Capital Deposit Account Switzerland: How It Works
Every Swiss AG and GmbH must deposit its initial share capital into a blocked bank account — a Kapitaleinzahlungskonto — before the company can be registered with the Commercial Register. Under Article 633 CO (AG) and Article 777c CO (GmbH), this blocked account holds the share capital for the duration of the incorporation process. Once the Commercial Register issues the registration entry, the funds are released to the company’s operating account. This guide explains the process, which banks open capital deposit accounts, the required documents, costs, and realistic timelines.
What Is a Kapitaleinzahlungskonto?
A Kapitaleinzahlungskonto is a special blocked deposit account opened in the name of the company-to-be-formed. Its sole purpose is to hold the initial share capital contribution during the incorporation process.
Swiss law requires that share capital actually exist before incorporation — merely promising to pay later is not sufficient. The capital must be on deposit, blocked, and confirmed in writing to the notary and Commercial Register via an Einzahlungsbestätigung (capital deposit confirmation).
Minimum amounts deposited at formation:
| Entity | Minimum Share Capital | Minimum Deposit Required |
|---|---|---|
| AG (Aktiengesellschaft) | CHF 100,000 | CHF 50,000 (50% paid up) |
| GmbH (Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung) | CHF 20,000 | CHF 20,000 (100% paid up) |
These thresholds derive from Articles 621 and 774 of the Swiss Code of Obligations. The AG allows a two-tranche structure — CHF 50,000 at formation, remainder callable later — whereas the GmbH requires full payment upfront.
For founders planning a GmbH formation or AG formation, securing a bank willing to open the Kapitaleinzahlungskonto is often the first critical step in the timeline.
Which Banks Open Kapitaleinzahlungskonten?
Not every Swiss bank offers capital deposit accounts, particularly for foreign-owned companies. Banks that commonly provide this service:
Cantonal banks: ZKB (Zürcher Kantonalbank), Zuger Kantonalbank, Schwyzer Kantonalbank, and most other cantonal banks. KYC for foreign nationals is thorough but manageable with proper preparation. Cantonal banks in Zug and Zurich have the most experience with international formations.
PostFinance: Switzerland’s postal bank offers Kapitaleinzahlungskonten with a relatively standardised process — a practical option for straightforward formations.
UBS and Credit Suisse (now UBS): Available in principle but typically reserved for existing clients or formations with a clear Swiss operational presence.
Online/fintech banks: Providers such as Neon, Revolut Business, and Wise Business do not offer capital deposit accounts. They are unsuitable for the formation step.
Private banks: Focus on wealth management; they rarely offer Kapitaleinzahlungskonten for standard corporate formations.
The key variable for foreign founders is the bank’s appetite for international KYC. Applications with complex ownership chains or founders from certain jurisdictions will receive more scrutiny. Swiss banks reject approximately 20–30% of foreign company account applications overall; having a formation lawyer prepare the documentation package reduces that rate significantly.
For an overview of ongoing business banking after formation, see the corporate bank account Switzerland guide, or the broader Swiss bank account overview.
The Process Step by Step
Step 1 — Choose the bank. The founders (or their representative under power of attorney) identify which bank will open the capital deposit account before the notarial process begins.
Step 2 — Submit KYC documentation. The bank must verify the identity of founders and ultimate beneficial owners (UBOs). For a foreign national forming a Swiss company, expect to provide:
- Valid passport (notarised copy required by some cantonal banks)
- Proof of residential address (utility bill or official document, dated within 3 months)
- Source of funds declaration
- Description of the company’s intended business activity
- Draft articles of association or company structure overview
Step 3 — Bank review and account opening. KYC review takes 2–6 weeks. Once approved, the bank opens the Kapitaleinzahlungskonto and provides account details to the founders.
Step 4 — Deposit share capital. The founder(s) transfer the required amount (CHF 20,000 for GmbH; CHF 50,000–100,000 for AG) to the blocked account by bank transfer.
Step 5 — Bank issues the Einzahlungsbestätigung. Once funds clear (1–3 business days), the bank issues a written confirmation stating that the required share capital is on deposit in the blocked account. This document is a mandatory exhibit for the notarial deed of formation.
Step 6 — Notarial deed and Commercial Register filing. The notary authenticates the incorporation deed, attaches the Einzahlungsbestätigung, and files with the cantonal Commercial Register.
Step 7 — Funds released. Once the Commercial Register publishes the company’s entry (Handelsregister-Eintrag), the block is lifted. The company can instruct the bank to transfer the released funds to its operating account — which may be at the same or a different institution.
This process is the same whether forming a company in Zurich, Zug, or any other canton, though cantonal registers vary slightly in processing speed.
Timeline
| Phase | Duration |
|---|---|
| Bank KYC review and account opening | 2–6 weeks |
| Deposit and Einzahlungsbestätigung issued | 1–3 business days after opening |
| Notarial deed preparation and signing | 3–7 days |
| Commercial Register filing and publication | 1–2 weeks |
| Total: Kapitaleinzahlungskonto to registered company | 4–10 weeks |
The bank KYC phase is the primary variable. Complex ownership structures, high-risk jurisdictions, or incomplete documentation extend the process toward the upper end. Well-prepared applications with a complete KYC package — assembled by a formation lawyer — consistently achieve the lower end of the range.
Costs
| Item | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Kapitaleinzahlungskonto opening fee | Nil to CHF 300 |
| Einzahlungsbestätigung issuance fee | CHF 100–300 |
| Bank wire transfer fees | CHF 10–30 |
| Notary fees (formation deed) | CHF 800–2,500 (canton-dependent) |
| Commercial Register registration fee | CHF 600–1,000 |
The share capital itself (CHF 20,000 or CHF 50,000+) is not a cost — it becomes the company’s own working capital once released post-registration.
