OCTIS vs GmbH vs AG: which Swiss company to form
The two Swiss limited-liability forms compared on capital, who is published, how shares move and what founding costs.
Last checked · 4 sources
Otty's short answer
A GmbH suits one to a few owners who run the business and want the lowest capital, CHF 20,000 paid in full. An AG suits a company with outside investors or a wish to sell shares freely, with CHF 100,000 capital of which CHF 50,000 must be paid in. Both need a person resident in Switzerland who can represent the company.
Side by side
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| What matters | OCTISHong Kong company + OCTIS global plan | GmbH (Swiss LLC) | AG (Swiss corporation) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum share capital | No minimum capital | CHF 20,000 | CHF 100,000 |
| Paid in at founding | No minimum capital | All of it | CHF 50,000 or 20%, higher |
| Founders | At least 1 director (an individual) and 1 shareholder, who can live anywhere | One or more, person or company | One or more, person or company |
| Owner liability | Limited to the company's assets (Hong Kong limited company) | Capital, plus optional top-ups | Limited to contribution |
| Notary cost | At least 10% below any qualifying quote (Lowest Price Guarantee), filed online with the Companies Registry | CHF 700 to 2,000 | Not stated by SECO page |
| Register entry fee | Included in the incorporation package | CHF 600 up to CHF 200,000 capital | Not stated by SECO page |
| Swiss-resident representative | Hong Kong company secretary and registered office address, arranged via OCTIS's partner | Required | Required |
| Tax on profits and dividends | Profits tax 8.25% on the first HK$2 million, 16.5% above; no tax on dividends paid out | Taxed twice | Taxed twice |
If you have staff, premises or local sales in this country, its own registration and tax rules still apply. OCTIS can help you arrange them.
Data sources & disclaimer: Comparison data was compiled from publicly available sources — including the competitors' own published pricing and feature pages — captured on 9 November 2026. Figures reflect the typical or advertised pricing at that time and may have changed since; plans, inclusions and prices vary by provider, region and promotion. OCTIS is independent and not affiliated with the named companies; all trademarks belong to their respective owners. This comparison is provided in good faith for general information only and is not professional, legal or financial advice — please verify current details with each provider before deciding.
Which one fits you
OCTIS · Hong Kong company + OCTIS global plan
Choose OCTIS if you sell to customers in several countries and want a Hong Kong company with no minimum capital, run from anywhere.
GmbH (Swiss LLC)
Choose a GmbH if you and a few partners own and run the business, and you want the lower CHF 20,000 capital.
AG (Swiss corporation)
Choose an AG if you expect outside investors, want owners kept off the public register, or want shares to move freely.
What the table does not show
Capital and founding steps
Both forms follow the same path. You sign a notarised deed, deposit the capital in a blocked bank account, register in the commercial register and wait for publication in the Swiss Official Gazette of Commerce. The bank then releases the money to the company account. The GmbH must pay in CHF 20,000 in full. The AG must pay in the higher of CHF 50,000 or 20% of its CHF 100,000.
Costs you can plan for
SECO's SME portal lists GmbH founding costs. Formation advice runs CHF 600 to 2,000, notary fees CHF 700 to 2,000, and the register entry CHF 600 for capital up to CHF 200,000. A 1% stamp duty applies only above CHF 1,000,000 of capital. The portal page for the AG does not state its notary or register fees, so ask a notary for a quote before you decide.
Foreign founders
A foreign person or company can found either form. The catch is that a person resident in Switzerland must be able to represent the company, and must have access to the shareholder register and the beneficial owner register. For a GmbH, that can be a managing director. For an AG, it can be a board member or a director.
Where OCTIS fits
OCTIS does not form Swiss companies or keep Swiss books. If your Malaysian or Hong Kong company is weighing a Swiss entity, ask a Swiss notary and tax adviser first. Your home company's secretary work, bookkeeping and audit coordination continue regardless, and OCTIS handles those. Switching can take 10–30% off your current bill.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum capital for a GmbH in Switzerland?
CHF 20,000, under Article 773 of the Code of Obligations. It must be paid in full at founding, in cash or as contributions in kind such as machinery or property.
What is the minimum capital for an AG?
CHF 100,000, of which the higher of CHF 50,000 or 20% must be paid in at founding. The capital can be stated in euros, US dollars, pounds or yen if it is worth at least CHF 100,000.
Can a foreigner own a Swiss GmbH or AG?
Yes, one or more natural or legal persons can found either form. At least one person resident in Switzerland must be able to represent the company. Banks may also ask for documents on the owners.
Are shareholders personally liable?
Generally no. In a GmbH only company assets are liable, and the articles may add top-up payments capped at twice a share's nominal value. In an AG, shareholders risk their contribution. Gross negligence by managers can still create personal exposure.
Can I turn a GmbH into an AG later?
Yes. SECO notes that converting needs a notary and an auditor and can cost about CHF 4,000 to 5,000. That amount can be paid out of the CHF 100,000 AG capital.
Sources
Checked on the date above. Links open the provider's or regulator's own page.