Service
Service
Canton Zug is where more than 6,000 companies have chosen to register — from crypto startups to multinational holding structures. The Handelsregister process is efficient, the tax rate is among Europe's lowest, and the local ecosystem provides direct access to banking, legal, and fiduciary services.
| Feature | GmbH | AG |
|---|---|---|
| Min. capital | CHF 20,000 (fully paid) | CHF 100,000 (min. CHF 50,000 paid) |
| Shareholder visibility | Publicly visible in register | Not disclosed in register |
| Governance | Managing director(s) | Board of directors |
| Best for | SMEs, startups, subsidiaries | Larger enterprises, investor structures |
| Audit requirement | Limited exam (opt-out possible) | Limited or ordinary exam |
Zug is home to Switzerland's Crypto Valley, with the highest concentration of blockchain and fintech companies in Europe. The Swiss DLT Act (DLT-Gesetz), in force since February 2021, provides a dedicated legal framework for tokenised securities and distributed ledger trading facilities — one of the most comprehensive regulatory frameworks for digital assets in the world.
Entity choice for crypto and blockchain businesses depends on activity type. An AG is the standard vehicle for token-issuing entities and exchange operators: bearer shares are not permitted in a GmbH, and the AG structure is better suited for investor participation and FINMA licensing. A Stiftung (foundation) is commonly used for protocol governance and DAO structures where there is no commercial shareholder. A Verein is an option for open-source developer communities with no profit motive.
FINMA classifies tokens as payment tokens, utility tokens, or asset tokens. The applicable regulatory regime — and the required AML compliance structure — depends on this classification. Companies issuing or handling payment tokens or asset tokens typically require membership of a FINMA-supervised self-regulatory organisation (SRO) or, for larger operations, a FINMA licence under the Banking Act or FinIA. We coordinate with specialist crypto counsel on FINMA classification and SRO onboarding where required.
Bank account opening for Crypto Valley entities requires specific preparation. Cantonal and national banks apply heightened KYC for blockchain businesses. The most reliable options for newly formed crypto entities are SEBA Bank and Sygnum Bank — both FINMA-licensed and built for digital asset companies — and selected neobank platforms with clear virtual asset policies. We include bank introductions as part of our Crypto Valley formation service.
Our GmbH formation fee of CHF 3,500 covers all fiduciary work from drafting the articles to handing over the registration confirmation. Notary fees and registry fees are charged separately (approx. CHF 1,000–1,500 total). AG formation from CHF 5,500.
The table above shows the headline numbers. Here is what those numbers mean in practice.
A GmbH (Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung) requires a minimum share capital of CHF 20'000, fully paid up at formation. Shares are not freely transferable without the consent of co-shareholders, unless the articles of association provide otherwise. This makes the GmbH well suited to closely held companies, family businesses, and single-owner structures. Managing directors need not be shareholders. The company is listed in the Handelsregister with the names of its shareholders publicly visible.
An AG (Aktiengesellschaft) requires a minimum share capital of CHF 100'000, with at least CHF 50'000 (or 50%) paid in at formation. Shares are freely transferable unless the articles restrict transfer. An AG is required for companies seeking external investors, venture capital, or eventual listing on a stock exchange. The board of directors (Verwaltungsrat) must have a minimum of one member. An annual general meeting (Generalversammlung) is required by law.
For most international clients establishing a Swiss subsidiary or holding vehicle, the GmbH is the standard choice: lower capital requirement, no AGM obligation, and a simpler governance structure. We advise on the appropriate structure at the initial consultation, taking into account ownership, planned activities, and tax considerations.
Registering the company is one step. Compliance obligations begin immediately after the Handelsregister entry date.
We provide a post-formation compliance checklist to every client on the day of Handelsregister confirmation. Nothing is left to chance.
All company formation engagements are handled by EXPERTsuisse certified fiduciaries. We are licensed by the Swiss Federal Audit Oversight Authority (RAB) and operate under Swiss professional secrecy obligations.
FAQ
From signing the articles of association to entry in the Commercial Register takes 2–5 business days in Zug. The main variable is notary scheduling. The company acquires legal personality on the date of Commercial Register entry — not before.
The minimum share capital for a GmbH is CHF 20,000, fully paid up at formation. For an AG, the minimum authorised share capital is CHF 100,000, of which at least CHF 50,000 (or 50%) must be paid in at formation. Capital is deposited into a blocked account before the notarial deed.
Yes. There is no Swiss citizenship or residency requirement for shareholders or directors of a GmbH or AG. However, at least one person authorised to represent the company (managing director or board member) must be domiciled in Switzerland. Our resident director service fulfils this requirement.
Yes — a capital deposit account at a Swiss bank is required before the notarial deed. This is not the same as the company's operating account; it is a blocked account released after Commercial Register entry. We assist with bank account opening as part of the formation process.
All-inclusive from CHF 3,500. No hidden fees. Fast turnaround.
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From signed articles to Handelsregister entry in 2–5 business days. All-inclusive from CHF 3,500.