Company formation in Switzerland —
create your Sàrl or SA in Vaud in English
Company formation in Switzerland is not only a notary signature. For English-speaking founders, the real issue is coordinating the legal structure, bank file, commercial register, VAT position, AVS affiliation and accounting setup without losing time or creating avoidable risks.
Three profiles, one package
The complete formation package serves three distinct profiles — each with specific needs and different timing considerations.
You have an idea, possibly already some clients — but no legal structure. You need to choose between sole trader (RI) and Sàrl, open a company bank account, and start issuing invoices under a registered company name. You want it done properly from day one, without spending months on administration.
You are relocating to Switzerland or already here on a permit B or C, and you want to create a company. You are not sure what documents are required, whether you need a Swiss director, and how bank account opening works for non-Swiss founders. We guide you through every step, entirely in English.
Your revenue is growing and you want to reduce personal income tax by converting your sole trader activity into a Sàrl. This is a tax-neutral restructuring under Swiss law if done correctly — we manage the conversion, the transfer of clients and contracts, and the first year’s accounts for the new entity.
Sàrl vs SA vs sole trader — which structure for you?
The right choice depends on your revenue level, risk tolerance, number of partners and long-term objectives. Here is the comparison.
| Criteria | Sàrl Most common | SA | Sole trader (RI) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum capital | CHF 20,000 (stays in company) | CHF 100,000 | None |
| Personal liability | ✓ Limited to capital | ✓ Limited to capital | ✗ Unlimited |
| Corporate tax (IS) | ~14% effective in Vaud | ~14% effective in Vaud | None — personal income tax |
| Board requirement | No formal board required | Board of directors mandatory | Not applicable |
| Formation time | 3–5 weeks | 4–7 weeks | A few days |
| Confidentiality | Shareholder list public | Shareholder list private | Owner’s name public |
| Recommended for | Most SMEs, freelancers converting, expat founders | Larger companies, future fundraising | Testing activity, very low revenue |
| Annual accounting obligation | Full accounts under CO | Full accounts + potential audit | Simplified if revenue < CHF 500K |
Everything handled by one contact
The Complete package is the most chosen. Here is exactly what it includes — and what is explicitly excluded (third-party costs billed separately).
- Sàrl vs SA vs sole trader — personalised recommendation
- IS, AVS, personal income tax simulation for your specific situation
- Optimal salary vs dividend strategy for year 1
- Capital and governance recommendation
- 3-year projected income statement (revenue, costs, result)
- Monthly cash flow forecast for year 1
- Break-even analysis and financing plan
- Excel model + PDF summary for bank or investors
- Articles of association (statuts) drafted with precise corporate purpose
- Complete notary file prepared — you only show up to sign
- Commercial register (RC Vaud) inscription followed up
- Registered office address arranged if needed
- AVS employer affiliation (mandatory from first salary)
- VAT registration with the AFC (mandatory above CHF 100K, optional below)
- LPP affiliation if salary exceeds CHF 22,050/year
- LAA accident insurance coordination
- Bexio or Abacus accounting setup configured for your activity
- Chart of accounts, VAT codes, bank feeds connected
- First 3 months of bookkeeping included
- Monthly financial dashboard from month 1
- 6-month advisory included (monthly check-in, tax questions, financial decisions)
- Priority response time — 24h guaranteed
- First salary & payslip setup for the director
6 steps — one contact throughout
You do not coordinate the different parties. We orchestrate the entire process and keep you informed at each stage.
You describe your project, activity, personal situation and objectives. We analyse the best structure (RI or Sàrl), the recommended capital, launch timing and financing needs. The briefing produces a structured written recommendation and a precise quote — within 24 working hours.
We build the financial projections for your plan: 3-year income statement with revenue assumptions, monthly cash flow for year 1, break-even point, financing plan. Excel model and PDF version for the bank. You validate the assumptions — we produce the numbers.
We draft the articles of association (statuts) — precise corporate purpose, share allocation, governance, shareholder rights — and prepare the complete notary file. We coordinate the signing appointment. You show up to sign the documents. We handle everything else.
After the notary signing, the file is submitted to the RC Vaud. Inscription typically takes a few working days (timeline not guaranteed — depends on RC workload). Once the extract is received, your company exists legally. We notify you immediately and launch the next steps.
From the RC extract: AVS employer affiliation with the compensation fund (mandatory from first salary), VAT registration with the AFC if applicable, LPP affiliation if the planned salary exceeds CHF 22,050, LAA accident insurance. These run in parallel — we coordinate them without requiring your intervention.
