GmbH or AG?
Both offer limited liability — the difference lies in capital, anonymity and how the company is perceived.
A GmbH requires CHF 20'000 in fully paid-in capital and is set up for around CHF 2'500, with shareholders listed publicly in the commercial register. An AG requires CHF 100'000 in capital (of which CHF 50'000 must be paid in), costs roughly CHF 3'500, and keeps its shareholders anonymous.
The key differences
| Criterion | GmbH | AG |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum capital | CHF 20'000 | CHF 100'000 |
| Of which to be paid in | fully paid in (100%) | at least CHF 50'000 (50%) |
| Liability | limited to the company's capital | limited to the company's capital |
| Formation costs at Planet | CHF 2'500 | CHF 3'500 |
| Anonymity of the owners | public in the commercial register | shareholders not public |
| External image | lean, ideal for SMEs | well-capitalised, reputable |
For most SMEs the GmbH is the practical, cost-efficient choice. Choose the AG if you value shareholder anonymity, plan to raise capital or transfer shares, or want the more prestigious image it carries.
Answered in short
Does an AG really need CHF 100'000?
The share capital of an AG is CHF 100'000, but only CHF 50'000 has to be paid in at formation. The remainder can be called up later. As with the GmbH, the paid-in capital remains available to the company.
Is an AG taxed more heavily than a GmbH?
No. GmbH and AG are taxed under the same rules for legal entities. The choice between them is driven by capital, anonymity and image — not by a difference in tax rates.