Start on your own
Sole proprietorship
A flexible structure for self-employment. There is no minimum capital, but personal liability and important obligations must be considered in advance.
View sole proprietorship guidanceForm a company in Switzerland · Geneva
Form a Swiss company with a Geneva accounting firm
LLC, corporation or sole proprietorship: Karpeo helps you choose a suitable structure, prepare the formation and start with clear accounting. You know what needs to be done, in what order and with what budget.
Forming a company or starting self-employment
The right structure is one that still makes sense after launch.
The legal structure affects liability, capital, social insurance, taxation, future shareholders and remuneration. Successful company formation does not end with the Commercial Register extract: it also prepares the first year of operations.
Which legal structure should you choose?
Three routes to starting a business in Switzerland.
Structure an SME
LLC
A legal entity suited to many projects. The minimum share capital is CHF 20,000 and formation requires a notarised deed.
View the LLCPrepare for growth
Corporation (SA)
A company limited by shares for projects considering investors, governance and growth. The minimum share capital is CHF 100,000.
View the corporationThe formation process
A clear process from the idea to the first invoice.
We adapt the process to your activity, shareholders and place of business. The aim is not to multiply formalities, but to complete them in the right order.
Define the activity and financing
Activity, customers, shareholders, cash requirements and risk level: we identify the factors that make the legal choice practical.
Choose and verify the company name
We compare sole proprietorships, LLCs and corporations, then check the name, purpose, registered office and organisation of the future business.
Prepare the bank, articles and Commercial Register steps
Depending on the chosen structure, the capital is deposited with the bank, the articles are prepared and the notarised deed is coordinated before filing.
Set up the finances from registration
Invoicing, accounting, VAT, payroll and social insurance are organised before the first deadlines become urgent.
Formation budget
Capital is only part of the true cost.
For an LLC, the minimum CHF 20,000 share capital belongs to the company; it is not a fee. The full budget also includes the bank, notary, Commercial Register and preparation of administrative obligations.
We distinguish clearly between capital, formation costs and the working capital needed for the first months. This lets you form a company with a realistic plan, not merely compliant documents.
Read the LLC formation guideDecisions to make in advance
Liability, shareholders, taxation and operations.
Liability and protection
A limited company generally separates company assets from those of its shareholders, without removing management liability. A sole proprietorship is lighter to administer but exposes its owner more directly.
Shareholders and governance
The articles of association do not always replace a shareholders’ agreement. Roles, major decisions, contributions and exit conditions should be clarified before disagreements become costly.
Taxation and remuneration
Salary, dividends, social charges and company profit must be considered together. We help you understand the consequences without promising automatic tax optimisation.
After registration
The Swiss SME Portal of the SECO (in French) explains the role of the Commercial Register. Karpeo then organises the accounts, VAT, payroll and deadlines needed to run the business.
Frequently asked questions
Before forming your company in Geneva.
How do you form a company in Switzerland?
You must define the activity, choose a legal structure, verify the company name and registered office, arrange financing, prepare articles of association where required, and complete the bank, notary and Commercial Register steps. Accounting, VAT and insurance should be prepared from the outset.
Which legal structure should you choose for a business in Geneva?
A sole proprietorship often suits a person working alone. An LLC is a separate legal entity with minimum capital of CHF 20,000. A corporation requires more capital and serves different financing or governance needs. The right choice depends on risk, shareholders and the project.
How much does it cost to form an LLC in Switzerland?
The budget includes CHF 20,000 in share capital, which remains in the company, plus bank, notary and Commercial Register fees and any professional fees. The exact amount depends on the canton, number of shareholders and complexity of the formation.
Do you need a notary to form a company?
Forming an LLC or corporation requires a notarised deed and therefore a notary. A sole proprietorship can start without a notarised formation deed, subject to the registrations and permits required for the activity.
Can you form a Swiss company from abroad?
This is possible in many cases, but the company must meet Swiss representation and registered-office requirements. Nationality, directors’ residence, the activity and required permits can affect the formation and should be checked before filing the articles.
What must be done after Commercial Register registration?
You need to set up invoicing, accounting, tax returns, VAT where applicable, payroll and social insurance. An accounting firm can put these foundations in place from the first invoice.
Your project deserves solid foundations
Let’s discuss forming your company in Geneva.
Tell us about your activity, shareholders and schedule. We will reply with the priority decisions and a clear scope of support.