Founding a limited liability company (LLC) in Zurich
Founding a limited liability company (LLC) in Zurich: the path to your own company.
Founding a limited liability company (LLC) in Zurich
Establishing a limited liability company (LLC) in Zurich offers many advantages due to the dynamic economy and high quality of life. Zurich is the economic center of Switzerland with many potential customers and business partners. The city offers excellent infrastructure and a well-developed transportation network. You can register your limited liability company (LLC) easily with the Zurich Commercial Registry. Pay attention to local regulations, especially regarding business permits and tax obligations. The University of Zurich and the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETH) offer valuable networking opportunities for innovative business models. The many co-working spaces in the city are also a boon for start-ups.
Establish a limited liability company (LLC) in Zurich: here's how to do it!
Calculate a non-binding offer
Enter your start-up project conveniently online and benefit from cost sharing from our partners. In just a few steps you can compose your customized start-up package.
Enter the LLC's data
After calculating the non-binding offer, enter your company details. At this point you can order the formation of the limited liability company (LLC).
Get in touch
Our attorneys will contact you within the specified time (often less than 24 hours). You will receive all incorporation documents, discuss any uncertainties, and schedule a personal consultation.
Check the documents
You can consult, print and sign all the constituent documents at your convenience at home.
Authenticate signature
At this point you must obtain official certification of the signature (e.g., from the local authority). This confirms that the signature is indeed yours.
Entry in the commercial register
We submit all incorporation documents to the commercial register and ensure that your company is successfully registered in the commercial register. In the case of corporations, the paid-up capital is transferred to a business account after publication and is available to your company.
Celebrate
Congratulations on the successful founding of your company. Your limited liability company (LLC) is now active and can operate.
Definition of the LLC in Switzerland
We believe that personalized advice is the key to best understanding our clients' individual needs and challenges and offering tailored solutions.
Founding an LLC: Advantages
- Switzerland's largest economic center — access to the deepest talent pool
- Leading global financial hub (banking, asset management, fintech)
- Zurich Airport: major international hub with direct global connections
- Top-ranked universities: ETH Zurich, University of Zurich
- Vibrant startup ecosystem (Greater Zurich Area)
- Strong sectors: finance, pharma, IT, medtech, consulting
- Highest international recognition and business credibility
Founding an LLC: Disadvantages
- Highest commercial rents in Switzerland
- Above-average cantonal and municipal tax burden
- High salary benchmarks — significant labor costs
- Intense competition across all sectors
- Double taxation on LLC profits and dividends
- Swiss residency required for at least one managing director
What do I need to consider when setting up a limited liability company (LLC) in Zurich?
A minimum of CHF 20,000 (fully released) is required to establish a LLC. Info: The founder of an PLC or LLC cannot draw money from the pension fund because he is employed in his own company on the basis of an employment contract. He is therefore not considered self-employed under OASI law.
The LLC requires at least one partner and one managing director, which can be the same person. A managing director with signature authority must also be a resident of Switzerland.
The audit is mandatory for 10 or more employees. Under Article 727 CO, an LLC is subject to ordinary audit if it exceeds two of the following thresholds in two consecutive fiscal years: Balance sheet total: 20 million francs - Turnover: 40 million francs - Full-time employees: 250.
La vostra Sagl è soggetta all'imposta sul valore aggiunto solo se il suo fatturato supera i CHF 100'000.-. Tuttavia, è anche possibile applicare volontariamente l'IVA a un fatturato inferiore.
What you need to know about the LLC!
LLC Formation Requirements in Zurich
- Minimum share capital: CHF 20,000 (fully paid up)
- At least one managing director domiciled in Switzerland
- Notarial deed for articles of association
- Registration with the Zurich Commercial Register (Handelsregisteramt)
- Unique company name including "GmbH" / "LLC"
Key Legal Facts
- Partner liability capped at share capital contribution
- Annual financial statements required
- Audit exemption available for qualifying small LLCs
- VAT mandatory above CHF 100,000 annual turnover
Canton-Specific Notes
- Greater Zurich Area economic development agency offers free setup support
- ETH Zurich and UZH spin-off programs active — strong for deep tech LLCs
- Zurich's tax burden is offset by unmatched access to talent, capital and clients
- Leading Swiss canton for fintech, AI, pharma and professional services
Download the Checklist
Download the checklist for preparing for self-employment with a LLC in PDF format now!