Company Formation · · 6 min read
Establishing a Swiss GmbH remotely: step by step for non-residents
We explain how you can set up a Swiss LLC without ever being there, and what pitfalls are to be avoided by non-residents.
Are you a managing director and thinking of expanding in Switzerland? Incorporating an LLC (GmbH) remotely is feasible for international entrepreneurs without residence in Switzerland. However, at least one signatory with Swiss residence is required, so proper planning and professional support are important. Our core expertise lies in taking over the entire process for you: from name verification to authentication by power of attorney and apostille to registration in the commercial register. As a managing director, you can implement your remote registration of companies in Switzerland efficiently and in a legally secure manner without being on site.
Benefits of a Swiss GmbH for non-residents
A GmbH offers numerous advantages for foreign founders and managing directors:
- Liability limitation: Your private assets are protected.
- Low minimum capital: Only CHF 20,000 required to deposit in full.
- Professional image: A Swiss company headquarters increases international credibility.
- Tax benefits: Attractive corporate tax rates and double taxation agreements.
Step-by-step approach to remote incorporation
Setting up a company involves several steps, which we coordinate for you as a full-service provider. Our customers benefit from:
- Provision of a suitable signatory or managing director residing in Switzerland, including industry expertise.
- Preparation and dispatch of all powers of attorney, SME audit waivers and voting acceptance declarations, which are returned notarized and apostilled.
- Submission of documents to the commercial register, notary and authorities.
- Free advice on choosing a bank for the capital payment account, whose opening is often the biggest hurdle for non-residents.
- Ongoing service: provision of official business address, postal administration, accounting and tax return.
| Step | Description | Duration | Documents Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Name check | Verification in the Central Business Name Index (ZEFIX) | 1–2 days | Desired company name |
| Capital deposit | Account opening and deposit of minimum capital into the blocked account at a bank of your choice; we advise you free of charge on choosing the bank | 1–4 weeks, depending on bank | Bank confirmation |
| Articles & powers of attorney | Preparation of incorporation documents and powers of attorney | 2–3 days | Articles of association, power of attorney, SME audit waiver, acceptance declaration |
| Notarisation | Notarisation of the deed of incorporation | 1 day | Certified documents |
| Commercial register | Submission and review by the commercial register | 1–2 weeks | Commercial register application, notarised documents |
| Ongoing services | Registered address, mail handling, accounting and tax filing | Ongoing | Service agreement |
Special requirements for non-residents
These regulations apply to non-residents who want to found a company in Switzerland:
Management or authorised signatory
At least one person residing in Switzerland is mandatory. Our network offers professional candidates for this role.
Capital payment account
Many Swiss banks deny accounts for foreign UBOs. We are happy to discuss with you, free of charge, which bank suits your case.
Powers of Attorney and Apostille
All powers of attorney, voting acceptance declarations and copies of identity documents are notarized and apostilled before they are submitted to the commercial register.
We take care of the entire process for you
Our full-service solution ensures that your GmbH is established in Switzerland in a legally secure, efficient and stress-free manner. We take care of:
- All founding documents and notarial certifications
- Coordination with the commercial register
- Provision of official corporate domicile address and postal service
- Accounting and tax return
Common mistakes when setting up a Swiss GmbH remotely
When setting up a Swiss GmbH, there are a number of pitfalls that can significantly delay the process. We highlight the most important mistakes and how our service minimises them:
Inaccurate name check:
If the company name is not carefully checked in the Central Company Index (ZEFIX), entry in the commercial register may be rejected or delayed. This results in unnecessary waiting times and additional effort for the correction. Our service checks every name in advance and ensures that it meets all legal requirements.
Powers of attorney not correctly authenticated:
Powers of attorney, voting acceptance letters or SME audit waivers must be notarised and apostilled. Mistakes here lead to delays for notaries and authorities, which can take several weeks longer to set up a company. We reliably prepare, certify and return all documents.
Bank account not prepared:
Opening a capital payment account is often the biggest hurdle for non-residents. Many banks reject applications if the UBOs are not based in Switzerland. We advise you free of charge on which bank is suitable in your case.
Documents sent late:
Delays often occur when notarial documents, powers of attorney or copies of identity documents are not sent in time to us or our notary office. We organise all logistics, including shipping and tracking, to avoid unnecessary waiting times.
Important aspects of setting up a company in Switzerland
Establishing a company in Switzerland requires an understanding of the various legal forms and the specific requirements for foreign founders. A GmbH requires at least one person residing in Switzerland as managing director to enable registration in the commercial register and the opening of a capital payment account. Here you can find another article on how to find a fitting managing director. Choosing the right legal form influences liability, tax obligations and administrative expenses. The minimum capital of CHF 20,000 for a GmbH must be correctly deposited, while other legal forms, such as sole proprietorship, have different requirements for people, capital and accounting. Compliance with legal regulations is also crucial for founders from abroad. This includes correct registration with the commercial register, registration with the VAT and social security office, keeping accounts and filing tax returns. These points are essential so that the company can operate in a legally secure manner and grow in the long term.
Conclusion: Stress-free remote company formation with expert support
Establishing a Swiss GmbH remotely from abroad is feasible for non-residents if the process is carefully planned and professionally supervised. Our core competence lies in taking care of the entire process for you, from name verification to notarization and commercial register registration to postal services, accounting and tax returns.
With our service for companies, you save valuable time, avoid typical pitfalls and get a legally secured, stress-free company formation that is immediately ready for business operations. Your company is therefore professionally positioned and internationally competitive right from the start.
This article is intended solely for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or business advice. The content is provided without any guarantee as to its completeness or accuracy. In particular, the legal framework may change after publication. We recommend consulting a qualified professional to assess your specific situation. Office Group Zug GmbH accepts no liability, to the extent permitted by law.