Switzerland needs business names in all official languages where you operate. 63% register in German, 23% French, 8% Italian. Skipping languages blocks bank accounts in those regions.
Swiss Company Types
GmbH: Limited liability. CHF 20,000 minimum capital.
AG: Stock corporation. CHF 100,000 minimum.
Lower-Cost Option
Can't afford CHF 20,000? UG (mini-GmbH) needs just CHF 1 minimum.
Same protection as GmbH but you'll add "(haftungsbeschränkt)" to your name.
Name Registration Rules
Name needs "GmbH" or "AG" at the end. Can't be similar to existing names.
Geographic names restricted - "Zurich" or "Geneva" need proof you operate there.
Name Search First
Check zefix.ch for all 26 cantons before filing.
Name reservation lasts 6 months. Approval takes 2-5 business days.
Multi-Language Trap: Operating in German and French regions? Register both "Beratung GmbH" and "Conseil Sàrl". One legal entity, localized names for each region. Banks won't open French-region accounts without French name on file.
Swiss Trademark via IPI
CHF 550 for 1 class. CHF 100 per additional class.
Takes 6-9 months. Protection lasts 10 years.
Madrid Protocol Option
File international trademark via IPI to protect in 120+ countries.
Base cost: CHF 653 + country fees (CHF 100-500 each). Beats filing separately in EUIPO and USPTO.
Language Requirements
Zurich/Bern: File in German. Geneva/Vaud: File in French. Ticino: File in Italian.
IPI doesn't accept English - you need translation.
File trademark in German with French/Italian translations. Covers all Swiss language regions and prevents refiling costs.
Domain Strategy
.ch domain: No restrictions. CHF 12-25/year. Instant registration.
92% of Swiss businesses use .ch as primary domain - it's not optional.
Multi-Language Domains
Register variations: beispiel.ch (German), exemple.ch (French), esempio.ch (Italian).
Redirect to language-appropriate pages. CHF 40-80/year for 3-4 domains.
Business Name vs Trademark
Commercial Register: Protects against identical names in same canton only. CHF 600 registration.
Trademark (IPI): Nationwide protection across all 26 cantons. CHF 550+.
Common Mistake: Commercial Register doesn't give trademark protection. Competitor in different canton can register identical name. Always file IPI trademark for real protection.
What It Costs
Notary: CHF 1,500-2,500. Commercial Register: CHF 600. Trademark: CHF 550.
Total GmbH with trademark: CHF 4,200-7,600 first year.
How Long It Takes
Name reservation: 1 week. Notary appointment wait: 1-2 weeks. Commercial Register filing: 3-7 days.
Operational GmbH: 4-6 weeks. Trademark approval: Add 6-9 months.
Switzerland + EU Protection
Switzerland isn't an EU member. EUIPO trademark doesn't cover Switzerland.
You need separate filings: CHF 550 (Swiss IPI) + €1,500 (EUIPO) = CHF 2,000 total.
Which Strategy to Choose
Swiss-only business: File IPI trademark alone.
European business: File Madrid Protocol via IPI - covers Switzerland, EU, and 120+ countries for CHF 653 base.
Trademark Lens checks business name availability before you pay CHF 4,000+ in Swiss registration fees.