Founding an LLC in Switzerland with a Cash Contribution – Complete Guide 2025

What does “founding an LLC with a cash contribution” mean?

With a cash contribution, the required minimum share capital of 20,000 CHF for a Limited Liability Company (LLC) is deposited entirely in cash into a blocked capital deposit account at a bank.

Once the company is registered in the Swiss Commercial Register, the capital is released and becomes immediately available for the business.

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A cash contribution is the fastest and simplest way to found an LLC — and by far the most commonly chosen method in Switzerland.

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Requirements for an LLC cash contribution

Minimum capital: 20,000 CHF

The entire amount must be paid in cash.

Partial payments are not allowed for LLCs (Unlike PLCs, where only 50,000 CHF must initially be paid in).

Capital must be the founders’ own funds

Swiss law requires:

• no loans for the initial capital
• clear traceability of the source of funds
• compliance with the Swiss Anti-Money Laundering Act (bank due diligence)

Capital deposit account

This account exists only for the incorporation process and is closed after the capital is released.

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Step-by-step: Forming an LLC with a cash contribution

1. Choose a bank

With Startups.ch, the process is faster thanks to partner banks familiar with incorporation workflows.

2. Open the capital deposit account

You provide:

• copy of ID
• information about the LLC
• business purpose

3. Deposit the 20,000 CHF

Possible methods:

• bank transfer
• cash payment (depending on the bank)
• online banking

4. Receive the capital deposit confirmation

Mandatory document for the Commercial Register.

Startups.ch uploads it directly to your file.

5. Commercial Register filing

Startups.ch handles the entire registration procedure.

6. Release of the capital to your new business account

Right after registration → capital is fully usable.

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^{More details about LLC}

^{‍Full LLC formation process managed by Startups.ch}

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How can the LLC use the capital?

• purchase of equipment or tools
• computers & software
• marketing activities
• website & online advertising
• office furniture
• salaries

Capital is not blocked anymore after incorporation — it may be used to run the business.

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Advantages of forming an LLC with a cash contribution

• very fast process
• cost-efficient
• no valuation, no auditor required
• minimal risk of delays
• suitable for almost any industry

^{Pros & cons of forming an LLC in Switzerland}

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Common mistakes to avoid

• capital financed through a personal loan (not allowed)
• bank account opened too late
• incorrect information regarding the beneficial owners
• switching banks during the incorporation process

Startups.ch ensures compliance and avoids delays.

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Related articles

• Founding a company in Switzerland with a cash contribution
• Founding an LLC with a contribution in kind
• Founding a company with a contribution in kind
• Founding a PLC with a cash contribution

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Conclusion

Forming an LLC with a cash contribution is the ideal approach when you want to start quickly, easily, and without additional documentation requirements.

With Startups.ch, the whole process typically takes only a few days —

from the capital deposit account to the release of the funds.

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Additional resources

^{How to open a capital deposit account in Switzerland — complete guide}

^{How to form an LLC in Switzerland}

^{How to form a PLC in Switzerland}

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