Here is how to register a company in Switzerland from India: choose a canton, appoint one person who lives in Switzerland and can sign for the company, pay the CHF 20,000 GmbH capital into a blocked Swiss bank account, sign the founding deed before a Swiss notary (in person or by apostilled power of attorney), and file with the cantonal commercial register. The company exists from its entry, usually 2–4 weeks once the capital account is open.
Key facts
- Entity: most Indian founders use a GmbH (CHF 20,000 capital, fully paid in). An AG needs CHF 100,000, with at least 20% of each share and CHF 50,000 paid in.
- Swiss representative: at least one managing director or board member who can sign for the company must live in Switzerland. A resident director service typically costs CHF 2,000–6,000 a year.
- Timeline: usually 2–4 weeks once the capital account is open; opening the account and apostilling documents from India often take longer, so plan 4–8 weeks end to end.
- Tax: combined profit tax of 11.66% (Lucerne) and 11.71% (Zug) up to 19.47% (Zurich) in 2026. VAT registration once turnover reaches CHF 100,000.
- India side: Form FC and UIN through your AD Category-I bank before you remit the capital, then the APR by 31 December each year. See our Switzerland company formation page.
In this comprehensive guide, we walk you through everything you need to know about how to register a company in Switzerland from India in 2026 including the choice between GmbH vs AG, notary requirements, the commercial registration process, and key compliance checkpoints.
Why Indian Entrepreneurs Choose Switzerland
Switzerland offers a unique combination of benefits that few jurisdictions can match.
- Political & currency stability The Swiss Franc (CHF) is a global safe-haven currency.
- Reputation & credibility A Swiss company carries weight with global clients, investors, and banks.
- Competitive taxation Certain cantons (e.g., Lucerne at 11.66% and Zug at 11.71% in 2026) offer corporate tax rates that rival Singapore and Ireland.
- IP-friendly regime The TRAF Patent Box provides up to 90% relief on qualifying IP income.
- India-Switzerland DTAA: the treaty caps withholding at 10% on dividends, interest and royalties, and Switzerland levies none on royalties.
- Crypto Valley (Zug) Switzerland is a global leader in blockchain and crypto regulation, making it ideal for Web3 companies.
- Pharma & commodities hub Novartis, Roche, Glencore, and Trafigura are all Swiss-headquartered for a reason.
Can Foreigners (Indians) Own 100% of a Swiss Company?
Yes foreigners, including Indian nationals, can own 100% of a Swiss company. Switzerland does not restrict foreign ownership of shares in a GmbH (Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung) or AG (Aktiengesellschaft).
However, there is one critical requirement:
At least one person authorised to represent the company (a managing director of a GmbH or a board member of an AG) must live in Switzerland and be able to sign for it. This person does not need to be a shareholder and can be a professional resident director.
This is where most Indian entrepreneurs get tripped up. If you are not physically residing in Switzerland (B or C permit), you will need to engage a Swiss-resident director service, which typically costs CHF 2,000–6,000 per year.
Swiss GmbH vs AG: Which Structure Is Right for You?
| Feature | GmbH (Private Ltd) | AG (Public Ltd / JSC) |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Capital | CHF 20,000 (fully paid-in) | CHF 100,000 (at least 20% of each share and CHF 50,000 paid in) |
| Shareholders | 1–unlimited; names in public register | 1–unlimited; registered shares (bearer shares only for listed companies or book-entry securities) |
| Share Transfer | Requires notarial deed | Freely transferable (registered shares) |
| Privacy | Shareholder names publicly visible | More privacy with registered shares |
| Ideal For | SMEs, startups, holding companies | VC-backed companies, IPO candidates, large enterprises |
| Notary Required? | Yes (at formation) | Yes (at formation) |
| Formation Time | 2–4 weeks once the capital account is open | 3–8 weeks |
| Annual Audit | Limited audit or opt-out possible | Same as GmbH: limited audit or opt-out; ordinary audit above size thresholds |
Verdict for most Indian entrepreneurs: Start with a GmbH. It requires less capital, is simpler to manage, and is perfectly adequate for holding companies, IP structures, consulting businesses, and SMEs. Upgrade to an AG if you plan to raise venture capital or list shares.
Key Swiss Legal Terms You Must Know
- GmbH (Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung) Private limited liability company. Equivalent to India’s Private Limited.
- AG (Aktiengesellschaft) Joint-stock company / Public limited company. Equivalent to India’s Public Limited.
