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 capital: CHF 100,000 (min. CHF 50,000 paid in)
Liability is limited to the company's assets.
Shareholders do not necessarily appear in public.
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
Mandates 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
Mandates with a manageable structure
A limited liability company (GmbH) offers a direct and transparent framework for entrepreneurial activities.
How do you decide: to found/buy a public limited company (AG) or 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 effect
the ownership structure
the long-term development horizon
A careful assessment of these factors is crucial for a sustainable structure. OurSwiss 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 society.
We support our clients in classifying and selecting the appropriate legal form and integrate this into the founding process in a structured manner.
Company formation and the purchase of a company can, if desired, be carried out entirely digitally and remotely.
We are happy to make initial contact without obligation.
A short message is all it takes to start the exchange.