5 Best Company Formation Services in French-Speaking Switzerland
Starting a business in Switzerland should not require a law degree. The best online services now charge roughly CHF 290 to CHF 590 in service fees, but the real total still depends on your canton, capital deposit account, and any partner offers.
What You'll Actually Pay
to Form a Company
Before comparing services, look at the full bill. The advertised price does not always include all external fees, and the 'free' offers usually depend on a partner bank or fiduciary.
Commercial Register: CHF 500-900
Depends on canton and legal formCapital Deposit Account: CHF 0-400
Free with some partner banksSignature Legalization: CHF 20-50
Per signature requiredTotal Realistic Budget
Online platforms: CHF 290-590 service fee
Traditional route: often CHF 2,000+ before share capital
Realistic total for a standard Sàrl: CHF 950-1,700 before share capital
The lowest headline prices usually require a partner bank, fiduciary, or insurer. Always check what is included, what remains payable externally, and whether VAT applies.
The minimum share capital for a Sàrl is CHF 20,000, which must be deposited before registration. For a SA, you need CHF 100,000 minimum (CHF 50,000 paid in).
Quick Comparison: All 5 Services
Compare pricing, timeline, languages and best use cases for each company formation service.
| Provider | Google Maps | Base Price | Timeline | Languages | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NewCo.ch | ⭐ 4.8★ (266) | CHF 490 | 2-3 weeks | FR, DE, EN | Transparent fixed pricing |
| Entreprendre.ch | ⭐ 4.8★ (65) | CHF 490 excl. VAT | 1-3 weeks | FR only | Geneva-based entrepreneurs |
| IFJ.ch | n/a | CHF 500 or 300 with PostFinance | 2-3 weeks | FR, DE, IT, EN | First-time founders |
| Fasoon.ch | ⭐ 4.9★ (840) | CHF 290 or 0-290 with partners | ~2 weeks | FR, DE, EN | Budget-conscious startups |
| Startups.ch | ⭐ 4.8★ (198) | CHF 290 or 0 with partners | 48h to 1h + canton | FR, DE, IT, EN | Multi-location needs |
NewCo.ch — Best Overall Experience
Founded in 2020, NewCo now covers all 26 cantons and says it has served more than 8,100 clients. Its main strength is clear fixed pricing and a tightly structured process. Google Maps: ⭐ 4.8★ (266 reviews, March 2026)
Price: CHF 490 for a Sàrl (notary included)
Timeline: 2-3 weeks in practice
Positioning: the clearest option if you want fewer billing surprises
What Sets Them Apart
Everything happens online, with legal support built in. NewCo says documents are prepared within 24 hours, notarization can happen remotely, and the file is then transmitted quickly to the Commercial Register.
Pricing Breakdown
- Sàrl Basic: CHF 490
- SA Basic: CHF 590
- Sole proprietorship Basic: CHF 190
- The package includes the notary and one signature legalization
- With some partner offers, the capital deposit account can be free
The Fine Print
The fixed fee does not include Commercial Register costs or the capital deposit account unless a partner offer covers it. Languages are French, German, and English, but not Italian.
Best for: Entrepreneurs who want a modern, fully digital experience with transparent pricing.
Entreprendre.ch — Best for Geneva
A Geneva platform run by Swiss-certified accountants. The site highlights more than 2,000 Sàrl and SA formations. Google Maps: ⭐ 4.8★ (65 reviews, March 2026)
Price: from CHF 490 excl. VAT
Timeline: often 1-3 weeks
Positioning: local support with an accounting and tax angle
What Sets Them Apart
The differentiator is accounting-led support, not just document prep. If you already know you will need a fiduciary after incorporation, the offer is coherent.
Services Included
- Standard Sàrl package: CHF 490 excl. VAT
- Premium Sàrl package: CHF 590 excl. VAT
- Documents prepared within 24 hours
- SA formation, training, and fiduciary services
The Fine Print
The advertised price is excl. VAT. The pricing page also says signature legalizations remain extra. The service is essentially francophone.
Best for: Geneva-based entrepreneurs who want local expertise and potential long-term accounting partnership.
IFJ.ch — Best for Beginners
The national Swiss entrepreneurship hub: 30+ years active, 200,000 people supported, and more than 3,000 incorporations per year.
Price: CHF 500 for a Sàrl/SA, or CHF 300 with PostFinance
Timeline: 2-3 weeks depending on canton
Positioning: strongest support ecosystem
What Sets Them Apart
The breadth of support. Beyond formation, IFJ offers:
- Business plan development
- Training programs
- Coworking spaces
- Domiciliation services
- Connections to VentureKick and other funding programs
Pricing Breakdown
- Sàrl/SA: CHF 500 maximum
- With PostFinance account: CHF 300
- External fees: signature about CHF 20-50, register CHF 500-700, capital deposit account CHF 145-300
The Fine Print
The lowest displayed price depends explicitly on partner contributions. IFJ is excellent for ecosystem support, but the model is clearly built around bank and service partnerships.
Best for: First-time founders who want educational resources and a broader support ecosystem beyond just company formation.
Fasoon.ch — Best for Budget
Fasoon leans hard into best-price positioning, qualified electronic signatures, and a very digital setup flow. Google Maps: ⭐ 4.9★ (840 reviews, March 2026)
Price: CHF 290 for a cash-contribution Sàrl, or CHF 0-290 with partners
Timeline: around 2 weeks after documents are complete
Positioning: the lowest entry ticket without stepping into premium packages
What Sets Them Apart
Fasoon is one of the most aggressive players on price. It also pushes digital formation heavily, with qualified electronic signatures that can shave about a week off the process.
