Company Formation in Geneva

Why start a business in Geneva?

Geneva is one of the most important and the second most populated cities in Switzerland. Over the years, Geneva has attracted a large number of foreign entrepreneurs and citizens relocating here because of the investment, respectively employment opportunities the city offers. The best industries to invest in Geneva at the moment are the services and the banking industry, as the city is the 9^th most important financial center in the world at the moment.

If you are interested in opening a company in Geneva and need assistance, our specialists in company formation in Switzerland can help you.

What types of companies can one set up in Geneva?

Foreign investors can choose between several type of business entities when setting up a company in Geneva. Even if the most popular type of structure is the Swiss GmbH, there are also other types of companies one can establish in Geneva:

• -          the sole proprietorship, which is the simplest form of starting a small-scale business;
• -          the partnership;
• -          the joint stock corporation.

Before starting the company incorporation procedure, one must pay attention to the requirements related to each one of them. No matter the type of company you choose, our Swiss agents can explain in detail the requirements of each company in terms of registration.

Steps for company registration in Geneva

The first step when opening a company in Geneva is to select and submit for approval the company’s trade name. The second step will be opening a bank account where the minimum share capital will be deposited.  When starting a company in Geneva, the following share capital is required depending on the type of entity:

• -          at least 20,000 CHF for a limited liability company;
• -          at least 100,000 CHF for opening a stock corporation.

Once the two steps above have been completed, the company’s documents of incorporation must be drafted and notarized and then be submitted with the Commercial Registry in Geneva. Also, where necessary the company must apply for the required licenses.

Taxation of companies in Geneva

Among the last steps for company incorporation is to register the legal entity for taxation purposes with the local authorities. Swiss companies are subject to federal, cantonal and municipal taxes. Our local consultants provide specialized accounting services for our clients’ companies in Geneva. They will explain what taxes one must pay and how to benefit from the tax deductions available in this city.

For complete information about the company formation services in Geneva, do not hesitate to contact our specialists in company registration in Switzerland.