Swiss Company Registration – Onshore Business Setup in Switzerland

Frequently Asked Questions

• What type of company do you register in Switzerland?

  The two types of company that we form in Geneva - Switzerland are known as S.A. (Société anonyme) and S.A.R.L. (Société A Responsabilité Limitée). The Canton’s Register acts as a monitoring body.

• What is the difference between S.A. and S.A.R.L.?

  These two types of companies are called in the French language S.A. (Société anonyme) and S.A.R.L. (Société A Responsabilité Limitée) and are equivalent to a Public Limited Company (PLC) and Limited Liability Company (LLC) respectively.
  
  Please refer to our complete guide about both entities.

• Are Swiss SA and Swiss SARL tax liable?

  Yes.Please refer to our complete guide about a swiss company taxation.

• Do I need to submit accounts for a Swiss SA and Swiss SARL?

  Yes, accounting is compulsory, but auditing is not required. If the company does not want to be audited, it must apply for “opting out” applicable under certain circumstances.
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• Will my data be publicly available in Switzerland?

  Yes, for both SA and SARL, the name of the director is publicly available in the local commercial register.
  
  However, the name of the shareholders appears publicly only for an SARL company.

• Will my liability be limited if I register my company as SA or SARL in Geneva, Switzerland?

  The shareholders’ liability in an SARL is the amount of share capital that they have invested. However, additional payments may be imposed if and when required to cover losses, or in case such clause is stipulated in the articles of association of the company. These additional payments cannot exceed twice the value of the company share capital.
  
  The shareholders’ liability in an SA is typically limited to the amount of shares respectively held by them.

• Do I need to deposit the paid up capital for a SA or SARL company in Geneva, Switzerland?

  To register a company in Switzerland, the following amount should be deposited on the company's account: CHF 50,000 for an S.A. and CHF 20,000 for an S.A.R.L.

• How many directors and shareholders should I appoint to my SA or SARL company in Geneva, Switzerland?

  A minimum of one shareholder and one swiss resident director should be appointed while registering a SA or a SARL company.
  
  The necessary local swiss resident director services are obtained through SFM and our agent in consideration of the professional director service fees.