Establish your AG
in Switzerland with Nexova
- Free initial consultation
- Fully digital service
- Attractive prices
Prices for establishing an AG
Our all-inclusive launch packages
AG Basic
What's included
- Personal legal consultation
- Defining business purpose
- Business name check
- Preparation of founding documents
- Drafting the bylaws
- Notary fees
- Notary fees
- Commercial register entry
- VAT consultation
AG Plus
What's included
- All in Basic, and:
- Insurance registration
- VAT registration
popular
package
Additional costs (excluded)
| Signature certification (per signature) | CHF 20 |
|---|---|
| Commercial register fee | CHF 600 to 700 |
What is a Corporation (AG)?
A solid foundation for big goals.
Is an AG the right choice for you?
Designed for growth and stability
The corporation (AG) is the ideal choice for entrepreneurs who want to build a growth-oriented and scalable business. This business structure offers the advantage of limited liability, separates personal finances from business risks, and provides the necessary flexibility for growth and investments.
The formalized legal framework also enhances credibility and creditworthiness, making the AG the preferred choice for companies seeking recognition and access to capital.
An AG is particularly beneficial when:
You want to limit your personal liability and protect your private assets.
You want to attract investors or raise capital through the issuance of shares.
Your company needs a formal framework to operate in Switzerland or internationally.
Credibility with partners, customers, and financial institutions is crucial for the success of your business.
You want to take advantage of the tax benefits offered by corporations.
Book a free initial consultation
with our experts.
Why establish an AG in Switzerland?
A corporation offers significant advantages for growing businesses
Fiduciary
Service
Limited liability
Protects your private assets by limiting liability to the paid-in share capital.
Scalability
Ideal for companies planning rapid expansion or entering international markets.
Tradable shares
The shares of an AG are easily tradable, providing flexibility and liquidity. If needed, contractual or legal restrictions can be added to maintain control.
Tax benefits
Offers opportunities to optimize tax liabilities through corporate tax planning strategies.
Credibility
An AG builds trust with customers, investors, and financial institutions, facilitating capital raising and access to loans.
Scalability
An AG allows for anonymous ownership, improving privacy and discretion for shareholders.
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with our experts.
AG vs GmbH: Battle of the Giants
Choose the structure that aligns with your goals.
Book a free initial
consultation with our experts.
The legal forms in Switzerland at a glance
In the initial consultation, we provide free advice on the optimal legal form
Ideal for small business ventures with low investment needs. The cost-effective start for freelancers.
Suitable for SMEs that want to limit liability and start with manageable share capital.
Optimal for companies that want to raise capital and limit liability to the company’s assets.
Recommended for partners who want to run a business together and share responsibility and risk.
Book a free initial consultation
with our experts.
Starting an AG as a Foreigner?
Nexova provides you with comprehensive support
Do you need more information
about the director services?
How does Nexova help you establish your business?
Nexova ensures a smooth and legally compliant setup
Strategy
Receive tailored advice on choosing the right business structure, adapting your business to Swiss regulations, and understanding tax and liability obligations. Our experts customize their advice to your goals and business model.
Execution
Nexova handles all administrative aspects and frees you from tedious bureaucracy. From creating documents and providing VAT advice to registration in the commercial register, we ensure that every step is carried out correctly, saving you time and avoiding stress.
Ongoing support
Nexova is there for you even after registration. We assist with VAT registration, social security contributions, and all other ongoing administrative requirements, ensuring that your business remains compliant with the law and well-organized.
Book a free initial consultation
with our experts.
What makes Nexova stand out?
Choosing the right partner for your business formation is key to success.
Broad experience
Nexova’s deep knowledge of Swiss regulations minimizes risk and maximizes efficiency for new businesses.
Personalized advice
We prioritize your goals, tailoring guidance to fit your unique business needs.
Flexibility
Our services adapt to your budget and schedule – perfect for freelancers, SMEs, and global businesses alike.
Fully digital
Nexova’s digital process lets you manage everything remotely, no office visits or paperwork needed.
Highly efficient
We ensure a fast, smooth process, helping you start your business without delay.
Complete trust
Nexova values long-term relationships, providing confidential, transparent, and integrity-driven service.
Book a free initial consultation
with our experts.
Discover our expert articles
Up-to-date knowledge for your business
The Fiduciary Profession: Transformation in the Digital Era
The fiduciary – a profession that has been one of Switzerland’s most recognised qualifications for over 30 years! A quick glance at their core responsibilities explains why. Today’s fiduciary is far more than just a numbers expert. Instead, they combine competencies from a variety of fields such as financial accounting, tax consulting, and business advisory. For companies, they act as a trusted support in complex matters. Like many other industries, digital transformation has had a major impact on the fiduciary profession. Routine tasks can now be digitised with ease, allowing fiduciaries to focus on in-depth, future-oriented consulting. So what will the fiduciary’s career path look like in the future? And is this the right profession for you?
