Module · Start a company
GmbH or AG, how much capital, which notary, when to register for VAT and AHV: founders ask the same questions and find contradictory answers. Clairdex takes them in order, prepares the documents and keeps the registration calendar.
Who it is forFounders and freelancers moving to a company, foreign entrepreneurs settling in Switzerland, fiduciaries supporting incorporations.
The path
GmbH/Sàrl, AG/SA or sole proprietorship, depending on available capital, number of partners, desired liability and taxation. Clairdex compares on your case, not in general.
Verified company name, seat, purpose, capital, bodies, transfer rules. Articles and deed of incorporation generated for the notary.
Capital deposit account, bank certificate, then release after registration. The banks and their conditions, explained.
Notarial deed, application, supporting documents, cantonal deadlines and fees. Clairdex prepares the complete file, and orders the certified extract once registered.
VAT liability from CHF 100,000 of turnover or voluntary, AHV, occupational pension and accident insurance affiliation from the first salary.
Founder's employment contract, regulations, terms, privacy policy, legal notice: the first month's documents, including the compliant website, generated from the same file.
Comparison
| Criterion | Sole proprietorship | GmbH/Sàrl | AG/SA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum capital | None | CHF 20,000, fully paid up | CHF 100,000, of which 50,000 paid up |
| Liability | Unlimited, on personal assets | Limited to the capital | Limited to the capital |
| Visible owners | The owner | Partners entered in the commercial register | Shareholders not published |
| Register entry | Mandatory from CHF 100,000 of turnover | Mandatory, notarial deed | Mandatory, notarial deed |
| Legal basis | Art. 934 CO | Art. 772 et seq. CO | Art. 620 et seq. CO |
Taxation, the manager's social contributions and credibility with customers often weigh more than capital in the choice. Clairdex sets them side by side on your situation.
Examples
Can I found a GmbH/Sàrl alone?
Yes. A GmbH/Sàrl may be founded by a single natural or legal person, who is its sole partner and may be its managing director. At least one person authorised to represent the company must be domiciled in Switzerland.
Art. 775 and 814 para. 3 CO
Is my company name available?
It must be clearly distinguishable from any company name already registered in Switzerland and must not mislead. Clairdex checks the central business names index and similar trademarks before you print anything.
Art. 944 and 951 CO
When must I register for VAT?
As soon as taxable annual turnover reaches CHF 100,000, within thirty days of the start of liability. Voluntary registration is possible earlier, useful if your customers are businesses that recover VAT.
Art. 10, 11 and 66 VAT Act
Order
From the name check to the annual meeting documents, all by e-mail.
390CHFexcl. VAT
Before printing or filing: is the name free, and is there a risk of confusion?
690CHFexcl. VAT
Articles and deed of incorporation ready for the notary, with the company name checked before drafting.
890CHFexcl. VAT
Every document of the first weeks of a GmbH or AG, written together and consistent with each other.
390CHFexcl. VAT
The annual general meeting is mandatory. Here are the notice, the minutes and the discharge.
890CHFexcl. VAT
What the articles do not say: who can leave, at what price, and who decides what.
What every price includes
Our prices are higher than a document forwarder's. Here is exactly what they buy, and what we refund if we fail to deliver it. Full detail on the Guarantees page.
Any question about the document delivered, for twelve months, answered in writing within two business days. As many questions as needed, free of charge.
If a law affecting your document changes within the year, we tell you and update the document free of charge.
The deadline stated on every service. If we miss it through our own fault, you are refunded and we still deliver.
If an office refuses the request, full refund, official fee included. We check admissibility before filing.
FAQ
No. Incorporating a GmbH/Sàrl or an AG/SA requires a public deed drawn up by a notary. Clairdex prepares the articles, the deed and the documents so that the appointment with the notary is short and without back-and-forth, which reduces their fees.
Commercial register fees and notary fees vary by canton and capital. Clairdex shows your canton's estimate and the list of costs to expect, without charging you anything beyond the subscription.
A Swiss company must have at least one representative domiciled in Switzerland. Before registration, the name check avoids filing a name already taken; once registered, the company bids on public tenders with the documents we obtain, and the governance audit checks that its mandatory registers are kept. Clairdex explains this requirement, the residence and work permits concerned, and the steps that differ for a non-resident founder.
Go further
Ready for the notary, company name checked
DiscoverExit, pre-emption, valuation, decisions
DiscoverManagers, seat, capital, shares, meeting
DiscoverTwelve months, a precise sequence of steps
DiscoverEmployment contract, lease, terms, articles
DiscoverLegal notice, terms, FADP, cookies
Discoversimap.ch monitoring and bid support
DiscoverA question before ordering?
You hesitate between two documents, your case is unusual, you want a quote for a volume: say it here. Personal reply within two business days.