What Happens to the Account After Incorporation?
The Kapitaleinzahlungskonto ceases to function as a special account once the funds are released after registration. The bank typically converts it to a standard business account or the company instructs a wire transfer to its preferred operating account at another institution.
The released CHF 20,000 or CHF 100,000 is the company’s working capital — fully available for rent, payroll, and operating costs. Share capital is accounting equity, not a permanent cash reserve.
Many founders choose to open the capital deposit account at whatever bank is most accessible, then move the released funds to their preferred corporate bank once the company is registered. This is entirely permissible and straightforward. See our company formation Switzerland guide for the full lifecycle from formation to operation.
Foreign Currency Deposits
Swiss law permits AG and GmbH share capital to be denominated in a foreign currency (EUR, USD, GBP) if the articles of association specify that currency. The bank confirms that the CHF equivalent meets the statutory minimum at the time of deposit. In practice, most formations use CHF to avoid complications from exchange rate movements between deposit and registration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Kapitaleinzahlungskonto?
A Kapitaleinzahlungskonto is a blocked bank account opened in the name of the company-to-be-formed, used exclusively to hold share capital during the Swiss incorporation process. The legal basis is Article 633 CO for the AG and Article 777c CO for the GmbH. The account and its blocking are released automatically once the company is registered in the Commercial Register.
Which Swiss banks offer capital deposit accounts?
Cantonal banks (ZKB, Zuger Kantonalbank, Schwyzer Kantonalbank), PostFinance, and UBS are the main providers. Fintech banks such as Neon and Revolut Business do not offer this service. Cantonal banks in Zug have the most experience with international founders.
What documents are needed to open a capital deposit account?
Banks require a valid passport (sometimes notarised), proof of address, a source of funds declaration, a description of the company’s business activity, and a draft of the articles of association. Prepare these in full before approaching the bank — incomplete applications restart the clock on the KYC review.
How long does the Kapitaleinzahlungskonto process take?
Bank KYC review takes 2–6 weeks. Once the account is open, the Einzahlungsbestätigung is issued within 1–3 business days of the funds clearing. Total time from initiating the bank application to a registered company: 4–10 weeks.
How much does a capital deposit account cost?
Account opening is generally free or costs up to CHF 300. The Einzahlungsbestätigung typically costs CHF 100–300. Bank wire fees are CHF 10–30. These amounts are separate from notary fees (CHF 800–2,500) and the Commercial Register fee (CHF 600–1,000).
When are the blocked funds released after registration?
The block is lifted when the cantonal Commercial Register publishes the company’s entry, typically 1–2 weeks after filing. The company can then instruct the bank to transfer the funds immediately. There is no mandatory holding period after publication.
Can a capital deposit account be at a foreign bank?
No. Swiss law requires the account to be at a Swiss bank. An account at a German, British, or other foreign bank does not satisfy the requirements of Article 633 CO or Article 777c CO.
Can share capital be deposited in euros or US dollars?
Yes, if the articles of association specify a foreign currency denomination. The bank will confirm the CHF equivalent meets the statutory minimum at deposit date. Using CHF avoids exchange rate complications and is recommended for most formations.
What is the difference in minimum capital between an AG and a GmbH?
The AG requires CHF 100,000 in authorised share capital, with at least CHF 50,000 (50%) paid up at formation. The GmbH requires CHF 20,000, which must be 100% paid up at formation. These thresholds are set by Articles 621 and 774 CO. For founders choosing between the two structures, see our comparison of AG formation and GmbH formation.
What happens if company formation fails after the capital is deposited?
If incorporation does not proceed — because the Commercial Register rejects the filing, the founders abandon the process, or the notarial deed is not completed — the bank releases the blocked funds back to the depositing founders. The account is closed and the capital returned, minus any bank fees. Notary fees and any registration fees already paid are not refundable.
Are there alternatives to depositing cash in a Kapitaleinzahlungskonto?
Yes. Swiss law permits contribution in kind (Sacheinlage) — contributing assets such as real property, machinery, software licences, or receivables in lieu of cash. Contributions in kind require an independent auditor’s valuation report and additional disclosure in the articles of association, making the process more complex. A third alternative is acquiring a shelf company (Mantelgesellschaft), which already has registered share capital, bypassing the deposit account requirement entirely.
Does Lawsupport assist with the Kapitaleinzahlungskonto?
Yes. We coordinate bank selection, prepare the full KYC documentation package, liaise with the bank on behalf of our clients under power of attorney, and manage the process through to release of funds. We work with cantonal banks in Zug and Zurich that are familiar with international formations and can typically compress the bank review phase to the lower end of the timeline.
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Opening a Swiss capital deposit account as a foreign founder involves KYC requirements that vary by bank, nationality, and ownership structure. Morgan Hartley and the Lawsupport team have managed 1,000+ Swiss formations and know which banks process international applications efficiently.
Lawsupport (Morgan Hartley Consulting) | Grafenauweg 4, Zug, Switzerland | +41 44 51 52 592 | [email protected]
Related guides:
- Swiss Bank Account — Complete Guide
- Corporate Bank Account Switzerland
- GmbH Formation Switzerland
- AG Formation Switzerland
- Company Formation Switzerland
Last reviewed: 19 March 2026 by Morgan Hartley, Senior Corporate Lawyer & Partner, Lawsupport (Morgan Hartley Consulting). This article reflects Swiss law as at the date of review. It is general information only and does not constitute legal advice.