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Legal forms in Switzerland

AG or GmbH – the right legal form for your structure

Choosing the legal form is a key component of every company formation in Switzerland.


It influences liability, organization, capital structure and the long-term development of a company.

In practice, two legal forms are primarily used when setting up a company in Switzerland:

  • the public limited company (AG)

  • the limited liability company (GmbH)

Both forms are internationally recognized, clearly regulated by law, and suitable for different business objectives.

The public limited company (AG)

The public limited company is the classic legal form for entrepreneurial and international structures.

Key features:

  • Minimum share capital: CHF 100,000 (CHF 50,000 paid in minimum)

  • Shareholders are generally not publicly disclosed.

  • Liability is limited to the company's assets.

  • Clear separation between ownership and management

  • High acceptance in the international environment

 

The AG is particularly suitable for:

  • International entrepreneurs

  • Holding and investment structures

  • Larger or growth-oriented companies

  • Structures requiring increased discretion

 

Due to its structure, the AG offers a high degree of flexibility and professionalism.

Limited liability company (GmbH)

The GmbH (limited liability company) is a compact and clear legal form for small and medium-sized organizations.

 

Key features

  • Minimum capital: CHF 20,000

  • Liability is limited to the company's assets.

  • Shareholders are registered in the commercial register

  • Simpler organizational structure

  • Fewer formal requirements than for a public limited company (AG).

 

The limited liability company (GmbH) is particularly suitable for:

  • smaller entrepreneurial project operating companies

  • clearly defined business activities

  • Smaller structures with manageable administration
     

A limited liability company (GmbH) offers a direct and transparent framework for entrepreneurial activities.

How do you decide between a public limited company (AG) and a private limited company (GmbH)?

The choice between a public limited company (AG) and a private limited company (GmbH) is not a purely formal question.

 

It depends on:

  • the planned activity

  • international reference

  • the desired external positioning

  • the ownership structure

  • the long-term strategic direction

 

A careful assessment of these factors is crucial for a sustainable structure. Our Swiss structure check provides initial guidance on the appropriate legal form.

Practical application

The choice of legal form is the basis of every company formation in Switzerland.
It influences the structure, external impact, and subsequent development of the company.

 

We support our clients in classifying and selecting the appropriate legal form and integrate this into the incorporation process in a structured manner.

Company formation and company acquisition can, if desired, be implemented entirely digitally and remotely.

 

We are happy to make initial contact without obligation.

A short message is all it takes to start the exchange.

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