If you want to set up a GmbH or AG in Switzerland, you can now do it entirely online. The offers differ considerably, however: in notarisation, signature and capital deposit, and in how transparent the costs are. This checklist helps you compare providers objectively.
In short: setting up a company online is legally equivalent to setting it up with an appointment at the notary: the articles of association and the deed of incorporation are publicly notarised, and the company is entered in the cantonal commercial register. Providers differ mainly in three respects: whether notarisation is possible without personal presence, whether identification, the qualified electronic signature and the capital deposit are part of the process, and how openly the costs are shown. Last reviewed: November 2026.
What should you look for when choosing a provider?
1. Notarisation without personal presence
Setting up a GmbH or AG requires a public deed (Art. 629 and Art. 777 CO). Ask whether you have to appear before a notary or whether the deed is executed through a representative with a power of attorney. With a power of attorney signed with a qualified electronic signature, there is no need to visit the notary. Both routes compared: Incorporating a company: online or with a notary appointment?
2. Identification, signature and certification of signatures
Anyone signing incorporation documents electronically needs a qualified electronic signature (QES). Check whether identification and the QES are part of the process or whether you have to arrange them separately, and which ID documents and countries of residence they work for. In addition, the signatures of the persons entered in the commercial register must be certified (Art. 21 para. 1 CRO). You do not need to go to a notary or the commercial register office for this: with a QES you confirm your scanned signature electronically yourself (self-certification, Art. 21 para. 3 CRO). Ask whether the provider includes this self-certification in the process.
3. Capital deposit
The share capital is paid into a capital deposit account before notarisation. Ask which banks are directly connected and whether you can also choose your own bank.
4. Documents
The articles of association, deed of incorporation, commercial register application and declarations must be consistent. A good provider prepares them from your details and checks them before filing. Ask to see sample documents. The documents you need are listed in the Checklist: setting up a GmbH in Switzerland.
5. Costs
The fees of the commercial register office are set by the federal fee ordinance and are the same everywhere. Differences lie in the notarisation, bank charges and the provider’s flat fee. Ask for a breakdown of all items before you file anything.
6. Duration
Online, preparation often takes only a few hours if all details and the capital are ready. After that, the processing time of the commercial register office determines the timeline. Ask from what point the application counts as filed.
7. Languages and cantons
If you are setting up a company in French-speaking Switzerland or Ticino, the process and documents should be available in your language. Check whether the provider files in all cantons.
8. Data protection and security
You share ID data and company information. Ask where the data is stored and whether the provider holds a recognised certification, for example ISO/IEC 27001.
Checklist
- Notarisation possible without personal presence
- Identification, QES and self-certification of signatures included in the process
- Capital deposit with connected banks or with your own bank
- Articles of association, deed of incorporation and application prepared and checked
- All costs shown separately before you start
- Clear when the application is filed with the commercial register office
- Process and documents in your language, filing in all cantons
- Data storage location known, recognised certification (e.g. ISO/IEC 27001)
How Hoop meets these criteria
With Hoop, notarisation takes place without personal presence. Identification, the qualified electronic signature and self-certification of your signature are part of the process. You apply for the capital deposit account directly in the process with UBS or YAPEAL; an account with any other Swiss bank is also possible. The documents are prepared from your details, and you see all costs before submitting. Hoop is available in German, French, Italian and English, files in all cantons and is certified to ISO/IEC 27001:2022 (Information Security Policy).
Frequently asked questions
Is an online company formation legally valid?
Yes. The public deed and the entry in the commercial register are the same as for a formation in person. The qualified electronic signature is equivalent to a handwritten signature (Art. 14 para. 2bis CO).
Do I need a fiduciary?
Not necessarily. For tax or structuring questions, advice can be worthwhile; the formation itself can be done online.
How much does it cost to set up a company?
The costs consist of the commercial register office fees, the notarisation, any bank charges and the provider’s service. Reputable providers show all items before you start.
How long does it take?
Online, preparation takes a few hours if all details and the capital are ready. The entry in the commercial register usually follows within a few working days, depending on the office.
Do I have to go to a notary or an office to have my signature certified?
No. With a qualified electronic signature you can confirm your signature electronically yourself (Art. 21 para. 3 CRO). There is no need to visit a notary or the commercial register office.
Legal basis: public deed of incorporation Art. 777 CO (GmbH) and Art. 629 CO (AG); qualified electronic signature Art. 14 para. 2bis CO; certification of signatures and self-certification with a qualified electronic signature Art. 21 paras. 1 and 3 CRO; fees under the Ordinance on Commercial Register Fees; fact sheet on formal requirements of the Commercial Register Office of the Canton of Bern (section 5.3).
Next steps with Hoop
Incorporate your GmbH, AG or sole proprietorship directly online – with digital identification, qualified signature, certification of signatures and filing with the competent commercial register office.
Company incorporation online with Hoop · Questions and answers on incorporation · Commercial register offices
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This blog article does not constitute legal advice, it is made available “as is” and makes no claim to completeness or accuracy. Hoop makes no warranty or liability as to its content. This is excluded to the extent permitted by law. Use is at your own risk. Legal advice is recommended if necessary.
