Accountants and corporate service providers in Geneva

Geneva has 91 firms on Accountanty, the same number as Zurich, but the work they describe is different. The city sits on the border with France, French is the language of every one of the 91 firms, and many of them serve people who live on one side of the border and work or own a company on the other. Of the firms, 76 are accounting firms, 14 are corporate service providers and 1 is a law firm. