Formation process
Ten steps from idea to company.
The order is pretty much fixed. The details differ depending on the legal form – but the process is the same.
At a glance
3 days to 4 weeks – depending on the legal form
A sole proprietorship can theoretically be set up in 3 days. A GmbH or AG typically needs 2–4 weeks due to the notary and commercial register entry. Longer with complex contributions in kind.
Mind the order
- 01
Sharpen the idea
Before starting a company you need clarity on your offer, target audience and market potential. A one-pager or business model canvas is a perfectly good starting point.
- 02
Write a business plan
Not a 40-page novel, but a working document: market, offer, prices, costs, 3-year financial plan. Needed at the latest for a bank, guarantee or investors.
- 03
Choose a legal form
Sole proprietorship, GmbH or AG – depending on capital, liability appetite, tax situation and number of partners. Above CHF 100,000 turnover the register entry becomes mandatory anyway.
Start the legal structure check - 04
Check the company name
Check availability in the central company index (Zefix). For GmbH/AG the name can be chosen freely (with legal-form suffix); sole proprietorships must include the family name.
- 05
Pay in capital
For GmbH/AG: open a capital payment account at a Swiss bank and pay in the capital (GmbH: CHF 20,000, AG: at least CHF 50,000 of 100,000). After the register entry this becomes the business account.
- 06
Articles & notary
GmbH and AG are formed through a publicly notarised founding meeting. Articles of association, Stampa declaration and Lex Friedrich declaration are drawn up. Sole proprietorships don't need a notary.
- 07
Commercial register entry
Registration with the cantonal commercial register office. After review, publication in the SHAB follows and the company legally exists. Duration: a few days to 2 weeks.
- 08
AHV & social insurance
The self-employed register with the cantonal compensation fund, which reviews the status. With corporations you're an employee of your own company – payroll, BVG (from CHF 22,680), accident insurance.
- 09
VAT clarification
Registration becomes mandatory from CHF 100,000 worldwide turnover. Below that, voluntary registration is possible if you want to reclaim input tax.
- 10
Insurance & business start
Liability, property and daily sickness allowance insurance – depending on the industry. Only then: issue the first invoice, set up bookkeeping, get going.
Checklist
What you should have ready
To-do
0 of 8 done
Formation partner
The provider that supports you with your formation
From choosing the legal structure to the commercial register entry: Startups.ch handles the administrative part of your formation – with in-house lawyers and fiduciaries. Prices and offers as of 2026, without guarantee.
Startups.ch – view offer (opens in new tab)
Switzerland's largest formation provider with in-house lawyers and fiduciaries. Thanks to partnerships with UBS, Valiant, AXA, Swisscom and many other companies, formations are possible from CHF 0. Depending on the partner offers chosen, you can even earn extra money when forming your company.
GmbH from CHF 299
Prices exclude partner offers; external commercial register, certification and bank fees are not included.