Do I need to be a Swiss resident to open an agency?

No. GmbH or AG founders can be non-residents of any nationality. However, at least one director must be Swiss resident with permanent (Permit C) or long-term (Permit B) residence permit. If unable to appoint resident director from team, must hire nominal director service costing CHF 7,000-20,000 annually.

How long does the company registration process take?

Complete registration takes 6-10 weeks from planning to Commercial Register certificate. Timeline: name verification (1-2 days), document preparation (1 week), bank account opening and capital deposit (1-2 weeks), notarization (1 day), Commercial Register filing and approval (7-15 business days). Cantons with higher business volumes (Zurich, Zug) typically process faster.

What is the minimum share capital for a GmbH in Switzerland?

CHF 20,000 fully paid at registration. Must be deposited in Swiss bank's Kapitaleinzahlungskonto (capital deposit account) before notarization. Bank issues confirmation certificate for notary to include in incorporation deed. After Commercial Register approval, bank transfers capital to company's operational account.

What are the 3 biggest mistakes new agencies make in the Swiss market?

1) Underestimating VAT registration requirements: CHF 100k threshold based on worldwide turnover, not just Swiss sales. Register immediately if expecting to exceed. 2) Choosing wrong local partner: selecting nominal director without thorough vetting leads to operational difficulties. 3) Misjudging competition and costs: underestimating competitive landscape and operational expenses (Zurich office rent >CHF 2k/month, accounting CHF 2-5k/year, social security ~10% of salaries).

24.11.2025

How to open an advertising agency in Switzerland: a complete guide

Switzerland's advertising market offers a stable foundation for entrepreneurs who value precision, high-value clients, and direct access to Europe's premium business ecosystem. The industry reached €5.4 billion in 2025, growing at 4.1% annually between 2019 and 2024 (IBISWorld, 2025).

Business in Switzerland

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