Optimizing Pension Fund Contributions with Voluntary Buy-Ins: A Guide for Swiss Employees
Voluntary buy-ins (also known as “purchases”) are one of the most effective tools to optimize your occupational pension contributions, reducing your tax burden today while strengthening your retirement benefits for the future. If you have a contribution gap in your 2nd pillar, it’s worth taking advantage of this opportunity for significant savings. This article explains how buy-ins work, when they’re allowed, and how to make the most of them — including timing strategies, tax planning tips, and combining them with Pillar 3a. Whether you’re mid-career or nearing retirement, understanding how and when to make a voluntary purchase can make a substantial difference to your long-term financial outcome.
Conversion of a sole proprietorship into a GmbH or AG
Many entrepreneurs begin their journey with a sole proprietorship. It's simple to set up, requires no minimum capital, and offers full control. But as the business grows, so do the legal, financial, and reputational demands. At some point, converting your company into another legal form – such as a GmbH or an AG – becomes a logical next step and offers numerous advantages. This article explains when and why converting your sole proprietorship makes sense, the legal mechanisms available for doing so, and how to complete the process correctly while avoiding unexpected tax consequences.
Value Added Tax Exempt and Zero-Rated Services: Important Information
As a rule, all entrepreneurs in Switzerland are subject to value added tax (VAT) if they meet the legal requirements. This means: Depending on the tax rate (8.1%, 3.8% or 2.6%), they add VAT to the invoice amount. However, this obligation does not apply to all deliveries or services! For you as an entrepreneur, it is essential to know what is included and what is not. In this article, we give you an insight into this topic. Among other things, we explain what VAT actually is, who is subject to it and what billing models exist.
Understanding Swiss Withholding Tax: What Is It, Who Pays It, and How do You Reclaim It?
Withholding tax (Verrechnungssteuer) is a distinctive feature of Switzerland’s fiscal system. It is a federal tax that is primarily designed to reduce tax evasion on capital income. Set at a standard flat rate of 35% (with some exceptions), it applies to dividends, interest, lottery winnings, and certain insurance benefits. It is withheld directly at the source and is usually refunded to the taxpayer if they correctly declare their investment income. In this article, we’ll break down how Swiss withholding tax works, which income it affects, how you can reclaim it, and what you should watch out for—whether you're a Swiss resident, an international investor, or a company operating in Switzerland.
Best Payroll Software for Swiss SMEs and Startups in 2025
Payroll is one of the most sensitive and complex areas of business administration in Switzerland. With numerous mandatory contributions (AHV, ALV, BVG, etc.), complex withholding tax rules, monthly declarations, and the need for year-end salary certificates, there's a lot to handle—especially for startups and SMEs with limited internal resources. Digital tools have emerged to simplify these tasks, reduce the risk of error, and help businesses stay compliant. But choosing the right software involves much more than simple feature comparisons. Implementation, configuration, and ongoing use all require the right expertise. In this article, we look at the evolution and advantages of digital payroll systems, the most important features these tools offer, common pitfalls and risks when using payroll software, a comparison of leading tools used by Swiss startups and SMEs, and why having the right fiduciary partner matters just as much as the software itself.
Best Occupational Pension Funds in Switzerland in 2025: A Practical Comparison for SMEs and Startups
Choosing the right occupational pension fund is an important strategic decision for companies. Swiss SMEs and startups that make smart choices in occupational pensions can reduce costs, enhance employee benefits, and boost long-term satisfaction. But with over 1,300 pension funds in Switzerland, how can you tell which ones stand out? This article compares six major collective pension foundations based on publicly available figures and rankings. Our goal is to provide a simplified but informative snapshot of the most relevant metrics for 2025, while keeping in mind that a deeper comparison is complex and depends heavily on individual company needs.
Managing Swiss Payroll in Global Companies: What You Need to Know
Switzerland continues to attract international businesses with its strategic location, political stability, and strong economy. Yet for multinational companies operating in or expanding to Switzerland, one complex issue that regularly proves difficult to handle is payroll accounting. Managing Swiss payroll requires precision, local expertise, and deep understanding of a multi-layered tax and social security system. This article explores why payroll is such a critical topic for international companies with Swiss employees, outlines the various challenges faced, and provides practical solutions to overcome them.
Payroll Accounting in Switzerland: What Do Employers Need to Know?
