Shelf Companies in Switzerland
Effortless Business Launch with Taurus Legal Group
At Taurus Legal Group, we make entering the Swiss market a breeze through our extensive range of shelf company services. Our ready-made companies are strategically designed to enable immediate business operations, saving you the time and hassle usually associated with starting a new venture. By opting for one of our shelf companies, you gain access to a fully compliant business entity, ensuring a smooth and swift entry into the market without the typical legal hurdles.
Our ready-made companies are meticulously maintained and free from any past liabilities, giving you peace of mind as you commence trading. Whether you require an AG (Aktiengesellschaft) or a GmbH (Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung), Taurus Legal Group is dedicated to providing tailored solutions that meet your unique business requirements.
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Advantages of registration of business in Switzerland:
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Prestigious status jurisdiction: Switzerland is not an offshore zone, but is known for its high status and business reputation.
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High security and stability: Switzerland is renowned for its political stability, legal security and financial soundness.
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Suitable for large holdings and multinational corporations: Switzerland offers favorable conditions for the creation and management of large companies and holdings.
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Tax treaties: Switzerland has over 100 signed tax treaties with various countries, including Ukraine, which helps to reduce tax liabilities.
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Company and account in the same jurisdiction: Registering a business in Switzerland allows you to have a company and a bank account in the same jurisdiction, making it easier to manage your finances.
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Support for IT and fintech: Switzerland actively supports the development of the information technology and fintech sector at the state level.
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Low VAT rate: Switzerland offers one of the lowest VAT rates in Europe, which can be beneficial for businesses.
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Shareholder Confidentiality: Shareholder information of joint stock companies (AGs) is confidential.
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the best options for you
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Swiss taxes
The tax system in Switzerland differs from the classical European model. Switzerland is divided into 26 cantons, which in turn are divided into municipalities, which leads to the application of a three-tier system of taxation.
8,5%
Federal tax
7,7% (preferential 3,7%,2,5%)
VAT
35%
Dividends
35%
Percent
until 3%
Stamp duty
Mandatory VAT registration by the payer is required if the company has a turnover of more than 100,000 CHF/year.
Corporate tax rates are paid at 3 levels of administrative units: federation, canton, municipality. The single federal rate is 8.5%.
It is also supplemented by rates at other levels, their total set often does not exceed 25%, and in some cases it can be about 12%.
Each canton is independent, has its own constitution, legislation and taxes. Accordingly, the general corporate tax of the company will differ from canton to canton.
Holding structures do not pay corporate tax at the cantonal level, but are taxed at a rate of 8.5%.
For tax purposes, we recommend considering the cantons of Zug, Nidwalden, Lucerne. Zug is popular among crypto investors for its stakes, the so-called Crypto Valley is located here with more than 50 start-up projects in the field of ICO.
Tax rates on passive income (dividends and interest) can be optimized through double taxation agreements, in the case of Ukraine it can be reduced to 5%.
Company Forms
In Switzerland, there are various forms of entrepreneurship that allow you to open a business. For non-residents, the most suitable options are Limited Liability Company (GmbH) and Joint Stock Company (AG).
In addition, other forms of entrepreneurship are also available, including self-employed, partnership, cooperative, and branch. Each of these forms has its own characteristics and requirements, which may be relevant depending on the specific needs and goals of the business.
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Legal requirements
When registering a company in Switzerland, some requirements and restrictions apply to the capital, shareholders, directors, auditors and register of beneficiaries. Here are some features in these areas:
Capital:
The minimum authorized capital for registering a company is 20,000 CHF. The entire amount must be paid in full before registering the company.
Shareholder (participant):
To create a company, at least one private or corporate person is required, regardless of their residency. It can be both a resident of Switzerland and a non-resident.
Director:
At least one private person with Swiss residence must be appointed to the position of director. However, it is possible to use a nominee service to provide the services of a director. Subsequent directors may be non-residents.
Secretary:
The legislation does not require a secretary, but his appointment is optional and depends on the desire of the company.
Auditor:
The position of an auditor is mandatory. The company must have an auditor who audits the company’s financial statements.
Register of beneficiaries:
In 2023, it is planned to introduce a register of beneficiaries, where information will be available only to the competent authorities. This will ensure the confidentiality of data about the beneficiaries of the company.
Reporting
All companies in Switzerland, regardless of their form (GmbH or AG), are required to keep accounting records and submit annual financial statements to the tax authorities. This is an important requirement for transparency and tax compliance.
In addition, large enterprises that meet certain criteria are also subject to mandatory audit. If a company meets at least two of the following criteria for two consecutive years: annual turnover exceeds 40,000,000 CHF, value of assets exceeds 20,000,000 CHF or the number of employees is more than 250 people, then it needs to audit its financial statements.
It should also be noted that companies registered as VAT payers (VAT) must submit quarterly VAT returns. This requirement helps to control compliance with VAT tax obligations.
Required documents
When opening a company in Switzerland, the following documents may be required. This list is indicative and may vary depending on specific requirements and jurisdictions:
- Three desired names for the company.
- Description of the directions of the future work of the company.
- A business plan that describes the goals, strategy and development plans of the company.
- National and foreign passports of the shareholder (participant of the company), translated into English and notarized.
- Proof of shareholder registration address, such as a utility bill or other proof of residence.
- Certificate from the bank in English, confirming the existence of a personal account of the shareholder and containing information about the name, surname and address of the shareholder.
- Shareholder’s resume (CV) in English, providing information on professional experience, education and skills.
The standard set of documents may include other requirements, for example, notarized documents on the establishment of the company and the appointment of a director, as well as documents confirming the source of financing of the company.
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Additional services
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Services of a hired (nominee) director 600 EUR
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Hired (nominee) shareholder services 250 EUR
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3
Fiduciary service (individual)
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