Why Switzerland
Switzerland is one of the most prestigious business addresses in the world. The canton of Zug ("Crypto Valley") has become a global hub for crypto and Web3. Low cantonal tax rates, a stable currency and a world-class banking system make it unique.
Tax System
| Canton | Effective rate (federal + cantonal) |
|---|---|
| Zug | ~11.9% |
| Lucerne | ~12.3% |
| Appenzell | ~13.0% |
| Zurich | ~19.7% |
| Geneva | ~24.0% |
National VAT rate: 8.1%.
Company Types
- GmbH (LLC) — minimum CHF 20,000 share capital, standard choice
- AG (JSC) — minimum CHF 100,000, for public companies and holdings
Who It Is For
- Crypto and Web3 projects (canton of Zug)
- Financial holdings and funds
- Companies for whom jurisdiction reputation is critical
- International trading and commodities
Cost & Timeline
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Share capital (GmbH) | from CHF 20,000 |
| Registration | CHF 1,000–3,000 |
| Annual maintenance | from CHF 3,000/yr |
| Registration time | 2–4 weeks |
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- World-class reputation — maximum trust from banks and partners
- Crypto Valley — best environment for crypto and Web3
- Low tax in Zug (11.9%)
- Political stability, strong currency
- Business confidentiality
Cons:
- Very high registration and maintenance costs
- Mandatory Swiss-resident director
- Minimum CHF 20,000 share capital for GmbH
- Complex bureaucracy and compliance
FAQ
Is a Swiss-resident director required?
Yes. At least one director must be a Swiss resident by law. This significantly increases costs.
Is Switzerland suitable for a small startup?
Generally not. Due to high costs, Switzerland makes sense for companies with €500K+ turnover or for specific financial/crypto structures.
What is Crypto Valley?
Crypto Valley is the informal name for the ecosystem in the canton of Zug, home to hundreds of crypto and blockchain companies. FINMA (the regulator) is known for its friendly approach to DeFi and Web3.