Checklist to Set Up a Company in Geneva

Checklist to Setup a Company in Geneva as a Foreign Entrepreneur

Checklist to Setup a Company in Geneva

Creating a company in Switzerland—especially in Geneva—attracts hundreds of international entrepreneurs every year. Known for its legal stability, competitive tax environment, and economic openness, Geneva is a strategic gateway to the European market. However, for a foreigner, setting up a company in Geneva requires compliance with several legal, tax, and administrative requirements.

RISTER, a leading fiduciary in Geneva, provides a clear, complete, and updated checklist for 2025 to ensure your setup is secure and successful.

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✅ 1. Define the Business Project

Before starting the process, it is essential to clarify:

• Exact nature of the business activity

• Target clients (Switzerland / international)

• Expected revenue and expenses

• Planned number of employees

• Desired location in Geneva

• Tax or asset structuring goals

🔎 RISTER offers a free feasibility analysis to validate your project’s compatibility with Swiss law.

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✅ 2. Choose the Legal Form: Sàrl/GmbH or SA/AG

In Switzerland, two legal forms are ideal for foreign entrepreneurs:

• Sàrl/GmbH (Limited Liability Company): minimum capital CHF 20,000 (fully paid-in)

• SA/AG (Public Limited Company): minimum capital CHF 100,000 (at least CHF 50,000 paid-in)

Quick comparison:

📌 RISTER advises you on the most suitable legal form with a tailored comparison.

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✅ 3. Appoint a Swiss-Resident Representative

According to the Swiss Code of Obligations, every company must have at least one person domiciled in Switzerland with signing authority.

Possible options:

• Swiss director (SA/AG) or manager (Sàrl/GmbH)

• Professional representative (offered by RISTER)

• Resident shareholder or partner

💼 RISTER offers director, management, or commercial representation mandates, compliant with the Swiss Commercial Register.

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✅ 4. Establish a Registered Office in Geneva

Swiss companies must have an effective registered office in Switzerland:

• A valid business address in Geneva

• Capacity to receive legal and tax correspondence

• Proof of minimum substance (for simple domiciliation)

🏢 RISTER offers professional domiciliation services in Geneva, with optional admin support and mail handling.

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✅ 5. Draft Articles of Association and Founding Documents

Articles must include:

• Company name

• Headquarters

• Detailed business purpose

• Share capital

• Internal organization (management, board, AGM)

Required documents:

• Passport or ID of founders

• Proof of funds origin (AML)

• Acceptance of mandate declaration

• Clean criminal record certificate (if needed)

✍️ RISTER assists in drafting compliant articles (in FR/EN/DE) and coordinates notary appointments.

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✅ 6. Open a Capital Deposit Bank Account

Before registration, you must:

• Open a Swiss bank account

• Deposit the share capital into a blocked account

• Obtain an official bank certificate

⚠️ Swiss banks are very selective, especially with foreign clients.
RISTER works with trusted banks to facilitate this process.

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✅ 7. Official Registration in the Commercial Register

Once all documents are ready, RISTER:

• Files the registration request with Geneva’s Commercial Registry

• Monitors the process until official incorporation (7 to 14 days)

📃 Upon registration, your company receives:

• A Swiss UID number (business identifier, like a VAT number)

• Official Commercial Register extract

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✅ 8. Tax and Accounting Obligations

After incorporation, your company must:

• Register for VAT if turnover > CHF 100,000

• Maintain accounts in line with the Swiss Code of Obligations

• Prepare annual financial statements

• Pay corporate income tax (Geneva: ~14%)

📊 RISTER manages your accounting, VAT, payroll, and tax declarations with user-friendly digital tools.

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✅ 9. Economic Substance: Be Ready to Justify It

Banks, tax authorities, or federal offices may require proof of real activity:

• A real office in Geneva

• Active clients/suppliers

• Coherent banking operations

• Justified accounting

🎯 RISTER helps document your company’s economic substance (business plan, contracts, balance sheet, etc.).

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✅ Summary: Full Checklist

✅ Project definition
✅ Legal form: Sàrl/GmbH or SA/AG
✅ Local representative
✅ Registered office in Geneva
✅ Drafting statutes
✅ Bank account / capital deposit
✅ Commercial Register registration
✅ Accounting / VAT / tax obligations
✅ Economic substance justification

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🎓 Why Choose RISTER?

• Licensed and experienced fiduciary in Geneva

• Support 100% in French, English, or Spanish

• One contact person for all steps

• Tailored solutions for non-resident entrepreneurs

• Transparent pricing and custom support

• Checklist to SetUp a Company in Geneva

📩 Contact us for your personalized checklist and a detailed quote to create your company in Geneva.
🔗 More info: www.rister.ch/service/creation-de-societe-en-suisse-sa-sarl-ri

Creating a GmbH/Sàrl or AG/SA in Geneva – 2025 Comparison