Switzerland

3 Months - Turnkey Solution

Switzerland is probably the most exclusive jurisdiction in the world for starting a fintech/cryptocurrency business.

Via our local partners, we offer extended services and turnkey solutions in a maximum of 3 months.

GmbH (LLC) Company

Crypto legislation in Switzerland is already well established, with no changes expected in the next 5 years. Obtaining a FINMA cryptocurrency exchange license ensures that your cryptocurrency exchange operates within a clear legal framework, which fosters trust among customers and investors.

Required share capital: 20 000 CHF

Corporate income tax: 11.9% to 21%

Annual supervision fee: 3 500 CHF

Find out more

The requirements for a crypto license in Switzerland

The requirements for a crypto license in Switzerland vary depending on the type of license and the activities and services provided by the crypto business. Some of the usual needs include:

Establishing a company (e.g., a joint stock company, a limited liability company, or a corporation with an unlimited number of partners) in Switzerland;

The company must have a detailed business plan outlining its purpose, objectives, target market, products, services, risks, governance, and compliance. It should also have sufficient capital to cover operational and financial risks (starting at CHF 20,000) and a strong organizational structure for effective management, supervision, control, and reporting.

A registered office in Switzerland
Requirements include a Swiss-resident manager
an AML officer
effective risk management policies and processes.
Ensure proper internal control and audit functions, as well as compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

Cryptocurrency enterprises must also collaborate with FINMA and other regulatory bodies.

Is Switzerland suitable for your startup?

Find out more about this exclusive jurisdiction, whit trusted partners and some of the best prices on the market.

Contact via WhatsApp Business

List of license capabilities in Switzerland

In Switzerland, numerous crypto licenses can be obtained to perform legitimate cryptocurrency commerce. The license protects both the project team and the clients, helping to create a safe atmosphere for cryptocurrency commerce.

FINMA lists the primary types of licenses:

Banking license: This license enables financial institutions to operate as banks and offer regular banking services, including cryptocurrency-related services. Swiss crypto-friendly banks can offer standard financial products as well as cryptocurrency storage and trading services.
FinTech license: is the most common sort of financial transaction or financial intermediary license. It enables cryptocurrencies to accept public deposits of up to 100 million Swiss francs (about $113 million) without investing or paying interest on them.
Investment fund license: enables fund managers to manage the assets of a collective fund on behalf of their clients.
Securities dealer license: is essential for cryptocurrency enterprises that issue, trade, or broker security tokens or other blockchain-based financial instruments.
Payment system licenses: are necessary for cryptocurrency organizations that operate a blockchain-based payment system, such as a stablecoin issuer or a decentralized exchange.
DLT trading platform license: is a new type of license created under the DLT Act of 2021. It enables cryptocurrency companies to establish a multilateral trading platform for DLT securities and other DLT-based assets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please reach us at legal@coinsiglieri.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.

What taxes do I pay in Switzerland?

Standard taxes are:

withholding tax – 35%
corporate income tax – 11.9% to 21%
value added tax – 7.7%
social security contributions – from 0.5% to 5.3%
stamp duty – the rate is 1%
capital gains tax – from 0.001% to 0.5%

Switzerland has over 100 international double taxation treaties, which allow taxpayers to avoid double taxes on income earned abroad. Furthermore, if certain circumstances are met, enterprises with foreign operations are eligible for cantonal and municipal tax exemptions, with foreign-sourced profits taxed at rates ranging from 7.83% to 11%.

What entity supervise Crypto activates?

FINMA - Swiss Financial Market Authority

Also you have access to:

The Crypto Valley Association – an independent association that supports and connects startups and existing businesses in the ecosystem;
The Blockchain Taskforce – a Swiss government initiative that aims to create a regulatory framework for blockchain technology in Switzerland;
The Innovation Hub is an initiative of the Swiss National Bank to promote innovation in the financial sector.

Do I need to hire local experts?

Yes!

AML Officer
Director

What is the mandatory Shared Capital?

According to the new regulation, a share capital of 20,000 CHF is required.

How long does it take to receive a license?

Realistic term for a new, from scratch company, is 3-4 months.

Is there an Audit required?

Every Swiss company with an annual income of more than 500,000 CHF ($570,000) must prepare financial statements. Cryptocurrency companies can file reports in either Swiss francs or their principal currency. In addition, reports can be in one of Switzerland's official languages or in English. It is critical to keep signed paper copies of annual and audit reports for ten years.

Audit levels vary depending on the size of the organization and the extent of its operations. An annual routine audit typically costs around CHF 4,500 ( $5,000).

A standard audit is required if the company meets two of the following criteria for two consecutive fiscal years:

The total balance sheet surpasses CHF 20 million ($23 M).
Revenue reaches CHF 40 million ($46 M).
The average annual number of full-time employees is 250 or more.