Payroll accounting is one of the most important and legally sensitive areas of running a business in Switzerland. It requires strict adherence to Swiss labor law, social security regulations, and tax obligations. For startups and SMEs in particular, where resources are limited and compliance mistakes can be costly, getting payroll right is both a legal necessity and a foundation for employee trust. In this comprehensive guide, we explain how Swiss payroll accounting works, what responsibilities employers carry, which deductions must be made, and how to issue a compliant payslip. We also offer proactive tips for avoiding common mistakes, improving your payroll efficiency, and deciding whether outsourcing is the right choice for your business.
Internationalizing Startups: Opportunities, Decision Support, Mistakes, and Tips
In this article, we explore the opportunities and challenges startups face. We offer decision-making guidance, highlight common mistakes, and share tips to help ensure a successful international expansion!
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As an internationally active biotechnology company that stands for innovation and the highest quality, we work exclusively with partners who meet our high standards. Nexova consistently impresses us with exceptional service quality, robust processes, and an impressive pace. The professional, solution-oriented, and efficient collaboration allows us to fully focus on our core business. Additionally, we would like to highlight the remarkable cost savings of 35% compared to in-house accounting. We particularly appreciate how Nexova quickly understands, develops, and promptly implements complex requirements – both within Switzerland and at our international subsidiaries. We can wholeheartedly recommend the Nexova team.
Nexova AG offers highly professional accounting services that have significantly enhanced our financial management at Learning Lab. Their team is precise and reactive, always delivering accurate and timely reports while promptly addressing our queries. With Nexova AG’s support, we manage our clients’ accounts and finances more efficiently. We highly recommend Nexova AG for their exceptional accounting services.
For us as a new catering company, it is essential that our trustee understands our specific needs and responds flexibly to our requirements. In Nexova AG, we have found the ideal partner who supports us competently in all fiduciary matters and actively promotes our growth.
Uncomplicated or serious? Or is it and? A young, clever team is at work here, offering excellent services, highly uncomplicated and competent. Instead of a prestigious reception, expensive offices and chocolates, there are fast services and competent services. For me as a one-man company, this is exactly what I need.
Arvy AG has found an exceptional partner in Nexova AG. Their very high level of expertise in FINMA-regulated industries ensures that our financial transactions are in safe and competent hands. What sets Nexova apart is their flat-rate pricing structure, which has helped us greatly with budgeting and financial planning. As a company committed to long-term success and integrity in investments, we are very satisfied with the services provided by Nexova AG.
For us as an EdTech startup, it is very important that our trustee is as digital and agile as we are. With Nexova AG, we have found the perfect partner who can actively support us in our growth.
That’s what our customers say
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5.0 stars
Mr. Merz has a very broad knowledge and was able to help me with all my questions. The conversation was very pleasant and very informative for me. Thank you for your support.
Uncomplicated or serious? Both here. A young, smart team is at work here, offering excellent services, highly uncomplicated and competent. Instead of a prestigious reception area, expensive offices and a few small gifts, you offer fast and competent services. For me as a one-man company, this is exactly what I need.
I have been a Nexova customer for some time now and so far I am very satisfied! Thanks to the digital working methods and high responsiveness of the client managers, little time is lost in the daily process in particular. The prices are also very fair. Nexova handles the annual financial statements for me, including the tax balance sheet. The processes are standardized, which is a great advantage for audits (AHV and taxes). The two founders are two young, innovative guys and very serious.
The friendly and competent Nexova employee was able to answer my questions about company car taxation quickly and specifically. Thank you very much for this!
When I founded my company a year ago, I needed a reliable fiduciary partner. In addition to pure accounting, Nexova also offers me very good advice on all aspects of labor law. Thanks to the E-Post solution, I no longer even have to worry about my company mail and can focus purely on my service activities. My contacts at Nexova are always very friendly and pleasant to deal with. The complete package is simply TOP and I can only recommend Nexova!
Top company & friendly owners. A highly recommended trustee.
Very good and competent advice!
Professionally at a very high level. They are very good with Excel and could also support us with automation of processes.
I had a few questions about remote work and was advised super and free of charge. Thank you very much!
Very good service. Good and competent advice with friendly staff. I can definitely recommend
The Nexova team is very professional and I felt they always had my best interests at heart. I highly recommend Nexova and will continue to refer my clients to them and trust them with my business.
I am impressed with their outstanding service, especially in the field of accounting services, they demonstrate a professional approach and exceptional attention. As a lawyer, I have found Nexova to be a valuable partner in the financial world.
I had an excellent consultation with Nexova AG regarding withholding tax. Their expertise is remarkably extensive and their guidance was invaluable, I highly recommend their services. A first class experience.
The Nexova Team is an important partner to our startup, enabling us to pass all of our accounting, tax and payroll duties. We specially value their expertise with Startups and flexibility, which allows us to plan and manage our financials effectively and to focus on the bottom line of our operations.
