Setting up a company in Zug

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Forming a company in Zug is a well-established process, and the authorities are used to dealing with international founders. Formal incorporation is usually the quicker part. Bank accounts, permits and the establishment of real substance generally determine how long the project really takes.

Choosing the legal form

Most international investors choose either a company limited by shares (Aktiengesellschaft, AG) or a limited liability company (Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung, GmbH). The AG requires a minimum share capital of CHF 100,000 and the GmbH a minimum capital of CHF 20,000. Since the revision of Swiss company law in 2023, the share capital may also be denominated in a foreign currency that is important for the business, subject to the statutory conditions. A branch of a foreign company is a further option, although it does not create a separate legal entity.

Notarial deed and commercial register

The formation of an AG or GmbH requires a public deed executed by a notary. The founders adopt the articles of association, appoint the board or the managing directors and confirm the contribution of capital. Cash contributions are generally paid into a blocked account at a Swiss bank, which releases the funds once the company has been registered. The company acquires legal personality upon entry in the commercial register of the canton of Zug, which is subsequently published in the Swiss Official Gazette of Commerce.

A realistic timeline

Once all documents, identifications and the capital are available, the notarial and registration steps can be completed within a short period. In practice, the opening of the capital deposit account is often the step that takes longest, because banks carry out thorough checks on foreign founders and the origin of funds. Founders should allow several weeks for the entire process and more if complex ownership structures are involved.

Local representation and substance

Swiss company law requires that a company can be represented by at least one person resident in Switzerland. Beyond this formal requirement, tax authorities, foreign tax administrations and banks increasingly expect real substance: qualified staff, decision-making in Switzerland, proper bookkeeping and genuine business activity. A mere domicile address without activity rarely meets these expectations and may also lead to the company being treated as resident elsewhere.

Office space

Office space in the city of Zug and in neighbouring communes is in demand, and rents are high by Swiss standards. Serviced offices offer a flexible start, while a growing team will usually require its own premises. The choice of commune also affects the tax rate.

What pays off in practice

Prepare the banking file early. A clear description of the business, ownership and origin of funds shortens the account opening.
Appoint a reliable local director. The resident representative bears legal responsibility and should be carefully chosen.
Plan substance before incorporation. Staff, office and decision-making processes should be defined from the outset.

How Ressos Legal helps

I accompany international founders through the formation of companies in Zug, from structuring and articles of association to registration and bank onboarding. Contact me for a first conversation.

For general information only. This article does not constitute legal or tax advice, does not replace advice on an individual case and creates no lawyer-client relationship. It reflects the legal position as of October 2026.

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Dr Alexander Ressos, TEP

Rechtsanwalt/Attorney-at-Law

I am a Swiss attorney-at-law and also admitted as a solicitor in Hong Kong and in England & Wales, with almost 25 years of experience.

Together with my multilingual team, including Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Russian, Ukrainian and French native speakers, I advise companies and their owners from around the world on the full range of banking, corporate, commercial and tax law matters in Switzerland, including international tax planning, fiduciary services, and legal family office services including immigration & relocation or real estate investments. My practice has a particular focus on clients from growth and frontier markets in Greater China, Central Asia and the Caucasus, the rest of Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America, and I equally advise clients from Europe and North America. Through an affiliated Swiss trust company, we also take care of the incorporation and ongoing administration of their companies and other structures, including accounting, tax returns and corporate secretarial services, and I serve as a professional director where required. With the support of a network of first-class cooperation partners, I also implement solutions worldwide.

My approach is to act as a trusted advisor who works directly with decision-makers, on an equal footing: I start from what you want to achieve and shape every structure, contract and tax decision around your commercial goals and how it improves your after-tax return. As “lawyers who make it happen”, my team and I stay involved until your company is set up, your structure is in place and your transaction has closed, and we remain available for any follow-on work that may be required. You benefit from bespoke solutions and personal attention, and sound, friendly and practical advice. We are not the lowest-cost provider in the market, nor do we intend to be; our aim is to deliver well-founded, proper solutions and excellent value for money.

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