Hidden Fees to Watch Out for When Hiring Setup Consultants in Switzerland

Deposit Account Is Not Included

Many consultants charge for company registration but leave out the capital deposit account – which is required to register a GmbH.

What to check:

Ask if the price includes bank deposit account setup – and if they help when banks reject it.

And Then – the Real Account

A “registered address” may sound like a one-time thing, but in reality, you’re paying monthly – often CHF 50–150/month – and sometimes for a service that banks won’t accept.

What to check:

Will this address work for both company registration and banks? Is it a real office or just mail forwarding?

Notary Costs Not Included

Some “packages” advertise low prices but exclude the notary – which can cost CHF 800–2,000 depending on the canton and language.

What to check:

Is the notary included in the price? Who books and attends the appointment?

Extra Fees for Translations or Apostilles

If you’re not Swiss, many documents must be translated or apostilled – at your cost, even if this wasn’t mentioned upfront.

What to check:

Will you need certified translations? Who provides them – and how much?

No Support After Rejection

The biggest trap? You pay for setup, and when banks reject your account or address, the consultant disappears – or offers help at an extra charge.

What to check:

Will they help you find another bank if the first one says no? What happens if you’re rejected?

How to Protect Yourself

Before signing or paying anything, ask these key questions:

• Does the fee include deposit account setup and bank communication?

• Is the registered address bank-approved?

• Are there any recurring monthly costs not mentioned upfront?

• What happens if I’m rejected by the bank?

Final Advice: Transparency First

Swiss company formation isn’t impossible – but it’s not “plug and play” either. The right consultant tells you the risks upfront and supports you all the way.

But what if you could prepare yourself before even hiring one?

That’s why we created the “Start Your Swiss Business” Notion Guide – a full paid version that gives you everything consultants don’t tell you:

• Real cost breakdowns

• Pros & cons of each option

• Decision trees & document templates

• Bank rejection risks explained

• Monthly checklist, CRM, and fillable forms

Explore the full guide here: Start Your Swiss Business – Notion Edition

Not ready to dive into the full version?

Start with our free Starter Kit – Download here