Choose a legal form
The legal form is the most consequential decision at the start: it determines whether you are liable with your personal assets, how much capital you need and how you are taxed. The good news: with four questions, you’ll reach the right form in ten minutes.
Welche Rechtsform passt zu dir?
Drei Fragen – eine Orientierung. Ersetzt keine Rechtsberatung.
1 · Möchtest du deine private Haftung begrenzen?
2 · Wie viel Kapital kannst du einbringen?
3 · Planst du, Investoren aufzunehmen?
Beantworte alle drei Fragen für deine Empfehlung.
The three most common legal forms
Three forms dominate in Switzerland: the sole proprietorship (Einzelfirma – simple, no minimum capital, but personal liability), the GmbH (limited liability company – liability limited to the share capital of CHF 20'000, shareholders are public) and the AG (company limited by shares – share capital CHF 100'000 / min. CHF 50'000 paid in, shareholders anonymous, highest reputation).
The four decisive questions
How high is your financial risk? How much capital can you provide? How important are limited liability and a professional image? And do you want to bring in investors or partners? Note: from around CHF 100'000–150'000 in stable net profit, a GmbH often becomes more attractive for tax purposes than a sole proprietorship – earlier in low-tax cantons such as Zug or Schwyz.
Rule of thumb – and the planix finder
Low risk, quick start without capital: sole proprietorship. Limit liability on a manageable budget: GmbH. Larger venture with investors and maximum reputation: AG. Converting later is possible but costs time and money – so the first choice is worth getting right. The free planix legal form finder takes you to the right form in three questions.
Frequently asked questions
Which legal form suits me – sole proprietorship, GmbH or AG?
That depends on risk, capital, liability and your growth plans. No capital and low risk: sole proprietorship. Limit liability: GmbH. Investors and reputation: AG. The planix legal form finder gives you a reasoned recommendation in minutes.
Can I change the legal form later?
Yes. Many people start as a sole proprietorship and later convert to a GmbH or AG. It’s possible, but involves time and fees – a well-considered first choice saves effort.
Which legal form has the least liability?
A GmbH and an AG limit liability to the company’s assets. With a sole proprietorship, you are liable without limit with your personal assets – that is the most important difference.
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