Aktiengesellschaft (AG) in Switzerland — Amazon FBA & E-Commerce Formation Guide
For non-US residents, a US LLC (e.g., Wyoming or Delaware) is highly popular for Amazon FBA because it provides easy access to US payment gateways (Stripe, Mercury) and Amazon US, often with 0% US corporate tax if structured correctly. If selling primarily in Europe, a UK LTD or Estonian OÜ simplifies VAT registration and OSS compliance.
Last verified: June 13, 2026
Corporate Tax
8.5%
State Tax
6.0%
Formation Cost
$1,000
Annual Fee
$0
Forming a Aktiengesellschaft (AG) in Switzerland as a Amazon FBA & E-Commerce means a total tax burden of 14.5% and an official formation cost of $1,000. The minimum capital requirement is 100,000 CHF. Standard formation takes 14-21 days, or 5-7 days expedited. This guide covers the steps, tax breakdown, banking options, and compliance requirements — all from verified data.
First-year total cost
≈ $10,600
Ongoing (per year)
≈ $8,500
Why Aktiengesellschaft (AG) for Amazon FBA & E-Commerce?
A business model where you sell physical products on Amazon's marketplace, utilizing their Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) network. Choosing the right jurisdiction is critical for managing inventory taxes, VAT/Sales Tax nexus, and accessing global payment gateways.
Ideal for
- US LLC (Wyoming/Delaware) for the US market
- UK LTD for the European market
- Estonian OÜ for digital nomads
- UAE Free Zone for tax-free scaling
Challenges to watch
- Sales tax and VAT compliance across multiple states/countries
- Strict Amazon seller account verification processes
- Product liability risks requiring corporate shields
- Managing multi-currency cash flows and high conversion fees
Key decision criteria
- Does the jurisdiction support easy Amazon Seller Central registration?
- Can you easily open a business bank account compatible with Amazon disbursements?
- What are the VAT or Sales Tax nexus implications for where your inventory is stored?
- Do you need product liability insurance, and is it available for your entity type?
Aktiengesellschaft (AG) formation requirements
Minimum capital
100,000 CHF
Standard timeline
14-21 days
Expedited timeline
5-7 days
Local director
Required
Registered office
Virtual office allowed
Notarization
Required
At least one member of the board of directors or a director with sole signatory rights must be a Swiss resident.
Estimated breakdown (based on avg. $150,000 revenue)
Simulate with your own revenue →
VAT / Sales Tax
Standard rate 8%. Registration threshold: 100,000 CHF. Foreign companies providing electronic services to Swiss consumers must register for VAT if their global turnover exceeds CHF 100,000.
Banking & payments for Amazon FBA & E-Commerce
Opening a corporate bank account for a Swiss AG is straightforward if the directors are Swiss residents. For non-resident founders, traditional banks often require an in-person visit, a solid business plan, and higher initial deposits. Digital banks and specialized private banks offer more accessible remote onboarding options.
Supported payment gateways
Remote-friendly accounts
CIM Bank
A private Swiss bank that allows remote account opening for non-residents and companies, offering multi-currency accounts and personalized service.
Revolut Business
A popular digital alternative offering multi-currency accounts, low FX fees, and seamless remote onboarding for Swiss companies.
Wise
Excellent for international Swiss AGs needing to hold and transfer multiple currencies with transparent, low fees.
Switzerland incentives & advantages
Patent Box
Up to 90% reduction on cantonal and communal taxes for qualifying IP income.
R&D Super Deduction
Up to 150% deduction of qualifying R&D expenses for cantonal and communal tax purposes.
Aktiengesellschaft (AG) formation steps
Step 1: Choose a unique company name ending in 'AG' and select the canton of incorporation, as this dictates your corporate tax rate.
Step 2: Draft the Articles of Association, Stampa Declaration, and Lex Friedrich Declaration.
Step 3: Open a blocked capital contribution account at a Swiss bank and deposit the minimum paid-up capital (at least CHF 50,000).
Step 4: Hold the incorporation assembly before a Swiss notary public to sign the public deed of incorporation.
Step 5: Submit the notarized documents to the Cantonal Commercial Register for official registration.
Step 6: Receive the Commercial Register extract and use it to unblock the capital account, transferring funds to your active corporate bank account.
Step 7: Register for VAT (if global turnover exceeds CHF 100,000) and enroll in the mandatory social security system (AHV).
Amazon FBA & E-Commerce FAQ
Can I open a US Amazon FBA account as a non-US resident?
Yes. Forming a US LLC allows you to get an EIN and open a US business bank account, which makes the Amazon Seller Central verification process much smoother and avoids high currency conversion fees.
Do I need to pay US taxes if I sell on Amazon US?
If you are a non-US resident with a single-member LLC and no physical presence (ETBUS) in the US, you may not owe US federal income tax. However, you must still collect and remit Sales Tax in states where you have economic or physical nexus (like storing inventory in an Amazon warehouse).
Which is better for Amazon Europe: UK LTD or US LLC?
A UK LTD is generally better for Amazon Europe as it simplifies obtaining a UK/EU VAT number and EORI number, which are mandatory for importing and storing goods in European fulfillment centers.
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Related guides
Complete Aktiengesellschaft (AG) guide
Taxes, requirements, banking, compliance
Aktiengesellschaft (AG) cost calculator
One-time and annual cost breakdown
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