Company Incorporation in Switzerland & Bank Account Opening Requirements

1. Switzerland Company Incorporation Requirements

• Common company types: GmbH (LLC) or AG (Corporation).
• Minimum 1 shareholder (individual or corporate).
• At least 1 director or manager must be a Swiss resident with signatory authority.
• Registered office address in Switzerland.
• Company name approval at cantonal level.
• Minimum share capital: CHF 20,000 for GmbH (fully paid); CHF 100,000 for AG (CHF 50,000 paid-up).
• Articles of Association and notarized incorporation deed.
• Auditor appointment (audit exemption available for small companies).

Required Documents for Incorporation

• Passport copies of shareholders and directors.
• Proof of residential address.
• Company name options.
• Business activity description.
• Shareholding structure details.
• Articles of Association.
• Power of Attorney (if using a local fiduciary).

2. Bank Account Opening Requirements in Switzerland

• Capital deposit account required before incorporation.
• Physical presence of directors or beneficial owners often required.
• Completed bank application forms.
• Commercial Register extract after incorporation.
• Board resolution authorizing the opening of the bank account.
• Clear business model explanation.
• KYC/AML checks including source of funds and source of wealth.
• Minimum deposit varies by bank.

Documents Typically Required by Banks

• Extract from Swiss Commercial Register.
• Articles of Association.
• Notarized incorporation deed.
• Directors’ and shareholders’ passports.
• Proof of residential address.
• Board resolution.
• Business plan or financial projections.
• Contracts or proof of counterparties.
• Source of funds and source of wealth documentation.