Start an AG (Corporation) in Switzerland.
Form your own Aktiengesellschaft from scratch. Full incorporation support from drafting articles of association to commercial register entry — typically completed in 3 to 4 weeks.
What Is an AG (Aktiengesellschaft)?
The AG — Aktiengesellschaft — is the Swiss equivalent of a corporation or joint-stock company. It is the most prestigious legal form in Switzerland and the entity of choice for larger enterprises, holding structures, and businesses planning to raise external capital.
Governed by Articles 620–763 of the Swiss Code of Obligations (OR), the AG offers shareholders limited liability, the ability to issue shares freely, and a high degree of privacy — shareholders are not listed in the public commercial register.
Whether you are establishing a trading company, a holding vehicle, or a Swiss presence for an international group, the AG provides the structural flexibility and credibility you need. For a broader view of entity types, see our company formation overview.
Why Form an AG in Switzerland
Shareholder Anonymity
AG shareholders are not disclosed in the commercial register, unlike GmbH quota holders. Ideal for privacy-conscious entrepreneurs and international investors.
Easier Share Transfer
Shares can be transferred without notarial involvement (for registered shares by endorsement, for bearer shares by delivery), making ownership changes fast and cost-effective.
Credibility & Prestige
The AG is the gold standard of Swiss business entities. It signals financial strength and institutional-grade governance to clients, banks, and partners.
Raising Capital
The AG can issue shares to raise equity, create authorized or conditional capital increases, and is the only Swiss entity form eligible for a stock exchange listing.
AG Formation at a Glance
Min. Capital
CHF 100K
Paid-In at Start
50%
Timeline
3–4 Weeks
Min. Directors
1
Min. Shareholders
1
Audit Opt-Out
<10 FTE
The Formation Process
Draft Articles of Association
The articles of association (Statuten) define the company's name, registered office, purpose, share capital, share structure, and governance rules. They must comply with the mandatory provisions of Swiss corporate law. We draft these to your specifications while ensuring legal compliance.
Open Capital Deposit Account
A capital deposit account (Kapitaleinzahlungskonto) is opened at a Swiss bank. At least CHF 50,000 (50% of the minimum CHF 100,000 share capital) must be deposited before incorporation. The bank issues a capital deposit confirmation required for the notarial deed.
Notarial Deed of Incorporation
The founders appear before a Swiss public notary to execute the deed of incorporation (Errichtungsakt). This includes the adoption of the articles, the appointment of the board of directors and auditor (if applicable), and the subscription of shares. A licensed auditor must confirm the capital contribution.
Commercial Register Entry
The notary files the incorporation documents with the cantonal commercial register (Handelsregisteramt). The AG legally comes into existence upon registration. The entry is published in the Swiss Official Gazette of Commerce (SOGC / Zefix). This step typically takes 1–2 weeks.
Post-Registration Setup
After registration, the capital deposit account is converted to a regular business account. You register for VAT (if applicable), set up social security contributions (AHV/IV), arrange insurance, and begin operations. We assist with all post-registration compliance steps.
Formation Timeline
Preparation
Draft articles of association, verify company name availability, collect founder identification documents.
Capital Deposit
Open capital deposit account at a Swiss bank and transfer at least CHF 50,000 (50% of share capital).
Notarial Deed
Execute the deed of incorporation before a Swiss public notary. Appoint board and auditor.
Register Entry
Notary submits documents to the commercial register. AG comes into legal existence upon registration.
Go Operational
Convert deposit account, register for VAT and social security, begin business operations.
Key Legal Requirements
Articles of Association
The articles of association must contain the company name (including "AG"), the registered office, the purpose, the share capital amount and currency, the number and nominal value of shares, the share type (registered or bearer), and the rules for convening shareholder meetings. Additional provisions — such as transfer restrictions, tag-along / drag-along clauses, or profit-sharing preferences — can be included.
Board of Directors
The AG must have at least one board member. Under Art. 718 OR, at least one person authorized to represent the company must be domiciled in Switzerland. This can be a director with individual signatory power or a managing director. If you do not have a Swiss-resident director, our nominee director service fulfills this requirement.
Auditor Requirements
Swiss law provides three tiers of audit obligations for an AG:
- Ordinary audit: Required if the AG exceeds two of: CHF 20 million revenue, CHF 40 million balance sheet total, 250 FTE employees.
- Limited audit (review): Applies to all other AGs by default.
- Opt-out: If the AG has fewer than 10 FTE and all shareholders unanimously consent, the company can opt out of auditing entirely.
