Short answer: with Entreprendre.ch, the LLC formation service costs CHF 490 excl. VAT. Notary fees are included in this price.
Then add around CHF 520–600 for the Commercial Register and CHF 30–60 per certified signature. For a straightforward LLC with one authorised signatory, the main budget is therefore generally between CHF 1,040 and CHF 1,150, plus VAT on the package. Any bank charges for the capital deposit account are shown separately.
The CHF 20,000 capital is not an expense. It is temporarily blocked, then transferred to the company’s account after registration. This article separates actual fees from capital and explains each amount.
For the steps, timeframes and decisions involved, see our complete guide to forming a Swiss LLC.
Swiss LLC formation costs: the essentials in 30 seconds
Indicative main budget: around CHF 1,040–1,150, plus VAT on the package. Any bank charges for the capital deposit account are shown separately and excluded from this estimate.
Compare like with like. A price advertised “from CHF 490” is not the entire final bill, because Commercial Register and certain third-party charges remain payable under every option. Our package does cover all preparation and notary fees for a standard formation.
You now know the starting budget
A Swiss-qualified accountant supports you at each step, with no additional notary fees.
Swiss LLC formation cost breakdown
These are the amounts to budget for standard formation with a cash contribution. Special cases are explained below.
1. Formation package: CHF 490 excl. VAT
Entreprendre.ch’s Standard package costs CHF 490 excl. VAT. VAT is added. For a VAT-registered company entitled to input tax recovery, it is generally recoverable and therefore not a final cost. This package covers formation preparation, standard articles, the deed of incorporation, notary coordination and submission to the Commercial Register.
This price is possible through a digital process and volume arrangements with our partner notaries. The application remains supervised by a team led by Swiss-qualified accountants.
2. Commercial Register charges: around CHF 520–600
Commercial Register registration is compulsory for an LLC. For a straightforward structure, generally allow around CHF 520–600. The amount depends on the canton, capital, number of registered people and any additional transactions.
Entreprendre.ch prepares and submits the registration application. The charge itself is billed to the company by the Commercial Register. It is therefore not included in the CHF 490 package excluding VAT.
3. Signature certification: around CHF 30–60 per person
Managers and other authorised representatives must have their signatures certified. The cost is generally between CHF 30 and CHF 60 per signature in Switzerland. If two people must sign, allow this amount twice.
Certification abroad can cost more and may require an apostille or other formalities. To understand this step, see our guide to signature certification.
What our support includes
“Commercial Register registration included” can be confusing. It means we prepare and submit the application. It does not mean the cantonal charge is absorbed into our package. The table below makes this distinction clear.
A clear package and support throughout
A Swiss-qualified accountant supports you at each step, with no additional notary fees.
Forming an LLC yourself, with Entreprendre.ch or with a traditional provider
You can coordinate much of the formation yourself. You cannot, however, omit the notary: an LLC’s formation and articles must be recorded in a public deed.
These ranges assume standard formation. In practice, working directly with a traditional notary often entails at least CHF 2,000 excl. VAT in notary fees, plus Commercial Register and certification charges. The official Entreprendre à Genève guide estimates usual total LLC formation costs at CHF 2,500–4,000.
For a straightforward project, Entreprendre.ch is generally significantly less expensive and quicker to coordinate. Notary fees are already included in CHF 490 excl. VAT, and our team handles preparation and follow-up.
Save time while receiving professional support
A Swiss-qualified accountant supports you at each step, with no additional notary fees.
What additional fees may apply?
The standard package covers most straightforward formations. An additional quote or third-party fees may be needed for cases outside that scope.
Capital deposit account. Any bank charge is excluded from our main estimate. Some banks open the account free of charge if the capital subsequently stays with them. Others commonly charge around CHF 200–250. See our guide to the capital deposit account.
Contributions in kind. A vehicle, equipment, machinery or another asset requires a formation report and an approved auditor’s involvement. See our article on contributions in kind.
Members or managers based abroad. Certifications, apostilles, translations and postage may increase the cost.
Specific provisions in the articles. Pre-emption rights, exit arrangements, ancillary obligations or unusual governance may require tailored legal drafting.
A registered address or representative in Switzerland. These services are relevant only where your circumstances require them and are priced separately.
