Country Profile

Ideally located at the centre of Europe, Switzerland is an internationally renowned financial centre. Benefiting from strong relationships with the EU, Switzerland is not a member state, allowing for autonomy from the issues of the EU. Switzerland is a confederation: each Canton (26) is managed autonomously. Thanks to their favourable tax system, Swiss companies are ideal for international tax planning purposes and are also a symbol of prestige.

Company Types

There are two main types of companies in Switzerland: the Société Anonyme [public company] (A.G.) and the Société à Responsabilité Limitée [Limited Liability Company] (GmbH).

Jurisdiction Advantages

Switzerland offers a high level of confidentiality for the international business owner. Coupled with the fact that Switzerland is an extremely stable jurisdiction with an international recognized and respected reputation, making the jurisdiction an astute choice for international tax planning.

A Swiss company is ideal for:

• Investment Advisory

• International business Consultants

• Holding vehicles

• Holding intellectual property rights

• For the custody of movable and immovable property

• For inheritance purposes

• Investments in Stocks / forex

Switzerland has signed Double Taxation Treaties with the following countries: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Egypt, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Pakistan, Portugal, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Trinidad and Tobago, USA.

Corporate Requirements

The minimum authorized share capital for the the Société Anonyme [public company] (A.G.)  is CHF 100,000 and the minimum paid up share capital is CHF 50,000.

The minimum authorized share capital for the Société à Responsabilité Limitée [Limited Liability Company] (GmbH) is CHF 20,000 and the minimum paid up share capital is CHF 20,000.

The minimum number of directors is one. Director can be of any nationality and need not be resident but the majority of directors must be Swiss citizens and resident in Switzerland. Corporate directors are not permitted in Swiss companies.

The minimum number of shareholders is one. Nominee Shareholders and Nominee Directors are Allowed. Swiss authorities, for the purpose of incorporation, do not require the Personal Presence of the beneficial owners of the company. Swiss companies must file annual accounts and in some cases annual audit is also required.

Corporate Tax Rates

A Registered Office is required
 and must be maintained in the Canton of incorporation. Callamus incorporates in the Canton of Zug, famous for its favourable taxation system, with corporate tax at  9% for companies performing business abroad and between 20-30% for companies performing business in Switzerland.

Company Formation

Some restrictions apply on certain trading
 activities: Banking, insurance, assurance, reinsurance, fund management, collective investment schemes, trust management. The recommended company type, which has universal appeal for both its flexibility and low maintenance costs, is the GmBH. The time frame for incorporating a GmBH company is 10-14 days. Of course, our consultants will analyse your business model requirements to recommend the right company for your specific needs.

Incorporation Fees

The cost to incorporate a GmBH is 5,000 CHF.