A Swiss company plan for non-resident founders
Map the legal and practical requirements separately before committing to a GmbH or AG.
Four misconceptions that cost time and money
These four assumptions persist among international founders — and none of them holds up:
- “I need a Swiss partner.” — No. You can own the company 100 percent from abroad. What the company needs is an authorised representative resident in Switzerland. That is a question of function, not ownership.
- “Nationality is what counts.” — No, residence is. A Swiss citizen living abroad does not meet the requirement; a foreign national living in Switzerland does.
- “The company gets me a residence permit.” — No. Company ownership and residence or work permits are separate procedures with their own rules and their own authorities.
- “I'll do the notarisation by video.” — Remote notarisation by video does not currently exist in Switzerland. There is an established route without travelling: representation by power of attorney.
The Swiss-resident representative: function, liability, cost
The authorised representative is not a letterbox: the role carries duties that can become personal. Professional mandates are priced accordingly. They cost money recurringly, year after year, and over time clearly exceed the one-off formation costs.
Plan this role first: who takes it, what it costs, how it is secured. In the assisted initial review, Firmbase clarifies which set-up fits your case — before you spend money.
The bank sets your timeline
For formations with foreign owners, banks review in depth: origin of funds, structure, business model. That review takes time — and no bank is obliged to open an account. Realistically, the banking relationship is your critical path, not the commercial register.
Prepare documents early: certified passport copies, current proof of residence, a traceable origin of funds. Also make the business model explainable in one paragraph. The assisted initial review starts exactly there, before formation costs arise.
Notarisation without travelling
You do not necessarily have to travel to Switzerland for the formation. At the notarisation you can be represented under a power of attorney. Whether and how depends on the notary and your case — for founders abroad it is the usual route.
What your formation costs — and what's included.
Process
Describe the structure
Share the owners, places of residence, planned activity, legal form and Swiss footprint.
Separate the requirements
Firmbase maps representation, office, banking, permits and tax questions independently.
Agree the next scope
After eligibility review, you receive a defined proposal for the suitable next steps.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, foreign ownership is generally possible. It does not automatically resolve representation, immigration, banking, registered-office or tax questions.
No. Company ownership and work or residence status are separate. The relevant authorities decide permits under the applicable immigration framework.
Not necessarily for the notarisation — representation by power of attorney is established practice. For the banking relationship, some banks require meetings in person; the initial review clarifies this for your case.
No. Ownership is free. What the company needs is an authorised representative resident in Switzerland. That person does not have to hold any shares.
International cases start with an assisted review of your setup. We state scope and price after that review — depending on representation, bank and structure. That way you do not pay for a path that does not fit.
Ready for the next step?
Outline the proposed structure so Firmbase can confirm eligibility, scope and next steps.