SETTING UP A COMPANY IN SWITZERLAND - REGISTER A COMPANY IN SWITZERLAND WITH MUMTAZ & ASSOCIATES!

Introduction

Switzerland is certainly one of the most attractive countries in the world in which to live, work, and run a company. It offers a combination of political and economic stability, a clean and safe environment, and comparatively low personal and company tax rates. However the tax regime, complicated by the various cantons, is quite complex. If you want register your company in the quickest possible timeframe, and ensure your company is structured in the most tax-efficient way, please contact us today for further details.

What are the main types of company in Switzerland?

There are two major types of business entity for foreign investors, and they are as follows:

• Limited Liability Company (Sàrl)
• Corporation (SA)

What are the main features of an Sàrl?

• Mainly used for small to medium sized businesses.
• Minimum share capital is 20,000 Swiss Francs (€12,320).
• No restrictions on foreign ownership.
• Minimum of two people required to establish the company.
• One of the directors must be a Swiss resident.

What are the main features of an SA?

• Mainly used for medium to large sized businesses.
• Minimum share capital is 100,000 Swiss Francs (€61,600).
• At least 50% of share capital to be paid up.
• Shareholders can remain completely anonymous.
• Majority of board directors must be Swiss residents.

Is it complicated to set up a company in Switzerland?

• Swiss director required by Swiss laws (We can arange a Nominee for you).
• Preparation of memorandum and articles.
• Opening a Swiss bank account.
• File with the Registrar of Companies.
• Switzerland divided into 26 different Cantons, which are member states of the federal state of Switzerland. Most popular for company registrations are Zugge, Zurich, Geneva, Fribourg, Lucerne.

How easy is it to recruit staff in Switzerland?

Even though Switzerland has one of the lowest unemployment rates in Europe, (3.9% in 2009) you will not have any problems recruiting the right people for your business. The workforce is well educated and highly skilled, with over 80% of the labour pool in possession of a secondary diploma or vocational training. Switzerland has four official languages – French, German Italian and Romansh and English is widely used. The country has an advanced recruitment sector and EuroCompanyFormations.com will be happy to help you if you require advice on this.

What is the regulatory environment like?

Swiss authorities do their best to ensure that business regulation is as light as possible, but it should be noted that companies are subject to canton (state) as well as federal laws. Cantons have regulatory and taxation powers of their own and they differ from one canton to another, so expert advice is essential. We have local specialists on standby to guide you through everything you need to know.

What about banking facilities?

Swiss banks represent the last word in efficiency and discretion, managing about a third of the world’s private assets and most international financial institutions have a base here. So when it comes to selecting a bank for your newly-opened Swiss company, you will be spoiled for choice.

To what extent are Swiss banks regulated?

Heavily regulated. In recent times, the Swiss authorities have introduced strict regulations to guard against money laundering and to ensure compliance and co-operation with international pressures. The banks here face heavy due diligence requirements and are very cautious in dealing with new clients. They prefer new clients to be introduced by people they already know and trust. This is one of the reasons why it makes sense to open a bank account with the help of our local experts, as well as incorporate a company in Switzerland with us.

Are there financial incentives available?

Not much support for investment is available at federal level. The Government does, however, support some infrastructure investment, such as tourism facilities, communications and training, with subsidised loans of up to 25%. At cantonal level, it is possible to qualify for other kinds of support such as rent subsidies, waiving of work permit requirements, tax holidays up to 10 years, cheap energy, etc.

How can I get more information?

All you need to do is contact us and Mumtaz & Associates will provide you with all the help you require to open a Swiss company and begin doing business as quickly and profitably as possible. Our professional sevice ensures you can register a company in Switzerland in the quickest possible timeframe!