Buy a Shelf GmbH in Switzerland
The GmbH is Switzerland’s most popular business form. Acquire a ready-made one and be operational within days — no formation delays, no hidden liabilities.
See Available GmbHsThe Swiss GmbH: Switzerland’s Workhorse
The Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung (GmbH) is the Swiss equivalent of a limited liability company (LLC). It is the most commonly formed entity type in Switzerland, accounting for roughly 40% of all new company registrations each year. With a minimum capital requirement of just CHF 20,000 (fully paid in), the GmbH is accessible to entrepreneurs, small and medium-sized enterprises, and international groups establishing a Swiss subsidiary.
A shelf GmbH is one that has already been incorporated and entered into the Commercial Register but has never engaged in business activity. When you buy it, we transfer the quota shares (Stammanteile) to you and update the management to your chosen directors. The result is a fully operational Swiss company in your hands within 24–48 hours.
Minimum share capital, fully paid in at incorporation
Typical time from agreement to Commercial Register update
Most popular legal form in Switzerland for new businesses
Why Choose a GmbH Over an AG?
Both the GmbH and the AG offer limited liability, but they serve different purposes. Here is when the GmbH is the better fit:
| Criterion | GmbH | AG |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum capital | CHF 20,000 | CHF 100,000 (50% paid in) |
| Shareholder transparency | Quota holders listed in Commercial Register | Shareholders not public |
| Transfer of shares | Requires public deed (notarisation) | Simple written assignment |
| Typical use | SMEs, subsidiaries, consulting firms | Holdings, capital-raising, larger enterprises |
| Audit requirement | Can opt out if <10 FTE | Can opt out if <10 FTE |
The GmbH’s lower capital requirement and simpler governance make it the go-to choice for most entrepreneurs entering the Swiss market. The only notable trade-off is that quota holders’ names are publicly visible in the Commercial Register.
What You Receive
Every shelf GmbH purchase from Rohrer Consulting includes:
- Debt-free GmbH with CHF 20,000 paid-in share capital
- Due diligence report confirming no liabilities, contracts, or pending disputes
- Notarised share transfer deed (required by law for GmbH quota transfers)
- Updated articles of association with your company name and purpose
- Commercial Register extract confirming the new ownership and management
- Tax ID (UID) number — already assigned at incorporation
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to visit Switzerland to buy a shelf GmbH?
Not necessarily. The share transfer deed must be notarised, but this can be done at a Swiss consulate in your country or through a power of attorney granted to our firm. Many of our clients complete the entire process remotely.
Are GmbH shareholders public?
Yes. Unlike the AG, the GmbH publishes the names and quota amounts of all shareholders in the Commercial Register. This is a key difference to consider. If shareholder privacy is important, the AG may be a better option, or you can hold the GmbH through a holding company.
What ongoing obligations does a GmbH have?
A Swiss GmbH must maintain proper bookkeeping, file annual financial statements with the tax authorities, hold an annual general assembly, and register for VAT if turnover exceeds CHF 100,000. Companies with fewer than 10 full-time employees can opt out of an external audit. We offer accounting and tax packages to cover all ongoing compliance.
Can a single person own and manage a GmbH?
Yes. Swiss law permits a single-shareholder GmbH with one managing director. However, at least one managing director (Geschäftsführer) must be a Swiss resident. If you are not based in Switzerland, our nominee director service satisfies this requirement.
Complementary Services
Registered Office
Premium Zurich address for your GmbH registered office.
Accounting & Tax
Bookkeeping, VAT filings, and annual tax returns for your GmbH.
Bank Account Opening
Swiss corporate bank account setup with remote onboarding.
Nominee Director
Swiss-resident managing director to satisfy domicile requirements.
ALEX ROHRER.
Founder & Managing Partner of Rohrer Consulting. Corporate and tax lawyer with Big Four experience. Alex personally oversees every client engagement, providing direct expert counsel from initial consultation through to completion.
Corporate & Tax Law, Big Four International Consulting
Seefeldstrasse 69, 8008 Zurich
Your GmbH, Ready to Go
Speak with Alex Rohrer about available shelf GmbHs and get a transparent quote. No obligation.
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