Voluntary VAT registration. It is included in our Premium package at CHF 590 excl. VAT, but not in the Standard package.
Before you approve anything, our team confirms whether your application falls within the standard package. You therefore know whether additional costs apply before starting the process.
Is the CHF 20,000 capital a cost?
No. The minimum share capital of CHF 20,000 is neither a tax nor a fee. It belongs to the LLC.
You pay CHF 20,000 into the capital deposit account opened in the name of the company being formed.
The bank issues a capital deposit confirmation for notarisation and registration.
After Commercial Register registration, the bank transfers the capital to the LLC’s operating account.
The company can then use the money for business expenses: equipment, salaries, rent, marketing or working capital.
You therefore need temporary access to CHF 20,000, but adding this amount to formation fees would be misleading. The practical limitation is that the money cannot be used while held in the capital deposit account.
What costs should you expect after formation?
Formation costs are one-off. An LLC must subsequently keep accounts, prepare annual financial statements and file a tax return. Other costs depend on your arrangements.
These expenses are not part of the formation price. They relate to the company’s ongoing operations and must be budgeted separately.
Conclusion: how much should you actually budget?
For standard formation with Entreprendre.ch, start with our package of CHF 490 excl. VAT, notary fees included. Including the Commercial Register and one certified signature, the main budget is generally around CHF 1,040–1,150, plus VAT on the package. Any bank charges for the capital deposit account are separate.
The price may increase if several signatures need certification, founders live abroad, capital is contributed in kind or the articles require special provisions.
Our commitment is straightforward: notary fees are included in CHF 490 excl. VAT and external fees are identified before formation. You know what you are paying for and why.
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Amounts checked for the French article on 2 September 2026. Authority and third-party charges are indicative and can vary by canton, bank, number of registered people and complexity. Main sources: Swiss Confederation SME Portal, official guide Entreprendre à Genève and banks’ published fees.
Frequently asked questions about Swiss LLC costs
How much does it cost to form a Swiss LLC?
Entreprendre.ch’s formation package costs CHF 490 excl. VAT, including notary fees. Typically add CHF 520–600 for the Commercial Register and CHF 30–60 for one certified signature. The core budget is therefore around CHF 1,040–1,150, plus applicable VAT on our package. Any bank capital deposit charges are separate. The CHF 20,000 capital belongs to the company.
Are notary fees really included in CHF 490 excl. VAT?
Yes. For standard formation, the deed, articles and partner notary’s fees are included in the Standard package at CHF 490 excl. VAT. Commercial Register charges, certifications and any bank fees remain separate.
Why are Commercial Register charges additional?
Entreprendre.ch includes preparing and submitting the application to the Commercial Register. However, the registration charge is billed by the cantonal authority. It applies regardless of the option chosen and is generally around CHF 520–600 for a straightforward LLC.
Is the CHF 20,000 share capital lost?
No. The capital is temporarily held in a capital deposit account. After Commercial Register registration, it is transferred to the LLC’s operating account and can fund company business expenses.
How much does a capital deposit account cost?
Depending on the bank, it may be free if you subsequently open your operating account there. Other banks commonly charge around CHF 200–250. Additional charges may apply for transferring the capital to another bank or requesting several confirmations.
Is it cheaper to form an LLC yourself?
Generally not. Even if you coordinate the application yourself, a notarised deed is mandatory. In practice, allow at least CHF 2,000 excl. VAT for a traditional notary, plus Commercial Register charges, certifications and substantial coordination time. The Entreprendre.ch package already includes the notary within CHF 490 excl. VAT.
What if several people need to sign?
Each signature to be entered in the Commercial Register generally needs certification. Allow around CHF 30–60 per person in Switzerland. Certification abroad can cost more.
Does a contribution in kind cost more?
Yes. Contributions in kind require additional documentation and an approved auditor. The cost depends on the asset and valuation complexity. Ask our team to confirm whether your project can be supported and obtain a specific quote before starting.
Founder of Entreprendre.ch, Romain has supported entrepreneurs with company formation, accounting and tax for over ten years. His team has helped form more than 3,500 LLCs and SAs in French-speaking Switzerland.
Further reading
Form your LLC from CHF 490 excl. VAT
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