Pricing Breakdown
- Cash-contribution Sàrl: CHF 290
- Contribution-in-kind Sàrl: CHF 490
- Capital deposit account: free with UBS partner, otherwise CHF 150-400
- Partner fiduciaries: cover 50% of Fasoon's fees if you sign with them
- Sole proprietorship: CHF 100
The Fine Print
The advertised price does not include Commercial Register fees, signature legalizations, or always the capital deposit account. And the "free" setup angle depends on accepting partners.
Best for: Founders comfortable with partner commitments who want the fastest timeline and lowest upfront costs.
Startups.ch — Widest Network
The national heavyweight, with 25 advertised locations, more than 35,000 formations, and a package-based offer. Google Maps: ⭐ 4.8★ (198 reviews, March 2026)
Price: from CHF 290 without partners, or CHF 0 with partners
Timeline: 48h to 1h of internal processing depending on package, then canton timing
Positioning: the broadest option for multi-canton needs
What Sets Them Apart
Scale and segmentation. The Basic package targets more autonomous founders, Business targets first-time incorporations, and Prime adds more tax and legal support. The group also highlights in-house lawyers, fiduciary experts, and tax specialists.
Pricing Breakdown
- Basic: CHF 290 (48h processing)
- Business: CHF 599 (6h)
- Prime: CHF 999 (1h)
- Headline price: CHF 0 with partner selection
- VAT: displayed prices are excl. VAT
The Fine Print
The cheapest entry price depends on partner selection. Basic is designed for experienced founders, is online-payment only, and you still need to budget for the standard external costs.
Best for: Founders who need multi-canton coverage, more languages, and a real choice between low-cost and premium support.
How to Choose
the Right Service
Your best option depends on your specific situation.
Choose NewCo if
You want a modern, fully digital experience.
- Fully digital process
- Transparent pricing matters most
- Based in Vaud or Valais
- Want no-surprise invoices
Choose Entreprendre.ch if
You're Geneva-based and want local support.
- You're in Geneva
- Want ongoing accounting support
- Prefer face-to-face meetings
- Need French-only service
Choose IFJ if
This is your first company and you need guidance.
- First-time founder
- Need training and mentorship
- Want funding program connections
- Value educational resources
Choose Fasoon if
Budget is your primary concern.
- Budget is primary concern
- Fine with partner commitments
- Speed matters (2-week timeline)
- Comfortable with banking partnerships
Choose Startups.ch if
You need Italian support or multi-canton presence.
- Need Italian language support
- Have multi-canton requirements
- Prioritize nationwide presence
- Want a choice between Basic, Business, and Prime
Foreigners &
Cross-Border Workers
Formation is accessible, but the rules change depending on your permit and nationality. The key point is that the company must be representable by someone domiciled in Switzerland.
One manager or director with individual signing rights must reside in Switzerland
One board member or director with individual signing rights must reside in Switzerland
Can start and carry on self-employed activity with proof of the activity and the right permit
More restrictive regime, with Swiss labour-market conditions in the background
Timeline: What to Expect
Typical Sàrl formation takes 1 to 3 weeks, sometimes longer if the bank or Commercial Register slows things down:
| Day | Step |
|---|---|
| 1-2 | Submit documents through chosen provider |
| 2-5 | Capital deposit account opening |
| 5-7 | Notarial deed preparation and digital signing |
| 7-10 | Commercial Register filing |
| 10-20 | Commercial Register processing (varies by canton) |
Fastest on paper: Startups.ch advertises 48h to 1h internal processing depending on package, NewCo says documents are ready within 24 hours, and Fasoon says roughly two weeks once the file is complete. The final timing mostly depends on the bank and canton.
Additional Resources for
Swiss Entrepreneurs
Beyond formation services, several organizations can help you succeed.
Cautionnement Romand
Facilitates bank credit access for SMEs with guarantees up to CHF 1,000,000.
GENILEM
Association helping entrepreneurs in Vaud and Geneva build viable, innovative businesses.
Federal Unemployment Support
If registered at ORP, you may receive up to 90 days of continued benefits during company creation.
Domiciliation Services
Every Sàrl needs an official Swiss address. Without premises, expect ~CHF 100/month.
Ready to Start Your Company?
For most founders in French-speaking Switzerland who want clear fixed pricing, NewCo.ch still offers the best balance of clarity, speed, and support. If absolute lowest price is your priority, Fasoon or Startups.ch can come in cheaper.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it really cost to form a Sàrl in Switzerland?
A standard online Sàrl usually lands around CHF 950 to CHF 1,700 before share capital. That typically combines CHF 290-590 in service fees, CHF 500-900 for the Commercial Register, CHF 0-400 for the capital deposit account, and CHF 20-50 per signature legalization. The lowest advertised prices often require a partner bank or fiduciary.
What's the minimum capital required for a Sàrl?
The minimum share capital for a Sàrl is CHF 20,000, which must be deposited before registration. For a SA, you need CHF 100,000 minimum with at least CHF 50,000 paid in.
Can foreigners start a company in Switzerland?
Yes, but not under the same conditions for everyone. EU/EFTA nationals can generally start and run an independent activity more easily. Third-country nationals face tighter rules. In all cases, a Sàrl or SA must be representable by at least one person domiciled in Switzerland with individual signing rights.
How long does company formation take?
A Sàrl often takes 1 to 3 weeks when the file is complete. Some providers prepare documents in 24-48 hours, but the biggest variables are still the capital deposit account and the Commercial Register timeline in your canton.
Can I form a company while unemployed?
Yes, but you need to coordinate it carefully with your unemployment office. Swiss unemployment insurance can support an independent-activity planning phase for up to 90 days. If you become operational too quickly, your benefits can be affected, so confirm the framework first.