend on the business structure chosen. Tetra Consultants will guide you through the process of organizing and submitting all relevant information to a Swiss bank of good repute. We can accompany you, if necessary, or negotiate with the bank for this process to be conducted remotely or request a waiver, as most banks do not require directors or shareholders to travel to Switzerland for this process. 

• We have an extensive banking network and can present your business to several reputable international and Swiss banks to get you the best options available for your company. Additionally, the corporate bank account opening will be completed within 4 weeks from company incorporation, and once approved, we will get your internet banking tokens, and access codes delivered to your preferred address. 

Step 6: Ensuring ongoing compliance 

• Once you open a company in Switzerland as a non-resident and have opened corporate bank account, Tetra Consultants will ensure to continue providing all vital services to keep your company fully compliant with Swiss laws. We offer our clients comprehensive accounting, tax filing, and compliance services with the goal of their business growth. 

• Switzerland charges income tax on corporations, and a Value-Added Tax of 7.7% is also applied to businesses operating in the country. Tetra Consultants will ensure timely preparation and filing of income tax returns, audited financial statements, and other documents with the relevant authorities. We take care that your business operates with all adherences to the laws and tax compliances of the Swiss country, so you operate freely within its framework. 

• Partnering with Tetra Consultants to open a company in Switzerland as a non-resident makes opening a company a smooth, hassle-free experience. 

Conclusion  

• If you open a company in Switzerland as a non-resident it is a strategic plan, and Tetra Consultants can take away the intricacies from you in getting this done. From choosing the most appropriate business structure to document handling, opening a corporate account, and maintaining compliance after the company is in operation, we can guide and support you in all aspects. With our expertise, your Swiss company will be established efficiently and with a complete understanding of local regulations. By partnering with Tetra Consultants, you can confidently expand your business in Switzerland, with its stable economy, global business opportunities, and more. 

• Contact us to know more about to open a company in Switzerland as a non-resident. Our team will revert back in 24 hours.