Switzerland offers two main private vehicles: the GmbH (Sàrl) for smaller businesses and the AG (SA) for larger or capital-raising ventures.
Capital
A GmbH requires CHF 20,000 share capital, fully paid in. An AG requires CHF 100,000, of which at least CHF 50,000 must be paid up at incorporation.
Notarial deed and register
Incorporation is by public (notarial) deed and entry in the cantonal Commercial Register (Handelsregister). Capital is deposited in a blocked account and released on registration.
The resident-signatory rule
The company must have at least one person resident in Switzerland who can represent it with signing authority (a managing officer or director). This requirement is the main obstacle for purely foreign teams. VAT registration applies above CHF 100,000 turnover.
For foreign founders
Foreigners can own a Swiss company, but the resident-signatory rule usually means appointing a local director or representative. A verified Swiss colleague can structure this and handle the notarial and register steps.
Cantonal practice and capital rules differ — confirm with admitted Swiss counsel.