What are the costs of forming a company in Switzerland?
Setting up a company in Switzerland involves costs that are important to understand to avoid unpleasant surprises. They vary according to several factors, such as the type of company, the fees of the professionals involved in the creation of the company, the administrative costs.
What are the costs of forming a company in Switzerland?
Setting up a company in Switzerland involves costs that are important to understand to avoid unpleasant surprises. They vary according to several factors, such as the type of company, the fees of the professionals involved in the creation of the company, the administrative costs, etc. Here are some details on these costs and the factors that influence them from one company to another.
Costs of registering companies with the Commercial Registry
L’enregistrement auprès du registre du commerce est une étape essentielle pour la création d’une société en Suisse. Les frais associés à cette étape peuvent varier en fonction de la forme juridique choisie pour l’entreprise. Ils comprennent entre autres les frais d’inscription, les frais de publication et les frais de timbres.
Registration fees
The registration fees for registering the company with the commercial register vary mainly according to the legal form chosen. In practice, for a sole proprietorship, they are generally lower than for a limited company.
Expert fees
If the company is set up with contributions in kind, an expert appraisal to determine the value of these contributions may be necessary. The costs of the valuation vary depending on the type of contribution and the number of valuers required. However, it is important to take these costs into account when planning the incorporation of the company in Switzerland.
You can also consult RISTER fiduciary in Geneva for advice on these financial expenses and the steps involved in registering your business.
For a sole proprietorship, registration may be mandatory for business activities and costs about CHF 200. For a Swiss joint stock company (SA), the registration fee at the Commercial Register is approximately CHF 600. For a limited liability company (SARL), the fee is approximately CHF 600. For a general partnership (SNC) and a limited partnership (SC), the cost is CHF 550.
Expenses for drafting the articles of association in Switzerland
The costs of drafting the articles of association in Switzerland also depend on the legal form chosen.
Sole proprietorship
The costs of drafting the articles of association of a sole proprietorship are generally lower than for other legal forms. The fees of the professionals involved can vary between CHF 500 and CHF 1,500, depending on the complexity of the situation.
Swiss Limited liability company (Sàrl)
The fees for drafting the articles of association of a limited liability company are generally between CHF 500 and CHF 1,500. They may vary depending on the complexity of the situation and the specific requirements of the company.
Swiss Joint stock company (SA)
The costs of drafting the articles of association of a corporation are generally higher than for other legal forms. The fees of the professionals involved can vary between CHF 700 and CHF 6,000, depending on the complexity of the situation.
It is important to note that these fees are only an estimate and may vary depending on the Swiss canton where the company is established. It is therefore recommended to consult RISTER fiduciary in Geneva, specialist in company law, for precise guidance on the expenses specific to your situation.
Fees for obtaining licences to carry out business activities
In Switzerland, the fees for obtaining licences to carry out business activities vary according to the type of business and the activity carried out.
Sole proprietorship
For a sole proprietorship, a licence to carry out a transport activity costs on average between CHF 500 and 2,000. The cost of obtaining an operating licence for a public establishment varies between CHF 500 and CHF 1,500.
Swiss Limited liability company (Sàrl)
The costs of obtaining a licence for a limited company also depend on the activity carried out. For example, for a limited liability company engaged in transport activities, the fees for obtaining a licence vary between CHF 500 and CHF 2,000. On the other hand, the fees for obtaining an operating licence for a public establishment vary between CHF 500 and CHF 1,500.
Société Anonyme (SA)
The fees for obtaining a transport licence for a public limited company vary between CHF 500 and CHF 2,000. For a public establishment, the costs for obtaining an operating licence vary between CHF 500 and CHF 1,500.
Costs for opening a business bank account in Switzerland
In Switzerland, the costs of opening a business bank account vary depending on the bank chosen and the services included with the account. Costs may also vary depending on the type of business and its financial situation.
The average fee for opening a business bank account is between CHF 200 and 350. Some institutions may charge additional fees for the use of banking services such as transfers, direct debits and credit cards.
Banks may also require a minimum deposit to open a business bank account. Rates and conditions vary from bank to bank. It is therefore advisable to compare the different offers in order to choose the one that offers the best value for money.
Fiduciary agent fees and notary fees for setting up a company in Switzerland
In Switzerland, the costs of a fiduciary agent and notary for the creation of a company can vary according to several factors, such as:
- the type of business,
- the canton
- specific requirements
- consultancy fees, etc.
Fiduciaries may charge fees for legal advice and assistance in setting up a company. Notaries, on the other hand, are often involved in the drafting of statutory documents and the certification of official documents. Fees for fiduciary and notary services can vary from a few hundred to several thousand francs, depending on the services required.
It is important to check with firms specializing in company formation in Switzerland, such as RISTER, to find out about the fees and services offered. Our team is composed of professionals in corporate law. They are good allies for the success of any company creation project in Switzerland. We offer you personalized support at all stages of your company's creation, at a very competitive rate.
Additional costs for companies operating in regulated sectors
In Switzerland, companies operating in regulated sectors may be subject to additional expenses to comply with regulations. These costs vary depending on the sector of activity and the regulations in force. For example, companies operating in the health sector may be subject to additional fees to obtain the necessary licenses. These may include costs:
- for employee training,
- for employee background checks,
- inspection and certification of premises,
- for setting up compliance and risk management systems.
De même, les entreprises opérant dans le secteur financier peuvent être soumises à des frais supplémentaires pour se conformer aux réglementations en matière de lutte contre le blanchiment d’argent et s’enregistre auprès du registre des conseillers financiers ou appliquer pour une licence FINMA.
Finally, companies operating in the energy sector may also be subject to additional expenses to comply with environmental standards. In all cases, you should factor the additional costs of regulations into the company's business plan. It is important to check with the relevant authorities to find out what regulations are specific to your industry and the associated costs.
Contact us to start your initial consultation now. We would be delighted to get to know you and define the next steps in your project to establish a company in Switzerland.
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