- Handelsregister Switzerland’s official commercial register. All companies must register here.
- SHAB (Schweizerisches Handelsamtsblatt) The official Swiss Commercial Gazette where all company filings are published.
- UID (Unternehmens-Identifikationsnummer) Switzerland’s unique business identification number (format: CHE-123.456.789).
- Zefix The online portal (zefix.ch) to search all Swiss companies in the Handelsregister.
- Articles of Association (Statuten) The founding document of a Swiss company, executed before a notary.
- Geschäftsführer Managing director of a GmbH.
- Verwaltungsrat (VR) Board of directors of an AG.
Step-by-Step: How to Register a Swiss GmbH from India
Choose Your Canton
Switzerland has 26 cantons, each with its own tax rate. This is one of the biggest decisions you will make. Zug (11.71% combined rate in 2026) is a common pick for foreign founders, and Lucerne (11.66%) is now slightly lower. Zurich (19.47%) makes sense if you need access to the city’s talent and infrastructure.
Reserve Your Company Name
Search Zefix.ch to ensure your desired name is not already taken. The name must include the legal form (GmbH, or Sàrl or Sagl in French or Italian) and must not be misleading or deceptive.
Appoint a Swiss-Resident Director
If you are not a Swiss resident, engage a professional resident director service. This person will appear in the Handelsregister and must have signatory authority.
Open a Capital Deposit Account (Kapitaleinzahlungskonto)
Open a blocked bank account at a Swiss bank and deposit the minimum CHF 20,000. The bank issues a capital deposit confirmation letter. This is mandatory before the notary appointment. This is often the hardest step for non-residents: many banks refuse non-resident applications. See our Swiss bank account guide for alternatives.
Draft Articles of Association (Statuten)
Your Swiss formation agent or lawyer will draft the Statuten in German (or another national language). Key clauses include: company purpose, share capital, managing directors, and voting rules.
Notary Appointment
All founding documents must be authenticated by a Swiss notary public. The founders (or their legal representatives via power of attorney) must appear before the notary. As an Indian national residing outside Switzerland, you can grant a power of attorney (PoA) to your local representative. The PoA must be apostilled in India.
File with the Handelsregister
The notary or formation agent submits the registration application to the cantonal Handelsregisteramt. The registry typically takes 5–15 business days to process.
SHAB Publication & UID Assignment
The company exists from its entry in the commercial register. The entry is then published in the SHAB, and the company receives its UID number (format: CHE-XXX.XXX.XXX).
Post-Incorporation Formalities
- Register for VAT (if turnover > CHF 100,000/year)
- Register with AHV/IV/EO social insurance (mandatory if you have employees)
- Open an operational business bank account (the capital deposit account is unblocked after
registration) - Set up accounting and annual financial statement obligations
- On the India side, keep the Form FC and UIN records and diarise the APR (31 December) and, for an Indian company or LLP investor, the FLA return (15 July)
Step-by-Step: How to Register a Swiss AG from India
The AG formation process follows the same steps as the GmbH with these key differences:
- Capital: Minimum CHF 100,000; at least 20% of each share and CHF 50,000 in total must be paid in at formation.
- Founders’ Report: An AG requires a founders’ report (Gründungsbericht) and a founders’ audit (Gründungsprüfung) if there are non-cash contributions.
- Board of Directors: An AG must have at least one member on the Verwaltungsrat (board). The board must pass resolutions for major decisions.
- Auditor: An AG above certain thresholds requires a licensed auditor (Revisionsstelle).
The Handelsregister: Switzerland’s Commercial Register
The Handelsregister is Switzerland’s official registry of legal entities. It is maintained at the cantonal level (26 cantonal registries) and consolidated at the federal level via Zefix.
Key facts about the Handelsregister:
- All GmbH and AG companies must register before commencing business.
- The register is publicly accessible anyone can search it free of charge on Zefix.
- Any change to company details (directors, address, capital, purpose) must be filed with the Handelsregister promptly; most changes need a notarised or signed resolution.
- Registration fees vary by canton but typically range from CHF 600–1,000 for initial registration.
- All filings are published in the SHAB (Schweizerisches Handelsamtsblatt).
UID (Unternehmens-Identifikationsnummer)
Every Swiss company receives a UID (Unternehmens-Identifikationsnummer) upon registration. This is Switzerland’s equivalent of India’s CIN (Company Identification Number) or GSTIN.
