How long does it take to register a company in Vaud?

The registration process for a company in Vaud typically takes between 1 and 4 weeks, depending on the completeness of the application and the volume of submissions. Once the notarized documents are submitted to the commercial register, the review process begins. If all requirements are met, the company is registered and published in the official gazette. Delays may occur if documents are incomplete or if additional clarifications are needed. For faster processing, use the PrivaSphere digital portal, which streamlines submission and tracking. The Swiss Company Registration: Guide for Foreign Entrepreneurs provides a timeline for each step.

Can foreign nationals register a company in Vaud?

Yes, foreign nationals can register a company in Vaud. There are no restrictions based on nationality, but at least one person with a Swiss residence permit must be authorized to represent the company. This individual must be able to sign contracts and manage the business on behalf of the entity. The company must also have a registered office in Switzerland. Foreign entrepreneurs are encouraged to work with a local legal or tax advisor to ensure compliance with Swiss laws. The Setting Up a Company in Zug Switzerland: Founder Guide offers insights into cross-canton practices, though Vaud has its own unique procedures.

What are the ongoing compliance obligations after company formation?

After company formation, businesses in Vaud must comply with several ongoing obligations. These include filing annual financial statements, submitting withholding tax declarations within 30 days of the general meeting, and maintaining proper accounting records. Companies with a balance sheet total exceeding CHF 5 million must submit an official form to the tax authority. Additionally, all SA, Sàrl, and cooperatives must appoint a revision body unless they qualify for an opting-out declaration. The Companies in Bern Switzerland: Doing Business in the Canton provides a broader view of compliance across cantons, but Vaud’s rules are generally aligned with federal standards. These steps cover the basics of company formation vaud; verify with a qualified fiduciary before acting.

Vaud (VD)Company FormationGmbH

Company Formation Vaud: Steps, Cost and Tax

Company formation Vaud: pick a legal structure, satisfy capital and notary rules, register the company, and understand cantonal tax duties in Vaud.

Verified 7 days ago

5 min read

Updated Jun 2026

Verified against official sources in Switzerland. Last verified 7 days ago, AFC Vaud, ESTV, KMU Portal.Status: current

CantonGeneva Zurich Zug Bern Basel Vaud

TopicVAT Company Formation AHV Employment Data Protection Annual Obligations

Business typeFreelancer GmbH AG Employer

Overview

Company Formation Vaud: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Starting a Business in Switzerland

Establishing a company in the canton of Vaud offers international entrepreneurs a strategic gateway to the Swiss economy, known for innovation, stability, and strong support for startups. The process of company formation vaud begins with selecting a legal structure, choosing a compliant name, and fulfilling federal and cantonal registration requirements. Entrepreneurs must also consider tax obligations, including VAT registration if annual turnover exceeds CHF 100,000, and ensure timely submission of withholding tax declarations. The most common options are the Aktiengesellschaft (AG), which requires a minimum capital of CHF 100,000, and the Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung (GmbH), which requires a minimum of CHF 20,000. The GmbH is ideal for small and medium-sized enterprises due to its lower capital requirements and flexible governance. For foreign entrepreneurs, the AG offers strong credibility and is suitable for companies seeking international investment. The company registration switzerland resource offers a comprehensive overview of national procedures. Specific details on this point were not found in available Swiss sources - verify with a fiduciary.

What this guide covers

Legal structure options: Learn how to choose between AG, GmbH, or sole proprietorship based on capital, liability, and governance needs.
Cantonal support programs: Discover how Vaud’s startup aid and business compensation schemes can reduce early-stage financial risk.
Registration process: Understand the steps to register your company in the commercial register and obtain necessary permits.

CHF 22M

Support for startups

The Canton of Vaud supported 69 companies with approximately 22 million francs through its special COVID-19 aid program.

CHF 420

Registration fee

The standard fee for registering a corporation or limited liability company in Vaud is CHF 420.

CHF 100,000

Minimum capital for AG

A minimum capital of CHF 100,000 is required for the formation of an Aktiengesellschaft (AG).

CHF 700-2,000

Notary fees

Notary fees for the formation documents range from CHF 700 to CHF 2,000.

CHF 100,000

VAT threshold

The VAT registration threshold of CHF 100,000 applies to all businesses in Switzerland.

CHF 50

Consultation fee

The fee for consulting company registration documents at the Vaud commercial register is CHF 50.

