Joint Stock Company

Joint stock companies are the most popular type of businesses in Switzerland among foreign investors for both large corporations or small and medium-sized companies. The Swiss AG is a legal entity with limited liability to company assets and it can perform activities in the trading, production, holding or financing business.

Advantages and Benefits

  • International Credibility
  • Flexible and creative corporate structures for international business
  • Ability to conduct business with or maintain professional contact with accountants, trust companies, investment advisors or any other similar professions.
  • Bearer shares or registered shares possible.
  • Ability to maintain bank accounts in Switzerland.
  • Asset protection and privacy.
  • Ability to manage the company from any place in the world.
  • Audit is not compulsory.
  • There are no nationality restrictions for executives.
  • Liability is limited with the company assets/share capital.
  • Anonymity of capital investors in the case of bearer shares.
  • Limited liabilities of shareholders.
  • Simple regulation of inheritance.
  • Flexibility while developing a company charter.
  • Double taxation treaties to more than 70 countries.
  • Special tax exemption status for  certain activity.
  • Local meetings
Jurisdiction
Switzerland
Type of Entity
Joint Stock
Type of Law
Swiss Civil Code
Tax Exemptions
On certain type of activities
Time to establish a new company
3-4 weeks
Bearer shares allowed
Yes
Double Taxation treaty access
Yes(to more than 70 countries)
Standard currency of share capital
CHF
Other permitted currencies of capital
No
Minimum paid up share capital
100,000 CHF
Usual authorized capital
100,000 CHF
Minimum number of Directors/Managers
1
Local Directors/Managers required
Yes
Ordinary Tax base
Worldwide income
Withholding tax on license fees and royalties
None
Corporate Tax Rate
8% to 30%
Withholding tax on dividents
35%
Value added tax rate
8%
Publicly accessible record of directors
Yes
Locations of directors meeting
Anywhere
Minimum number of members
1
Disclosure of beneficial owner
No
Company secretary required
No
Requirement for audited accounts
Depends on activity, financial accounts, total employees
Submission of accounts
No, only with tax authorities
Publicly accessible accounts
No
Requirement to file annual return
Yes
Change in Domicile permitted
Yes

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