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Geographical Info
Background: Switzerland's independence and neutrality have long been honored by the major European powers
and Switzerland did not participate in either World War I or II. The political and economic integration of Europe
since World War II may be rendering obsolete Switzerland's concern for neutrality.
Location: Central Europe, east of France, north of Italy.
Climate: temperate, but varies with altitude; cold, cloudy, rainy/snowy winters; cool to warm, cloudy,
humid summers with occasional showers.
Population: 7,275,467 (July 1999 est.)
Type of Company Available
General
Swiss Companies can be established for trading, property investment (for domestic real estate a permit must be
obtained), investment holding, management and consultancy services, financial transactions, corporate holdings
and any other activity that is not prohibited by Swiss law. The memorandum of the company must be specific and
should give details of the company's objectives. It should be noted that, in accordance with Swiss law, the majority
of board members must be Swiss citizens residing in Switzerland.
Private Limited Company by Shares (Aktiengesellschaft - AG).
This type of limited company must have a minimum authorised share capital of CH100,000 of which all of it has to
be issued and fully paid up. The minimum par value is CHF100 per share. Upon incorporation a capital duty of 3%
of the capital is payable to the authorities.
The company must have at least three shareholders although these can be nominees. There must be at least one director
who should be a Swiss citizen residing in Switzerland. Additional directors can be appointed. However, a majority
of Swiss directors must be maintained at all times.
The company is obliged to maintain financial accounts and an annual independent audit is a statutory requirement.
Directors' and shareholders' meetings should be held in Switzerland.
A withholding tax of 35% is levied on the distribution of dividends although this can be recovered if a double
taxation treaty exists.
Public Limited Company (Aktiengesellschaft - AG)
This type of company is similar to the private (Aktiengesellschaft - AG) in its contribution but is able to offer
its shares for public subscription after obtaining approval from the Swiss authorities. The rules and regulations
imposed are governed by stock exchange and Swiss authorities.
Private Limited Company - without shares (Gesellschaft mit beschrankter Haftung - GmbH)
This type of company is similar to the private limited company by shares (Aktiengesellschaft - AG) but does not
have shares; instead the owners' equity participation is registered in the commercial register. Nominees can be
used if anonimity is required.
Special Features
Some cantons provide low taxation which are of interest to foreign investors.
Due to the economic situation, some cantons offer incentives for manufacturing companies in providing plant infrastructure,
favourable loans and reduced levels of taxation.
Summary
The attractions of Switzerland can be summarised as:-
 A
long history of social, political economic stability
A
well-known domestic banking system with international business relations
Exemption
from exchange controls
Very
well developed, high technology economic and commercial infrastructure
Nominee
services are available on a fiduciary basis
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