Online Notariat team
28 October 2026 · Updated 29 October 2026
Reviewed by our notary in St. Gallen
Key takeaways
A Swiss GmbH costs CHF 390 to set up with us, an AG CHF 490 (flat fee, excl. VAT). On top come the official commercial register fees of typically CHF 450–600 and, for fully digital signing, CHF 150. Total time under ideal conditions: 7 to 14 working days.
- Example: single-founder GmbH, fully digital – around CHF 1,020 plus VAT on our fees
- Documents usually within 24 hours, notarisation within 24 hours of receiving everything, registration usually within 5–8 days
- The share capital (CHF 20,000 / CHF 100,000) is not a cost – it remains the company's money
What does it really cost to set up a company in Switzerland? The answer has three parts: the notary's fee, the official commercial register fees and – depending on how you sign – signature costs. Here is the transparent breakdown.
1. Notary flat fee
Every Swiss GmbH and AG must be founded by a public deed executed by a notary. Instead of hourly rates or fees based on the capital, we charge flat fees:
| Formation | Flat fee (excl. VAT) | Included |
|---|---|---|
| GmbH, cash | CHF 390 | Notarial deed, articles of association, all founders' documents, commercial register filing, personal support |
| AG, cash | CHF 490 | Same as GmbH, plus the share register |
| GmbH or AG with contribution in kind | CHF 950 | Contribution agreement, founders' report, coordination of the licensed auditor (auditor CHF 500–700 extra) |
Swiss VAT of 8.1% is added to our fee. Founding with a contribution in kind is explained in Swiss company without a Swiss bank account.
2. Commercial register fees
The commercial register fee is an official third-party fee invoiced directly by the cantonal commercial register – it is not part of our flat fee. Since 2021 it has been uniform throughout Switzerland and independent of the capital: the base fee for a new GmbH or AG is CHF 420, plus small charges per registered person. Typical total: CHF 450–600. The entry is published in the Swiss Official Gazette of Commerce (SOGC).
3. Signature options
| Option | Our fee | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| By post | Included | Signatures must be officially certified (e.g. at your municipality or a notary); abroad usually with an apostille |
| Fully digital with QES | + CHF 150 | From the third signatory + CHF 50 per person; no certification, no apostille |
| In person in St. Gallen | + CHF 100 | You sign at our office |
For founders abroad the digital route is usually both the cheapest and the fastest: certification and apostille abroad often cost more than the entire QES surcharge. See Signing from abroad with QES.
Worked example: GmbH, fully digital
One founder, cash capital of CHF 20,000, signing by QES:
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Notary flat fee | CHF 390 |
| QES signing | CHF 150 |
| Commercial register fee (approx.) | CHF 480 |
| Total | approx. CHF 1,020 + VAT on our fees |
For comparison: a formation through a traditional fiduciary often costs CHF 2,500 to 3,500 in total.
Other costs to plan for
- Bank: charges for the capital deposit account vary by bank.
- Founders abroad: a Swiss-resident director (around CHF 1,500–3,000 per year) and a domicile address (around CHF 500–1,500 per year), if needed.
- Ongoing: bookkeeping and tax return, typically from around CHF 150 per month with a fiduciary.
- Transparency register: beneficial owners must be reported within one month of registration. We prepare the required list of beneficial owners free of charge with every formation (otherwise CHF 49).
Founder discount in St. Gallen
In cooperation with St.Galler Kantonalbank, the formation of a company with its seat in St. Gallen, Appenzell Ausserrhoden or Appenzell Innerrhoden costs only CHF 99 (GmbH) or CHF 199 (AG) if the company opens its account with St.Galler Kantonalbank.
How long does it take?
| Phase | Typical duration |
|---|---|
| Entering your details with the AI assistant | 5–15 minutes |
| Documents prepared and reviewed by the notary | Usually within 24 hours |
| Paying in the capital and signing | 2–5 days |
| Notarisation and filing | Within 24 hours of receiving everything |
| Entry in the commercial register | Usually 5–8 days (up to 3 weeks in some cantons) |
In total: 7 to 14 working days under ideal conditions. With the entry in the commercial register, your company legally exists and the capital deposit account is released.
Unsure which legal form to choose? Read GmbH or AG? – or calculate your individual case with our formation cost calculator (in German).
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to set up a GmbH in Switzerland?+
With us, the notary flat fee for a GmbH is CHF 390 (excl. VAT), including the notarial deed, all incorporation documents and the commercial register filing. The official commercial register fees come on top – typically CHF 450–600. A fully digital single-founder GmbH comes to around CHF 1,020 plus VAT on our fees. The share capital of at least CHF 20,000 is not a cost: it remains the company's money.
How much are the commercial register fees for a new company?+
Since 2021 the fees are uniform throughout Switzerland and do not depend on the capital. The base fee for registering a new GmbH or AG is CHF 420, plus small charges per registered person – typically CHF 450 to 600 in total. The registry invoices them directly.
How long does it take to set up a company in Switzerland?+
Under ideal conditions 7 to 14 working days: entering the data takes 5–15 minutes, the documents usually arrive within 24 hours, paying in the capital and signing take 2–5 days, we notarise within 24 hours of receiving everything, and the commercial register usually registers the company within 5–8 days.
Are there cheaper options for companies in St. Gallen?+
Yes. In cooperation with St.Galler Kantonalbank, the formation of a company with its registered office in the cantons of St. Gallen, Appenzell Ausserrhoden or Appenzell Innerrhoden costs only CHF 99 (GmbH) or CHF 199 (AG) if the company opens its account with St.Galler Kantonalbank.
Ready to set up your Swiss company?
Start with our AI notary assistant – it speaks English, is available 24/7 and only needs a quick e-mail verification, no account.
Prefer a person? Our team in St. Gallen is happy to help in English: +41 71 272 26 55.
Flat fees excl. VAT; official commercial register fees are charged separately by the registry.
More English guides
How to Set Up a Company in Switzerland as a Foreigner
No Swiss passport required: who can found a Swiss GmbH or AG, how to meet the Swiss residency requirement for one authorised signatory, how to sign from abroad without an apostille and what it costs.
English guideGmbH or AG? Choosing the Right Swiss Company Type
Share capital, liability, privacy of owners, transfer of shares, management and audit: the key differences between the Swiss GmbH (LLC) and the AG (company limited by shares) – and which one fits your plans.