We are very satisfied with Nexova as our trustee. Thanks to the Teams group chat, I can always count on very fast response times (of a few minutes). The Teams Chat group is great. With our old trustee, we had to write mails and always had to wait a long time for an answer and on top of that we were charged for every little question. Fortunately, this is not the case with Nexova.
Nexova solved my problem with a non-paying tenant quickly and efficiently. I was simply overwhelmed with the situation and glad for the competent legal advice. Nexova handled everything from the reminder with threat of termination, to representation in court, to the police eviction quickly, efficiently and also inexpensively. Many thanks for the valuable help.
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FAQ
Answers at a click
What are the key requirements for establishing a corporation (AG) in Switzerland?
A corporation (AG) in Switzerland can be established and operated by at least one shareholder. Shareholders can be natural persons, legal entities, or business partnerships. The mandatory share capital is at least CHF 100,000. At least 20% of the total share capital must be paid in or covered by contributions in kind at the time of incorporation, with a minimum of CHF 50,000 provided as cash or contributions in kind.
The incorporation process includes drafting and notarizing the articles of association, registering the company in the commercial register, and fulfilling all required tax and social security obligations. Nexova guides you through every step to ensure all legal requirements are met.
Can a foreigner establish a corporation (AG) in Switzerland?
Yes, foreigners can establish a corporation (AG) in Switzerland. However, at least one person residing in Switzerland must have the authority to represent the company (e.g., as a board member or director). If there is no representative residing in Switzerland, a director residing in Switzerland must be appointed. Nexova offers director services for foreigners looking to establish an AG in Switzerland and supports compliance with all legal requirements.
What taxes does a corporation (AG) have to pay in Switzerland?
Corporations in Switzerland are subject to corporate income tax on profits and cantonal capital taxes. If the annual turnover exceeds CHF 100,000, the corporation must also register for value-added tax (VAT) and charge it on taxable goods and services. Nexova provides expert advice on tax obligations and helps ensure your AG fully complies with Swiss tax regulations.
What are the different English terms used to describe an AG?
The Swiss term for AG is “Aktiengesellschaft”, and “AG” is the formal legal designation used in Switzerland, regardless of the official language of the region.
In English, various terms are often used to describe an AG, such as “corporation”, “stock corporation”, “public limited company”, “private limited company”, and “joint-stock corporation”.
- “Corporation” is a broad term commonly used in the U.S. to describe a company with limited liability and share capital, making it a generally acceptable equivalent to an AG.
- “Stock corporation” emphasizes the issuance of shares (“stock”) and therefore further clarifies the concept of an AG.
- The term “public limited company” is commonly used in the UK and other Commonwealth countries to describe companies with publicly traded shares. It is similar to the concept of an AG but is not always appropriate as not all AGs are public.
- A “private limited company” is more aligned with the concept of a GmbH but is sometimes used for AGs when referring to corporations that do not publicly trade their shares.
- “Joint-stock corporation” is an older term that describes the shared ownership structure of a corporation with shareholders. It is appropriate in describing an AG but is less commonly used nowadays.
While none of these English terms are a 100% perfect match for the concept of an AG, in most cases, “corporation” or “stock corporation” are the preferred terms in general English-language discussions, especially for international audiences. In all formal and legal contexts in Switzerland, it’s always best to stick with the official term “Aktiengesellschaft” (AG).
What is the role of the board of directors in an AG?
The board of directors oversees the management and operational activities of the corporation. It ensures that the AG operates in line with shareholder interests and complies with legal and contractual obligations. The board sets strategic guidelines, makes key business decisions, and is accountable to shareholders for the company's governance.
Can a corporation (AG) issue shares?
Yes, a corporation (AG) can issue shares to raise capital, typically through an increase in share capital. These shares can either be publicly traded if the AG is listed on a stock exchange or privately held if it is a non-listed AG. This provides flexibility in attracting investors, as publicly listed AGs can raise capital from a broad investor base, while private AGs usually rely on a smaller group of investors.
Does a corporation (AG) need to register with the AHV compensation office?
Yes, all companies that employ staff or pay wages must register with the AHV (social security) office. Nexova assists in fulfilling this obligation.
How long does it take to establish a corporation (AG) in Switzerland?
Establishing a corporation (AG) in Switzerland typically takes 3–6 weeks, depending on factors such as document preparation, notarization of the articles of association, opening a capital deposit account, and the processing time of the commercial register, which can vary by canton. At Nexova, we handle the entire incorporation process digitally, eliminating the need for physical appointments—including on-site notarization. This digital approach enables a fast and efficient company formation process.