Obtain an EMI/PSP License in Switzerland

If you want to open an electronic money institution (EMI) or payment service provider (PSP) company in Switzerland, you need to obtain a special license. However, it should be noted that here, the Financial Supervisory Authority (FINMA) does not issue EMI/PSP licenses similar to those in EU countries. This is why we recommend asking for the support of our local specialists if you want to launch such a venture.

EMI/PSP license alternative in Switzerland

The Swiss fintech or light banking license is the main alternative to a PSP license in European countries. It is similar to EMI business permits in various terms, which is why if you decide to open a PSP company in Switzerland, you can confidently apply for it.

Our Swiss company formation agents can explain the main similarities to EMI licenses issued in EU states.

Company registration – the main step to set up an EMI company in Switzerland

In order to obtain a fintech license, you must first set up a company in Switzerland. The main options are the private and joint stock companies. Out of the two, the second option is more suited, as it is easier to meet the share capital requirements for a payment service provider.

For registration, you will need to:

• draft the company’s Articles of Association, which must state the main object of activity payment services provision;
• open a bank account where the share capital will be deposited;
• secure a local address;
• a local director is also required.

The most important aspects to consider when opening a Swiss EMI company are having a local presence and a resident director.

Yon can rely on our company registration consultants in Switzerland for support with the incorporation of your business.

Share capital requirements to obtain a PSP license in Switzerland

One of the reasons the fintech license is referred to as a light banking authorization is the lower capital requirements it benefits from. Specifically, if opening a traditional banking institution requires at least CHF 10 million, for the so-called Swiss EMI license, it is CHF 300,000. In practice, FINMA requires a minimum capital that covers at least one year of operating expenses.

Our accountants in Switzerland can assist in making the necessary calculations to cover such expenses.

Steps to obtain a license for a PSP company in Switzerland

Here are the steps that will lead to the issuance of a Swiss license for an EMI company:

1. drafting a feasible business plan, which must contain details about the services provided, the tools, and the management system of the company;
2. preparing the licensing documentation;
3. undertaking the external audit of the application papers and issuance of a report which must be filed with FINMA;
4. filing and having the application dossier reviewed.

After the review, FINMA may issue a conditional authorization if not all requirements are met.

Documents to file for authorization with FINMA

The following papers must be filed with FINMA to obtain a PSP license in Switzerland:

• the company’s statutory documents;
• proof of payment of the capital;
• a 3-year business plan;
• information about the shareholders and directors;
• documents about the dispute resolution method for client complaints;
• the audit report
• the company’s internal policies;
• fee payment receipts.

How many financial businesses operate in Switzerland?

According to the latest data:

• at the end of 2025, there were 529 fintech companies in Switzerland and Liechtenstein;
• the number of companies offering so-called sustainable financial services increased from 49 in 2023 to 59 in 2024;
• the investment in the fintech sector reached CHF 301 million.

If you want to open an EMI/PSP company in Switzerland and need support, please contact our specialists.