The most common types of companies established by foreign entrepreneurs in Switzerland are GmbH and AG. Both types of companies have their advantages and disadvantages, therefore the following information might be very useful for those interested in opening a company in Switzerland, to help them make a decision.
Managing a Swiss company automatically implies having a board of directors, as it is one of the legal requirements in order to incorporate in Switzerland. Company shareholders appoint the company directors. However, company directors must meet certain requirements, depending on the type of company. The main regulatory framework that applies when appointing company directors is the Swiss Code of Obligations.
Branch offices are commercially independent businesses of a parent company. Foreign companies are able to open branch offices in Switzerland. Company branches are legally dependent of the head office, thus they do not have a legal personality. The company branch has limited commercial independence. It means that it must carry out the same type of commercial activity as the parent company, in order to form a commercial whole with it.
