Establish a limited liability company (LLC) in the Canton of Geneva
Establishing a limited liability company (LLC) in Canton Geneva: the path to your own company.
Establish a limited liability company (LLC) in the Canton of Geneva
Establishing a limited liability company (LLC) in Geneva offers unique advantages due to its role as an international center for diplomacy and trade. Geneva is an important hub, especially in the financial services, trade and NGO sectors. The Geneva Trade Registry provides comprehensive information and a clear registration process. The city is home to many international organizations and multinational companies, offering a strong network and numerous business opportunities. In addition, Geneva has excellent infrastructure, a multilingual workforce and a high quality of life, elements that can effectively support entrepreneurial efforts.
Establish a limited liability company (LLC) in Canton Geneva: 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 details of the limited liability company
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.
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.
Establishing a LLC: advantages
Setting up a limited liability company (LLC) in Geneva allows you to benefit from an international network of organizations and companies. The city offers high-level infrastructure, a multilingual workforce and a high quality of life, making it an ideal environment for sectors such as financial services and NGOs.
Establishing a LLC: disadvantages
Establishing a limited liability company (LLC) in Geneva has disadvantages such as high office and housing costs, which can be prohibitive for small businesses. Bureaucracy related to registration and approvals can be complex and time-consuming. The strong presence of international organizations and multinational companies can make it difficult for small local businesses to compete. In addition, tax regulations and multilingual personnel expenses can significantly increase operating costs.
What should I consider if I want to establish a limited liability company (LLC) in Geneva Canton?
A minimum of CHF 20,000 (fully paid up) is required to establish a LLC.
Info: The founder of an PLC or LLC cannot draw on pension fund money 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.
Your LLC is subject to value added tax only if its turnover exceeds CHF 100,000. However, you can also voluntarily apply VAT to a lower turnover.
Useful information about the LLC
Establishing a limited liability company (LLC) in Switzerland requires attention to several legal and administrative issues. Here are the main points to consider:
Choice of Company Name
- The name must be unique and not confusable with other registered companies.
- It must contain the abbreviation “LLC” to indicate the type of company.
Share Capital
- The minimum share capital is CHF 20,000.
- It must be fully paid up before registration.
Members and Shares
- There can be one or more partners.
- Each member must have at least one share.
- Partners are liable up to the amount of their shares.
Advantages of establishing a limited liability company (LLC) in Switzerland
- Limited Liability:
- Partners are only liable up to the amount of their shares. This limits personal financial risks in case of debts of the company.
- Partners are only liable up to the amount of their shares. This limits personal financial risks in case of debts of the company.
- Minimum Share Capital:
- The required minimum share capital of CHF 20,000 is relatively affordable compared to other forms of companies, facilitating the establishment of new companies.
- The required minimum share capital of CHF 20,000 is relatively affordable compared to other forms of companies, facilitating the establishment of new companies.
- Credibility and Trust:
- A LLC is seen as a solid and reputable corporate form, which can increase the trust of customers, suppliers and investors.
- A LLC is seen as a solid and reputable corporate form, which can increase the trust of customers, suppliers and investors.
- Flexible Structure:
- LLC offer a flexible organizational structure, allowing the easy addition of new members and changes in administration.
- LLC offer a flexible organizational structure, allowing the easy addition of new members and changes in administration.
- Tax Advantages:
- Switzerland offers a competitive tax environment with relatively low tax rates and numerous double taxation agreements that can benefit the company.
- Switzerland offers a competitive tax environment with relatively low tax rates and numerous double taxation agreements that can benefit the company.
Disadvantages of establishing a limited liability company (LLC) in Switzerland
- Initial Costs:
- Incorporation costs, including notary and registration costs, can be high.
- Incorporation costs, including notary and registration costs, can be high.
- Administrative Complexity:
- Administrative management can be complex, requiring detailed bookkeeping and compliance with strict legal requirements.
- Administrative management can be complex, requiring detailed bookkeeping and compliance with strict legal requirements.
- Double Taxation:
- Company profits are taxed at the corporate level, and dividends distributed to shareholders are subject to income tax, leading to possible double taxation.
- Company profits are taxed at the corporate level, and dividends distributed to shareholders are subject to income tax, leading to possible double taxation.
- Audit Obligations:
- Although small businesses may opt for exemption from audit, many LLCs are still subject to audit, leading to additional costs.
- Although small businesses may opt for exemption from audit, many LLCs are still subject to audit, leading to additional costs.
- Residency Obligations:
- At least one director must be a resident of Switzerland, which can be a difficulty for foreign partners wishing to form an LLC.
- At least one director must be a resident of Switzerland, which can be a difficulty for foreign partners wishing to form an LLC.
These advantages and disadvantages should be carefully considered by anyone wishing to establish an LLC in Switzerland to ensure that this corporate form is suitable for their business needs and objectives.
Download the Checklist
Download the checklist for preparing for self-employment with a LLC in PDF format now!