Your Sàrl is registered, affiliated, ready to trade. You issue your first invoice under the company name. Robuste Fiduciaire takes over the current accounting from day one: transaction processing, bank reconciliation, first VAT return, first payslip. You receive a monthly dashboard. You run your business.
Full budget for creating a Sàrl in Vaud 2026
We are transparent from the first conversation. Here is the complete cost picture — nothing hidden, nothing added later.
² Third-party costs are indicative. We provide precise estimates before you commit.
³ The CHF 20,000 capital is included in this total but remains accessible as company funds.
Choose your package — precise quote after briefing
All packages include the same quality of service. The difference is the scope — how much we handle for you.
- Structure advice (Sàrl vs SA vs RI)
- Tax & AVS simulation
- Articles of association drafted
- Notary coordination + RC inscription
- Accounting software setup
- Financial business plan
- VAT / AVS / LPP registrations
- First year accounting
Best for founders who already have an accountant and just need the formation done correctly.
- Everything in Essential
- Financial business plan (3 years)
- VAT registration with AFC
- AVS employer affiliation
- LPP & LAA coordination
- First 3 months accounting included
- Monthly dashboard from month 1
- 6-month advisory
Recommended for most founders — covers all the steps that would otherwise require 4+ separate contacts.
- Everything in Complete
- 6-month advisory included
- Monthly check-in (30 min)
- Priority 24h response
- First director payslip included
- Tax planning for year 1
Best for founders who want a dedicated advisor in their corner for the first 6 months — not just the formation.
Creating a Swiss company as a foreigner
Non-residents and permit holders face additional steps that Swiss founders do not — from the managing director domicile requirement to bank account opening for foreign nationals. We have done this before.
Read before you decide
Tell us your project — structured response within 24h
Describe your activity, preferred structure (or ask us to recommend one), whether you need a business plan, and whether you are based in Switzerland or abroad. We respond in English within 24 working hours with a structured next step and an indicative scope.
Data processed confidentially under Swiss law (nLPD). Privacy policy
Frequently asked questions
Yes. There is no nationality requirement for creating a Sàrl. The key constraint is that the company must be represented by at least one person domiciled in Switzerland and authorised to represent it. Depending on your residence, permit and governance setup, this may require a Swiss-resident director or another compliant arrangement. Bank account opening is often the most sensitive step for non-residents, so the file must be prepared carefully.
3–6 weeks for a well-prepared Sàrl: approximately 1–2 weeks to draft articles and prepare the notary file, then the notary signing session (1–2 hours), then a few working days for the RC Vaud inscription (timeline not guaranteed — depends on RC workload). VAT and AVS affiliations run in parallel and take 2–4 additional weeks. The Complete package minimises delays because we manage all coordination. Bank account opening is independent and can take 1–4 weeks depending on the bank.
The notary signing appointment is typically the only step that requires physical presence — and even this can sometimes be handled via a notarised power of attorney. We assess your specific situation and advise on the most efficient approach. All other steps (file preparation, RC submission, affiliations, accounting setup) can be handled remotely. For non-resident founders, we review the practical options before confirming the timetable, because bank and notary requirements may vary by profile.
No. VAT registration (assujettissement à la TVA) is generally mandatory when taxable worldwide turnover reaches the applicable CHF 100,000 threshold, subject to the activity and exemptions. Below that, it is voluntary. Voluntary registration can be advantageous if you have significant VAT-able expenses from day one (equipment, rent, subcontractors from VAT-registered suppliers) — because you can then recover input VAT. We assess your first-year revenue forecast and advise on the optimal timing during the initial briefing.
After the Premium package’s 6-month advisory period, most clients continue with a regular monthly accounting mandate (from CHF 290/month depending on volume and complexity). The transition is seamless — we already know your company, your structure and your accounts. You receive a proposal for the ongoing mandate at the end of the advisory period, which you are free to accept or decline with no penalty.
This service is not the right entry point if…
A clear service boundary helps avoid SEO cannibalisation and also helps the client choose the right fiduciary support.
You already have an active Swiss company
For monthly entries, bank reconciliation, VAT follow-up and closing-ready accounts, start with accounting in Vaud.
Your main issue is VAT
If the company is already operating and you need method, rates, returns or AFC compliance, use Swiss VAT support.
You need a tax decision, not incorporation
For salary/dividends, deductible costs, cross-border taxation or tax planning, request tax advisory in English.
Services you’ll need once operational
Your Swiss company — structured launch in 3–6 weeks
One contact. One coordinated process. English throughout. Timeline depends on the bank, notary, commercial register and the completeness of your file.
Mon–Fri 08:30–18:00 · Swiss time · English & French