A Swiss AG / SA (Aktiengesellschaft / Société Anonyme) the Swiss stock corporation structure used by larger enterprises, holding and investment vehicles and companies planning to raise capital from professional or institutional investors. It offers limited liability, a clear separation between ownership and management, and a long‑established reputation with Swiss and international stakeholders.
COMPANY FORMATION
Swiss AG Formation
Form a Swiss AG (Aktiengesellschaft) for larger operations, institutional investors and businesses that need maximum credibility with banks and partners. A Swiss AG combines a minimum share capital of CHF 100,000 with a formal board structure and strong international recognition.
- CHF 100,000 minimum capital
- Full shareholder anonymity
- Enhanced investor credibility
- 100% foreign ownership permitted
What is a Swiss AG?
Key Facts
- Minimum 1 shareholder (can be 100% foreign)
- Shareholders are not listed by name in the commercial register (unlike GmbH)
- Board of Directors with at least 1 member required
- Minimum share capital: CHF 100,000 (50% paid up)
- At least one director must be Swiss‑resident
- Liability is strictly limited to the company's assets
Swiss AG Requirements
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Capital Requirements
- Minimum share capital: CHF 100,000
- Minimum paid-up: CHF 50,000 (50%)
- Shares can be issued at various par values
-
Ownership & Management
- Shareholders: Minimum 1 , 100% foreign ownership permitted
- Board: Minimum 1 member (At least 1 Swiss resident)
- Auditor: Required for larger companies
- Compliance : Accounting & maintaining Company documents required
Form Your Swiss AG in 4 Steps
We structure the formation process so you can complete it remotely with clear milestones and timeline expectations.
-
Choose Name
Check availability
Reserve company name -
Prepare Docs
Articles of association
Board composition -
Open Bank
Corporate bank account
Deposit share capital -
Notarize & Register
Notary appointment
Commercial register
Formation Timeline: 2-3 Weeks
*With all documents ready
-
1-2 Days
Name reservation
and check -
3-5 Days
Document
preparation -
1-2 Days
Notary
Filing to Commercial Register -
7-10 Days
Commercial
Register publication
Swiss AG Formation Costs
Government & Third-Party Fees
| Item | Cost (CHF) |
|---|---|
| Notary fee | 300 |
| Commercial Register Fee ( after publication) | ~ 600 |
| Total | 900 |
Our Service Fees
CHF 0 - With 12-month Starter package (CHF 750/month)
- Free incorporation when you commit to our Starter service for 12 months.
- Free incorporation means you pay no additional professional fee for the formation work itself; you only cover third‑party and official costs.
- You get company domicile, Swiss resident director, accounting, payroll and admin support included for the first year.
Swiss AG Taxation
-
Corporate Tax
Effective rate: 11-14% ( on profits)
Varies by canton
Zug: ~11.5% -
VAT ( Mehrwertsteuer)
Threshold: CHF 100,000/year
Annual taxable turnover
Standard rate: 8.1%
Why Choose a Swiss AG?
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Shareholder Anonymity
Shareholder names not disclosed in commercial register.
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Institutional Credibility
AG status preferred by banks and investors.
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Capital Raising
Easier to raise capital from investors and institutions.
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Scalable Structure
Ideal for growing companies and future public offerings.
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Limited Liability
Shareholders' personal assets fully protected.
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International Recognition
AG structure recognized globally for business.
Our AG Formation Services
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Domicile
Registered address
in Zug or other cantons -
Board Services
Board member
services -
Accounting
Full accounting
and audit support
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum capital for an AG?
The minimum share capital for a Swiss AG is CHF 100,000, with at least CHF 20,000 (20%) required to be paid up at incorporation.
Are AG shareholder names public?
No, unlike GmbH shareholders, AG shareholder names are not disclosed in the commercial register, providing anonymity.
Does an AG need a Board of Directors?
Yes, an AG must have a Board of Directors with at least one member. The board manages the company and represents it to third parties.
GET STARTED
Ready to Start Your Swiss AG?
Book a free consultation and get a clear plan for your AG’s formation, Canton choice and ongoing costs.