Establishing a Swiss entity involves choices that have long-term consequences — SA versus Sàrl, branch versus subsidiary, Geneva versus a lower-tax canton. Getting the structure wrong at incorporation creates compliance and tax problems that are expensive to unwind. Dryden ICS has guided international groups through Swiss incorporation since 1999, and can advise on the optimal structure for your specific situation before any papers are filed.

In case an individual decides to set up his or her own business there are a number of important questions that need to be analysed and decided up front. We assist individuals in their choice of start-up structure i.e. being self-employed or creating a company. We guide clients through the alternatives available and analyse the best approach in the short and medium term taking into account their current personal situation and future plans.

We can assist you with the preparation of the necessary corporate documents e.g. AGM minutes and share registers. If required we can also act as the custodian of the corporate documents within our office facility.

Swiss law requires a locally resident director or branch manager for any registered entity. For international groups in the early stages of their Swiss presence, Dryden ICS can provide a qualified local director on an interim basis — giving your entity full legal standing while your own management structure is put in place. All mandates are subject to standard due diligence and governed by a clear mandate agreement.

In Switzerland, similar to other jurisdictions, companies have to register their corporate details with the Cantonal Commercial Register. We can assist you with this process and ensure your corporate details are correct and up to date.

In the event that you may require domiciliation services for your entity before you have your own offices, we could supply this service at our offices. This would cover the necessary administrative, postal and taxation domiciliation support and onward transmission as required.

In the event that a branch or subsidiary is no longer required then we can supply a complete service for the close down of the entity all the way through the cancellation of the entities registration with the cantonal Commercial Register. We can assist as little – or as much – is required.