Establishing a Joint Stock Company in Switzerland

Our lawyers can assist with the opening of a joint stock company (Aktiengesellschaft – AG) in Switzerland, the most common business form in this country. Discover below its requirements and our services for its creation.

What are the main traits of a Swiss joint stock corporation?

The following:

• it has its own legal status;
• the shareholders have limited liability for debts and obligations of the company based on their contribution to the capital;
• its shareholders can be natural persons or companies;
• it must have a board of directors.

NOTE: The joint stock company can be used for various commercial operations in Switzerland.

Is full foreign ownership available in a Swiss joint stock company?

Yes, just like in other types of Swiss companies.

Are there any special requirements to meet if I am a foreigner and want to open an AG in Switzerland?

If you want to move to Switzerland and run your business from here, you must observe the visa and residency requirements. However, you can also act as a foreign shareholder, in which case you are subject to conditions like participating in the Annual General Meeting.

Is joint stock company remote registration available in Switzerland?

Yes. Our Swiss lawyers can assist with remote registration services.

What is the minimum number of shareholders of a joint stock company in Switzerland?

The minimum number of shareholders is one.

What are the management requirements when opening a joint stock company in Switzerland?

The company must have a board of directors, with at least one director.

NOTE: Swiss AGs can only have natural persons as directors. Also, regardless of the board size, at least one person authorised to represent the company (a director or an executive officer) must be a Swiss resident.

More details on the joint stock company in Switzerland are available below: 

What is the minimum capital to register a joint stock company in Switzerland?

The minimum share capital is CHF 100,000.

NOTE: At least CHF 50,000 or 20% of the capital must be deposited upon registration (the higher amount must be deposited).

What other requirements are there to open a Swiss joint stock corporation?

The company must also have a legal seat in Switzerland.

What are the steps to set up a joint stock company in Switzerland?

The following:

1. trading name check;
2. Articles of Association drafting and submission to the Trade Register;
3. bank account opening;
4. tax registration;
5. licensing, if applicable.

What are the advantages of the joint stock company in Switzerland?

The main advantages of Swiss joint stock companies are:

• the limitation of responsibility to the company’s assets for shareholders,
• the shareholders are not listed in the public Commercial Register (beneficial owners must be reported to the non-public federal transparency register since 1 October 2026),
• the audited accounts of Swiss joint stock companies must be published only if the company is listed on the Stock Exchange.

What are the sectors in which a Swiss joint stock company can operate?

The Swiss joint stock company can undertake different business activities:

• trading,
• manufacturing,
• financial activities.

The joint stock company can also be employed as a Swiss holding company or as a subsidiary of a foreign entity.

What is the difference between a joint stock and a private limited liability company in Switzerland?

The joint stock company can trade its shares on the Stock Market, unlike the private company. From this point of view, the AG can increase its capital substantially by offering shares to the general public.

How long does it take to register an AG in Switzerland?

Approximately one month.

How is the AG taxed in Switzerland?

It must pay the corporate tax at the federal and cantonal levels. Also, due to Switzerland’s double taxation agreements, the taxation of dividends and interest can be subject to deductions.

For more information about opening a joint stock company, please contact our lawyers in Switzerland.