Swiss Sàrl Formation
A Swiss Sàrl is the most widely used business structure in Switzerland — for residents, non-residents, entrepreneurs, consultants and international holding structures alike. Known as GmbH in German-speaking cantons and Sagl in Italian-speaking cantons, it is the same legal entity: flexible, credible and accessible to founders of any nationality.
From our Geneva base, SGCS handles the complete formation — from articles of association and notarisation to resident director, domiciliation and bank account opening.
At a glance: Swiss Sàrl
| Legal form | Sàrl (FR) / GmbH (DE) / Sagl (IT) |
| Minimum capital | CHF 20,000 — fully paid up |
| Foreign ownership | 100% permitted |
| Resident director | Mandatory — provided by SGCS |
| Domiciliation | Included — Geneva or canton of your choice |
| Setup timeline | 2 to 4 weeks |
| Bank account | Introduced from our Geneva network |
| Our base | Geneva, Switzerland — 20+ years experience |
| Languages | English, French, Spanish |
Why choose a Swiss Sàrl?
CHF 20,000 minimum capital — immediately deployable. Your capital is released after registration and available for business expenses from day one.
100% foreign ownership. No Swiss partner required. Residents and non-residents can own and control their company entirely.
Swiss credibility from day one. A Swiss Sàrl or GmbH signals stability, quality and substance to clients, partners and banks worldwide.
Lower entry cost than an SA. The SA requires CHF 100,000 minimum capital. For consultants, SMEs and entrepreneurs establishing a Swiss base, the Sàrl is the efficient choice.
Operational flexibility. One member and one managing director is sufficient — the same person can hold both positions.
Sàrl vs SA: which is right for you?
| Criterion | Sàrl / GmbH | SA |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum capital | CHF 20,000 | CHF 100,000 |
| Members public | Yes | No |
| Share transfer | Notarised | Private |
| Ideal for | Consultants, SMEs, individual founders | Holdings, investors, fundraising |
We confirm the right structure for your situation before any commitment.
The resident director requirement
Swiss law requires at least one director domiciled in Switzerland — for both residents and non-residents who do not live in Switzerland.
SGCS provides a qualified resident director from our Geneva office — registered at the commercial register, representing your company before Swiss authorities, banks and the tax administration.
Bank account — started in parallel
Swiss banks conduct full KYC on all beneficial owners before approving any application. From our Geneva base, we prepare your complete banking file and introduce your Sàrl to a bank suited to your profile — started in parallel with incorporation so your company is registered and banking at the same time.
What SGCS provides — the complete Sàrl package
Swiss Sàrl incorporation. Articles of association, notarisation, commercial register filing — all cantons covered.
Resident director. Provided from our Geneva office — legal requirement satisfied from day one.
Domiciliation. A real registered office address in your chosen canton.
Bank account opening. Complete banking file prepared and introduced to the right Swiss institution.
Accounting and compliance. Annual accounts, tax filings, commercial register updates — ongoing compliance managed from Geneva.
Three languages. English, French and Spanish.
Comparison: Swiss Sàrl vs other structures
| Criterion | Swiss Sàrl | Irish LTD | UK LTD | Hungarian Kft |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corporate tax | 11–15% | 12.5% | 19–25% | 9% |
| EU member | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| Minimum capital | CHF 20,000 | €1 | £1 | ~€7,500 |
| Resident director | Yes | EEA or bond | No | No |
| Best for | Swiss presence, premium | EU market | Global credibility | Low-tax EU |
FAQ: Swiss Sàrl Formation
Can a non-resident own a Swiss Sàrl?
Yes — 100% foreign ownership is permitted. The resident director requirement applies to the company, not the owner.
What is the difference between Sàrl, GmbH and Sagl?
They are the same legal entity — Sàrl in French-speaking cantons, GmbH in German-speaking cantons, Sagl in Italian-speaking cantons.
Can I form a Swiss Sàrl without travelling to Switzerland?
Yes. Formation is completed remotely through a power of attorney. No travel required.
How long does Swiss Sàrl formation take?
2 to 4 weeks from document preparation to commercial register inscription.
Can residents also form a Sàrl with SGCS?
Yes. We assist both Swiss residents and non-residents with the complete formation package.
Ready to form your Swiss Sàrl?
Send us two lines about your project. We confirm the right canton, structure and timeline — before any commitment.