01
Crypto companies in Switzerland: key points
- Switzerland has an established DLT legal framework and a specialised fintech ecosystem.
- In the Canton of Zug, a company may also be incorporated by contributing cryptoassets instead of cash.
- Access to banking services is possible but not guaranteed; institutions assess the business model, source of funds and money laundering risks individually.
- Residence and work permits depend on nationality, role, qualifications, business plan and cantonal practice.
02
How easy is it to establish a company in Switzerland?
The corporate incorporation process is clearly structured. Crypto companies must additionally clarify their business model, local substance, anti-money laundering obligations and any FINMA authorisations. The formal incorporation requirements and required local substance are straightforward to meet.
03
Can I incorporate a company with cryptocurrency instead of cash?
Yes. In the Canton of Zug, an incorporation by contribution in kind using spot cryptoassets is possible, meaning digital assets are contributed instead of cash. The cryptoassets held in a wallet must reach the required minimum capital, and an audit report must confirm this.
04
What options allow a business to start without authorisation?
Switzerland offers several regulatory sandboxes: one for accepting public deposits of up to CHF 1,000,000, one for operating a DLT system and the practically important de minimis exemption under anti-money laundering law; details are available in our article on licensing costs and timeframes. Numerous municipal, cantonal and national initiatives and private associations also provide targeted support for entrepreneurship and start-ups.
05
Can crypto companies obtain access to banking services?
Yes. Crypto companies can choose from a range of banks and electronic money institutions (EMIs) when establishing banking relationships. Even a straightforward SRO registration can enable payment services involving cryptoassets and fiat money through an omnibus account at a Swiss bank or EMI, including individual Swiss IBANs for clients using virtual IBANs and the issuance of debit and credit cards linked to these accounts. Distribution of crypto-related investment products is also widespread among Swiss banks and asset managers.
06
How easy is it for a founder to obtain a residence permit?
There is no blanket answer. The decisive factors include nationality, purpose of residence, qualifications, role, business plan and the applicable cantonal and federal requirements.
07
Frequently asked questions
In which canton can I incorporate using cryptoassets? A contribution in kind using cryptoassets requires a reliable valuation, documentation and audit. The specific implementation must be coordinated with the notary, commercial register and audit firm at the chosen registered office.
Do I already need a banking licence for SRO registration? No. SRO registration is a separate and considerably simpler process.
What is a virtual IBAN? It is an individual Swiss IBAN assigned to a client and based on an omnibus account held with a bank or EMI.
Can I obtain a Swiss residence permit as a foreign founder? Yes, particularly if you create jobs and generate tax revenue for the municipality where the company is based.
Do I need to apply for a fintech or banking licence immediately? Not necessarily. Available sandboxes and exemptions allow many businesses to start without authorisation.
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