13 August 2026
Start a Cryptocurrency Company in Switzerland
Investors may rely on our Swiss company formation agents to open a crypto company and obtain a crypto license in Switzerland.
If you want to start a cryptocurrency company in Switzerland, you must comply with sector-specific regulations. Our company formation representatives in Switzerland can assist with the registration and licensing of such a business.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Special legislation available (YES/NO) | No single crypto law, but the DLT Act (in force 2021) amended several federal acts for crypto and blockchain activities |
Regulatory authority | Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA) |
Types of entites used to register the company | The joint stock company is often to create a cryptocurrency company in Switzerland, however, private limited liability companies can also be used |
| Local manager required (YES/NO) | YES, at least one of the managers must be a Swiss resident |
| Minimum capital requisites (YES/NO) | YES, for the joint stock company, the minimum share capital is CHF 100,000 |
| License required (YES/NO) | YES, a Swiss crypto license must be obtained |
| Licensing exceptions (YES/NO) | YES, crypto companies that do not trade digital money do not need a Swiss crypto license |
| Timeframe to register the company (approx.) | It takes approximately 4 weeks to register a cryptocurrency company in Switzerland |
| Anti-money regulations applicable (YES/NO) | YES, anti-money laundering regulations must be respected |
| Specific requirements for foreign investors (YES/NO) | NO, there are no special requirements for foreign investors |
| Activities permitted for crypto companies | Crypto ATMs , crypto mining, e-wallet services, crypto trading, etc. |
| The most appreciated crypto hub in Switzerland | Zug Canton is the most appreciated crypto hub in Switzerland |
| Taxation of crypto companies in Switzerland | Crypto companies pay profit and capital tax like other companies; for individuals, crypto holdings are subject to wealth tax |
| Why choose Switzerland | There are 4 types of Swiss crypto licenses such companies can operate under, there is a large number of crypto businesses operating in Switzerland, Crypto Valley in Zug is one of the most appreciated fintech hubs in Europe |
| Support in launching cryptocurrency business (YES/NO) | YES, we offer support in opening a Swiss crypto company |
| Income tax rate | Federal tax rate is 8. 5% |
| Double tax treaty network | Switzerland has more than 100 double tax agreements |
| Support in company registration (YES/NO) | YES, we offer other company formation services in Switzerland |
| Documents required to open a Swiss crypto business | – Articles of Association, – details of the shareholders and directors, – trading name reservation form, – bank account certificate |
Steps to open a cryptocurrency company | – name reservation, – documentation preparation and filing, – tax registration, – licensing |
Business plan requirement (YES/NO) | Yes, a business plan is a main requirement for opening a cryptocurrency company in Switzerland. |
| Auditor appointment requirement (YES/NO) | Yes, such a business must have an auditor appointed. |
| Swiss bank account requirement (YES/NO) | Yes, a local bank account is mandatory. |
| Possibility to establish a crypto business as a branch/subsidiary (YES/NO) | Yes, foreign companies can set up crypto businesses by respecting the Swiss legislation. |
| Most popular digital currencies in Switzerland | – Bitcoin, – Ethereum, – Ripple, – Litecoin, etc. |
| Types of licenses available | – fintech license, – exchange license, – investment fund license, – the banking license |
| Swiss legal office required (YES/NO) | Yes |
| Available anti-money laundry regulations | – Anti-Money Laundering Act, – Federal Anti-Money Laundering Ordinance, – FINMA Anti-Money Laundering Ordinance |
| Tokens recognized by FINMA | – payment tokens, – utility tokens, – asset tokens (plus hybrid tokens and stablecoins assessed case by case) |
| Timeframe to obtain a crypto license (approx.) | Approx. 3- 4 months |
| Know Your Client (KYC) requirements (YES/NO) | Yes |
| Difficulties in setting up a crypto company (if any) | Difficulties in document drafting and reporting issues |
| Local representation availability (YES/NO) | Yes, we can offer local representation. |
What is the legal status of cryptocurrencies in Switzerland?
They are completely legal, as they are recognized as assets under Swiss legislation.
Can I open a cryptocurrency company in Switzerland as a foreigner?
Yes, there are no restrictions with respect to the ownership of a Swiss crypto business.
How can I set up a cryptocurrency company in Switzerland?
You need to complete the usual Swiss company formation steps, namely:
- choose an appropriate business form: the private limited liability company is suitable for smaller enterprises, while the public limited liability company is a better option for complex operations;
- reserve a unique commercial name;
- deposit the capital required for the incorporation of the company;
- draft the Articles of Association and other documents and file them with the Trade Registry;
- register for taxation;
- apply for the specific business license.
IMPORTANT! Apart from the share capital required to register the company, additional financial requirements apply for the license issuance phase.
Here is also an infographic on this business type:
What are the requirements to operate a crypto company in Switzerland?
The requirements to comply with are as follows:
- the business owner must also elaborate a detailed business plan that must provide information about the purpose, products, services, and objectives of the crypto company;
- the company must also have sufficient capital to undertake activities, however, in addition to that, its capital must also cover its financial and operational risks;
- the applicant must also draft specific governance and compliance documents;
- the VASP must appoint an anti-money laundering officer who is a Swiss resident;
- also, at least one of the managers must be a Swiss resident;
- it must also create risk management policies that will be filed for approval with FINMA;
- an auditor is also mandatory for such a business.
Our accounting firm in Switzerland can assist with the financial requirements of opening a crypto company.
What are the documents required to open a cryptocurrency company in Switzerland?
The following papers need to be drafted once you decide to open a cryptocurrency company in Switzerland:
- the shareholder and director’s passports;
- proof of each shareholder’s and director’s local address (a utility bill that is not older than 3 months can be submitted);
- the shareholder and director’s bank statement and reference;
- the shareholder and director’s updated CVs, proof of educational backgrounds, and references issued by other companies/clients they worked with, clean criminal records;
- proof about the origin of the funds to be invested;
- a detailed business plan;
- specific documents for the license (corporate governance, anti-money laundering/compliance, security, IT operating regulations, complaint resolution procedures, remuneration policy).
What is the minimum capital by business type to open a crypto company in Switzerland?
CHF 20,000 for a private company and CHF 100,000 for a public one.
What are the types of cryptocurrency licenses available in Switzerland, and what is the capital requirement for each of them?
Here they are:
- the Virtual Asset Service Provider or fintech license, which requires a minimum capital of CHF 300,000;
- the Securities-Firm license, which is subject to a minimum capital of CHF 1.5 million;
- the banking license, which is subject to a CHF 10 million capital requirement.
Are there any special management requirements applicable to a Swiss crypto company?
Yes, at least one of the directors must be a Swiss resident (foreign directors with Swiss work and residence permits are also accepted).
The following video offers a short presentation on the main reasons to start a company in Switzerland in the crypto sector:
How long does it take to open a crypto company in Switzerland?
3 to 6 months, depending on the type of license to be obtained.
What crypto activities can I undertake in Switzerland?
The following:
- exchange/trading – which is generally represented by the exchange of Bitcoin and Ethereum, some of the most famous types of virtual currencies;
- mining activities, through which companies help their clients in mining Bitcoin or other types of virtual currencies;
- initial coin offerings – mainly related to digital tokens and smart contracts (ICOs in Zug are quite popular at the moment)
- consultancy businesses, assisting natural persons and legal entities across the world in better understanding the most suitable investment options related to this sector.
Businessmen are invited to contact our team of consultants in company registration in Switzerland for further information on the specific incorporation requirements available for this type of activity.