Swiss private foundation
Open pricing. The final quote is fixed in writing before work starts.
A Swiss private foundation is a separate legal entity under Articles 80-89 of the Civil Code: the founder transfers assets to the foundation for a purpose set out in its charter, and from then on the foundation owns the assets itself. Unlike a trust, there is no trustee who owns the assets: the foundation board decides under the charter, while the law and the supervisory authority make sure the assets serve the purpose.
Which foundations you can set up in Switzerland
- Classic foundation, with a public or private purpose such as supporting education, science, culture or a defined group of people. It is supervised by a federal or cantonal authority.
- Family foundation, under Article 335 of the Civil Code, only to pay for the upbringing, education, establishment and support of members of one family. A foundation that simply pays the family an income without such a purpose is not permitted under Swiss law. Family foundations are not under state supervision.
- Charitable foundation, with a public-benefit purpose; if it meets the canton's conditions it can be exempt from tax.
So the first question is not how to open a foundation but whether your purpose fits the Swiss form. If the goal is to hold family capital and pay income to heirs, a Liechtenstein foundation or a trust sometimes fits better.
We will calculate online the cost of setting up the structure and running it for a year.
How to set up a foundation in Switzerland: steps and timelines
| Step | What happens | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Purpose and charter | we define the purpose, the beneficiaries, the board and how decisions are made | 2-4 weeks |
| 2. Establishment | a public deed before a Swiss notary or a provision in a will | 1-2 weeks after the charter is agreed |
| 3. Assets | transfer of capital and assets, opening an account with a Swiss bank | from 2 weeks: the bank vets the founder and the source of funds |
| 4. Commercial register | since 1 January 2016 registration is mandatory for all foundations, family ones included | 1-3 weeks |
| 5. Supervision | a classic foundation comes under federal or cantonal supervision and reports every year | after registration, then annually |
How much does it cost to set up a foundation in Switzerland in 2026
For a foundation under federal supervision, the Federal Supervisory Authority for Foundations expects initial capital of at least $61,000 at the European Central Bank rate of 6 October 2026. The capital remains the foundation's property. On top come the notarial deed, the cantonal commercial register fees, the supervisory authority's annual fee, the audit and board services. The cost of our support depends on the purpose, the assets and the number of beneficiaries: a manager will calculate it in the chat.
Capital from $61,000 - but for a Swiss foundation the purpose matters more than the sum
The law does not stop you setting up a Swiss foundation on your own. But mistakes cost more than the fees: a purpose the supervisory authority does not accept, a family foundation that the law allows only for narrow aims such as education and support for relatives, a charter with no amendment procedure and tax consequences discovered only after the assets are transferred. Murblz specialists frame the purpose and charter, choose the type of foundation and the canton, prepare the notarial deed and handle registration and supervision. We guarantee professional work and a transparent process, and in most cases a result on the first application.
The cost of support depends on the purpose, the assets and the number of beneficiaries; a manager will calculate it in the chat.
Taxes for the foundation and its beneficiaries
- The foundation pays profit and capital taxes at federal and cantonal level as a legal entity.
- A public-benefit foundation can be exempted from tax by the canton.
- Transferring assets into the foundation may attract cantonal gift tax, with the rate depending on the canton and the relationship.
- Distributions are taxed under the rules of the beneficiaries' country of residence: some countries treat a foundation as transparent and tax its income in the founder's hands.
Before establishment we check how the foundation will be taxed in your country of tax residence; otherwise a Swiss structure may not deliver the expected result.
Why a foundation cannot be set up
- The purpose does not fit Swiss law, for example simple family maintenance unrelated to education or support.
- The capital is below what the supervisory authority expects for the chosen type of foundation.
- The bank will not accept the assets without a complete source of funds file.
- The charter does not define the beneficiaries and decision-making clearly enough.
What we do
We analyse your purpose and compare Switzerland with Liechtenstein and Austrian foundations and with trusts, prepare the charter and documents, coordinate the notary, Swiss board members and the bank, and support the register entry and reporting to the supervisor. The scope and price are fixed in a contract after a consultation.
What we do
- Foundation setup and maintenance
FAQ
Can a foreigner set up a foundation in Switzerland?
How much does it cost to open a foundation in Switzerland?
Can you set up a family foundation in Switzerland?
How is a foundation different from a trust?
Does a foundation have to be entered in the Swiss commercial register?
Who supervises a foundation in Switzerland?
Considering a private foundation in Switzerland?
We check which purposes a Swiss foundation allows and whether it suits your family, then prepare the deed and formation documents. The catalogue covers trusts and foundations worldwide.
The Murblz consultant replies straight away in the chat on this page. Describe your situation and we will work it out together.
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