1-2 weeks

Select a Legal Entity

Begin by choosing a legal structure that aligns with your business goals. The most common options are the Aktiengesellschaft (AG), which requires a minimum capital of CHF 100,000, and the Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung (GmbH), which requires a minimum of CHF 20,000. The GmbH is ideal for small and medium-sized enterprises due to its lower capital requirements and flexible governance. For foreign entrepreneurs, the AG offers strong credibility and is suitable for companies seeking international investment. The Swiss Company Registration: Guide for Foreign Entrepreneurs provides detailed comparisons of each structure.

3-5 days

Verify Name and Purpose

Ensure your chosen company name is available and compliant with Swiss regulations. Use Zefix, the federal commercial register database, to check name availability . The purpose of the company must be clearly defined and admissible; you can submit a request to the Vaud commercial register for confirmation, which costs CHF 100 . The purpose must be concise and understandable to the general public. Avoid names that are misleading, offensive, or already in use by another entity. For guidance on acceptable purposes, refer to the company registration switzerland guide.

1-2 weeks

Prepare and Notarize Documents

Draft the company’s articles of association and have them notarized. This step is mandatory for both AG and GmbH formations. The notary will verify the identities of the founders, confirm the capital contribution, and ensure the documents meet legal standards. Notary fees vary between CHF 700 and CHF 2,000 depending on the complexity . The notarized documents must include the company’s name, purpose, capital, management structure, and any provisions for profit distribution. After notarization, the documents are ready for submission to the commercial register.

1-4 weeks

Submit to the Commercial Register

Submit the notarized documents to the Vaud commercial register via PrivaSphere, the canton’s digital portal, or in person. The submission must include the notarized articles, proof of capital deposit, and any required declarations. The register will review the documents for completeness and compliance. If approved, the company is officially registered and published in the official gazette. The entire process typically takes 1-4 weeks, depending on the volume of applications. Once registered, your company gains legal personality and can open a bank account and sign contracts.

1-2 weeks

After registration, you must register your company with the Federal Tax Administration (ESTV) for VAT, income tax, and withholding tax. If your annual turnover exceeds CHF 100,000, you are required to register for VAT within 30 days . You must also register for AHV (social security) and BVG (pension) for any employees. For companies with a balance sheet total exceeding CHF 5 million, an official form must be submitted to the tax authority within 30 days of the general meeting. The Swiss Company Registration: Guide for Foreign Entrepreneurs outlines all tax obligations in detail.

Important Cantonal Support for New Businesses

The Canton of Vaud offers significant support to new businesses, especially startups. Since May 2020, the canton has provided over 42 million francs in aid to 69 companies through its special COVID-19 support program, with a focus on innovation and technology sectors. Additionally, businesses created after 1 October 2020 that were forced to close by authority decision are eligible for compensation under a revised cantonal decree . This support is administered by the Service de la promotion de l’économie et de l’innovation (SPEI). For more information on eligibility and application, visit the official portal at vaud-economie.ch/covid19/mesures/cautionnements-start-up. The canton also hosts a vibrant ecosystem for entrepreneurs, including incubators and innovation hubs, making it an ideal location for tech and service-based startups.

The minimum capital required to form a Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung (GmbH) in Vaud is CHF 20,000. This capital must be fully paid in before the company is registered. The GmbH is a popular choice for small and medium-sized enterprises due to its low entry threshold and limited liability for shareholders. The capital is typically deposited in a Swiss bank account and verified by the notary during the formation process. For more details on capital requirements, refer to the Company Registration Switzerland: A Complete Guide.

Official resources

Consult the official Vaud tax forms and directives and the federal company-formation guidance on the KMU Portal.

Sources

Official Vaud sources

Verified against official government sources

All rates and rules checked against primary Swiss federal and cantonal portals.

Vd_authority

Canton of Vaud, Official Portal

Official portal of Canton Vaud. Source for French-speaking cantonal business services for Lausanne/Lake Geneva region companies.

vd.ch ↗

Estv

Swiss Federal Tax Administration

Federal authority for VAT, withholding tax, stamp duties, and direct federal tax. Primary official source for all tax obligations affecting Swiss SMEs.

estv.admin.ch ↗

Kmu_portal

Swiss SME Portal

Official federal SME information portal. Broadest single federal source: covers company setup, VAT, employment, social insurance, and annual administrative obligations for all business types.

kmu.admin.ch ↗

Content verified against these sources. Not legal advice.See full disclaimer

Tools that help with Company Formation

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Company Formation Vaud: Steps, Cost and Tax

Company Formation Vaud: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Starting a Business in Switzerland

Official Vaud sources

Verified against official government sources

Tools that help with Company Formation

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