Starting a business (LLC) in the Canton of Geneva
Starting a business (LLC) in Canton Geneva: the path to your own company.
Starting a business (LLC) in the Canton of Geneva
Starting a limited liability company 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.
Start a limited liability company 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 LLC's data
After calculating the non-binding offer, enter your company details. At this point you can order the incorporation of the company.
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 company 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.
Starting an LLC: Advantages
- Global financial and diplomatic center — home to 40+ international organizations
- Exceptional international workforce and multilingual environment
- Strong institutional investor and private banking ecosystem
- Geneva International Airport with intercontinental connections
- Strong trading, commodities and fintech AG cluster
- Prestigious international AG address
Starting an LLC: Disadvantages
- Among the highest commercial rents in Switzerland
- High salary expectations and competitive labor market
- Higher cantonal and municipal tax burden
- Swiss residency required for at least one board member
- AG incorporation and compliance costs are high
What should I consider if I want to start a limited liability company in Canton Geneva?
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.
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.
What you need to know about the LLC!
AG Incorporation Requirements in Geneva
- Minimum share capital: CHF 100,000 (at least CHF 50,000 paid up)
- At least one board member domiciled in Switzerland
- Notarial deed required for articles of association
- Registration with the Geneva Commercial Register (RC)
- Company name must include "SA" (French) / "AG"
Key Legal Facts
- Shareholder liability limited to share capital
- Annual financial statements and board report mandatory
- Statutory audit required (ordinary or limited depending on size)
- VAT registration required above CHF 100,000 annual turnover
Canton-Specific Notes
- Ideal for trading, finance, commodities and international holding AGs
- Geneva Entreprise offers business setup support
- French is the primary working language — factor into corporate governance