Canton Zug is where more than 6,000 companies have chosen to register. The Commercial Register (Handelsregister) process is efficient, the cantonal authorities are responsive, and the local ecosystem offers direct access to banking, legal, and fiduciary services.
GmbH vs. AG
| GmbH | AG | |
|---|---|---|
| Min. capital | CHF 20,000 (fully paid) | CHF 100,000 (min. CHF 50,000 paid) |
| Ownership | Publicly visible in register | Not disclosed in register |
| Governance | Managing director(s) | Board of directors |
| Best for | SMEs, startups, subsidiaries | Larger enterprises, investor structures |
Step-by-Step Formation
Step 1 — Prepare articles of association (Statuten)
Step 2 — Open capital deposit account at a Swiss bank
Step 3 — Notarization (öffentliche Beurkundung)
Step 4 — Commercial Register entry → company receives legal personality
Step 5 — Post-registration: VAT registration, employer registration, bookkeeping setup, payroll setup
Typical timeline: 3–4 weeks from engagement to operating company.
Crypto Valley & Blockchain
Zug earned the name “Crypto Valley” when the Ethereum Foundation established its base here in 2014. We guide blockchain startups through formation including FINMA and SRO/AML considerations, token classification, and crypto asset accounting.
Costs
Notary fees: CHF 1,500–3,000. Commercial Register: CHF 600–1,200. Our advisory fee: From CHF 3,500. Total GmbH formation: CHF 5,500–8,000 (excluding share capital).