Swiss legal forms compared
Sole proprietorship, GmbH and AG side by side — capital, liability and formation cost at a glance.
The sole proprietorship needs no capital and costs around CHF 550, but comes with personal liability. The GmbH (CHF 20'000 capital, ~CHF 2'500) and the AG (CHF 100'000 capital with CHF 50'000 paid in, ~CHF 3'500) both offer limited liability and differ mainly in scale, anonymity and image.
The key differences
| Criterion | Einzelfirma | GmbH | AG |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum capital | — | CHF 20'000 | CHF 100'000 |
| Liability | Private assets are liable | limited to the company's capital | limited to the company's capital |
| Formation costs at Planet | CHF 550 | CHF 2'500 | CHF 3'500 |
| Suitable for | individuals, low risk, getting started | SMEs, partners, limited risk | capital needs, investors, growth |
There is no single best form, only the one that fits your stage. Solo founders on a budget start as a sole proprietorship, growing businesses choose the GmbH, and larger or capital-raising ventures opt for the AG.
Answered in short
Which legal form is best for a first business?
For most first-time founders it is either the sole proprietorship (lowest cost, full personal liability) or the GmbH (limited liability for CHF 20'000 capital). We help you decide based on your risk, turnover and plans in a first free consultation.
Can I change my legal form later?
Yes. Legal forms are not permanent — a sole proprietorship can become a GmbH, and a GmbH can be converted into an AG as the business grows. We handle the transition so your operations continue without interruption.