Setting up a GmbH: step by step
Setting up a GmbH (limited liability company) follows a clear five-step process. If you know the order, you save weeks and avoid the most expensive trap: having to go to the notary twice because a document was missing. Here is how it works in practice.
Steps 1–2: articles of association and capital
First you define the company name, registered office, purpose and share capital and draw up the articles of association (Statuten). You pay the share capital of at least CHF 20'000 into a capital deposit account (Kapitaleinzahlungskonto, a blocked account); the bank issues the required confirmation. Tip: preparing both in parallel saves days.
Step 3: notarisation
With the articles of association and the capital confirmation, you go to the notary. The notary publicly certifies the formation – required by law for a GmbH – and records management and representation. The more complete your documents, the shorter (and cheaper) the appointment.
Steps 4–5: commercial register & registrations
The GmbH is registered with the commercial register (Handelsregister); with the entry it comes into existence as a legal entity and the blocked account is released. After that: the AHV compensation office (old-age and survivors' insurance) and, if applicable, VAT (MWST). planix prepares all five steps and documents and ticks them off with you – free of charge. Prefer to hand it over? The “Company formation service” takes care of the whole process.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to set up a GmbH?
Usually one to three weeks – depending on the notary appointment and the processing time of the commercial register. It is fastest with fully prepared documents.
In what order do I set up a GmbH?
Draw up the articles of association → pay in the share capital → have it notarised → enter it in the commercial register → then sort out social insurance and VAT. planix guides you step by step through exactly this order.
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