Shareholder Meetings
The annual general meeting (Generalversammlung) must be held within six months of the financial year end. It approves the annual accounts, decides on profit distribution, elects the board and auditor, and discharges the board from liability. Extraordinary meetings can be called by the board, the auditor, or shareholders holding at least 10% of the share capital.
Ongoing Obligations
After formation, your AG must maintain proper bookkeeping and prepare annual financial statements in accordance with Swiss GAAP. Federal and cantonal/communal tax returns must be filed annually. A registered office address in Switzerland must be maintained at all times. Our accounting and tax team handles all of this for you.
Not Sure Which Entity?
The AG and GmbH are the two main Swiss corporate forms. The right choice depends on your capital, privacy needs, and growth plans.
Start Your AG
Contact us for a free initial consultation. We handle every step from articles of association to commercial register entry — so you can focus on business.
Complementary Services
Nominee Director
Fulfill the Swiss residency requirement for your AG's board of directors with our professional nominees.
Bank Account
We open your capital deposit account and convert it to a full business account after registration.
Accounting & Tax
Ongoing bookkeeping, annual accounts, and tax filings to keep your new AG fully compliant.
Shelf Company AG
Need a company faster? Buy a pre-registered, debt-free AG and start operating in 24–48 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum share capital for a Swiss AG?
The minimum share capital for a Swiss AG is CHF 100,000. At least 50% (CHF 50,000) must be paid in at the time of incorporation, per Art. 632 of the Swiss Code of Obligations (OR). The remaining balance can be called in later by the board of directors.
How long does it take to form an AG in Switzerland?
A typical AG formation takes 3 to 4 weeks from start to commercial register entry. The timeline depends on how quickly documents are prepared, the notarial appointment is scheduled, and the commercial register processes the application.
Can a foreign national form a Swiss AG?
Yes. There are no nationality restrictions on founding or owning a Swiss AG. However, at least one member of the board of directors with individual signatory power must be resident in Switzerland (Art. 718 OR). Foreign founders can use a nominee director service to meet this requirement.
Does a board member need to be a Swiss resident?
Yes. Under Art. 718 OR, at least one person authorized to represent the company (typically a board member with individual signatory power) must be domiciled in Switzerland. This can be fulfilled through a nominee director arrangement.
Should I buy a shelf AG or form a new one?
A shelf AG gives you an operational company within 24–48 hours, which is ideal if speed is critical. Forming a new AG takes 3–4 weeks but allows you to customize articles of association, share structure, and purpose clause from scratch. The choice depends on your timeline and customization needs.
How much does it cost to form an AG in Switzerland?
Beyond the CHF 100,000 share capital, formation costs typically include notary fees (CHF 1,500–3,000), commercial register fees (approx. CHF 600), and professional advisory fees. Total out-of-pocket costs (excluding share capital) generally range from CHF 3,000 to CHF 8,000 depending on complexity.
Does a Swiss AG need an auditor?
It depends on the company's size. An ordinary audit is required if the AG exceeds CHF 20 million in revenue, CHF 40 million in assets, or 250 full-time employees. A limited audit applies to smaller companies. An AG can opt out of any audit entirely if it has fewer than 10 full-time employees and all shareholders consent.
Are AG shareholders anonymous?
Shareholders of a Swiss AG are not listed in the commercial register, providing a degree of privacy not available with a GmbH. However, the AG must maintain an internal share register, and beneficial owners holding 25% or more must be identified under anti-money laundering regulations.
What is the difference between bearer and registered shares?
Registered shares (Namenaktien) are recorded in the company's share register and linked to a named holder. Bearer shares (Inhaberaktien) historically offered full anonymity but now require identification of the holder under Swiss law reforms effective since 2019. Both types can be used in a Swiss AG.
Can I pay the share capital in kind instead of cash?
Yes. Swiss law allows contributions in kind (Sacheinlage) such as real estate, intellectual property, or other assets. The assets must be independently valued, and the articles of association must specify the in-kind contribution, the contributor, and the shares issued in return.
Can one person form and own a Swiss AG?
Yes. A single shareholder can found and own 100% of a Swiss AG. There is no requirement for multiple shareholders. The sole shareholder can also serve as the sole board member, provided they meet the Swiss residency requirement.
What are the annual costs and obligations of a Swiss AG?
Ongoing obligations include preparing annual financial statements, filing tax returns (federal and cantonal), holding an annual general meeting of shareholders, and maintaining a registered office in Switzerland. Annual costs vary but typically include accounting fees, tax advisory, registered office, and domicile fees — generally CHF 5,000 to CHF 15,000 for a small AG.