The UID is used for
- VAT registration and invoicing
- Correspondence with government agencies
- Social insurance registrations
- Official company identification in the Handelsregister
Using Zefix to Search Swiss Companies
Zefix (zefix.ch) is the free, official Swiss company search portal. Use it to:
- Check if your desired company name is already taken
- Verify the legal status and directors of any Swiss company
- Download official Handelsregister extracts
- Research competitors or potential partners
Common Mistakes Indian Founders Make
- Underestimating banking difficulty Opening a Swiss corporate bank account as a non-resident is genuinely hard. Plan for 4–8 weeks and consider fintech alternatives (Revolut CH, neon Business) as a bridge.
- Choosing the wrong canton The canton you register in determines your combined corporate tax rate. This decision is irreversible without a formal relocation process.
- Not apostilling Indian documents Any Indian document used in the Swiss formation (PoA, passport copies, board resolutions) must be apostilled under the Hague Convention.
- Ignoring FEMA/RBI rules Indian residents setting up a Swiss company must comply with RBI’s Overseas Direct Investment (ODI) framework under FEMA. See our FEMA and RBI guide.
- Forgetting resident director costs Nominee director fees (CHF 2,000–6,000/year) are an ongoing cost that must be factored into your business plan.
Frequently asked questions
Can an Indian citizen register a company in Switzerland?
Yes. Swiss law sets no nationality condition, so an Indian individual or Indian company can hold 100% of a GmbH or AG. The one condition is that at least one person authorised to sign for the company, a managing director or board member, lives in Switzerland. Owning the company does not by itself give you a Swiss work or residence permit.
How long does it take to register a company in Switzerland?
Usually 2–4 weeks once the capital deposit account is open: the notary signs the founding deed and the cantonal commercial register makes the entry, which typically takes 5–15 business days. Opening the account from India and apostilling documents come first and often take longer, so 4–8 weeks end to end is a realistic plan.
What documents do I need to register a company in Switzerland from India?
Passport copies and proof of address for each shareholder and director, an apostilled power of attorney if you will not attend the notary, the draft articles of association, the bank’s capital deposit confirmation, the Swiss director’s acceptance of office and a Swiss business address. An Indian company shareholder also needs its board resolution and incorporation documents, apostilled.
Do I need a local director or resident partner in Switzerland?
Yes. At least one person who can sign for the company must live in Switzerland: a managing director of a GmbH or a board member of an AG. This person does not need to be a shareholder. If you do not live in Switzerland on a B or C permit, you appoint a resident director through a fiduciary or service provider.
What FEMA and ODI filings apply when I set up in Switzerland from India?
The share capital you send is an overseas direct investment. Submit Form FC to your AD Category-I bank and get a UIN before you remit, within the LRS limit if you invest as an individual. After that, file the APR by 31 December each year and, if you invest through an Indian company or LLP, the FLA return by 15 July.
Can I register a Swiss company without visiting Switzerland?
Yes. You can sign an apostilled power of attorney so that a representative appears before the Swiss notary for you, and in most cantons a GmbH formation needs no visit. Banks may still ask for a video call or a meeting before they open the capital deposit account, so check that step with the bank first.
What is the difference between the Handelsregister and SHAB?
The Handelsregister is the commercial register itself, kept by each canton and searchable free on Zefix. The SHAB is the Swiss Official Gazette of Commerce, where each new entry and later change is published. Your company exists from its entry in the register; publication in the SHAB follows. Think of the SHAB as the official gazette for company filings.
More Switzerland guides
Setting up in Switzerland? Our Switzerland company formation page explains the process and the services we offer. Other guides in this series:
- Switzerland Visas & Permits L Permit, B Permit, Swiss Startup Ticket & Indian Professionals (2026)
- Switzerland vs Singapore vs Ireland vs Netherlands Best Global HQ for Indian Companies (2026)
- Switzerland Company Costs GmbH CHF 20K Capital, Canton Comparison & Annual Maintenance (2026)
- FEMA, RBI & Indian Tax for Swiss Company Owners ODI, DTAA 10%, Patent Box & Holding Strategy (2026)
- How to Open a Swiss Business Bank Account (2026) UBS, Cantonal Banks, PostFinance & Non-Resident Challenges
- Switzerland Company Compliance Checklist (2026) Tax, VAT, Social Insurance & Audit Requirements
- Switzerland Tax Guide 2026 3-Level System (11.85–20.5%), Patent Box 90%, R&D 150%
All Switzerland articles: Switzerland guides.
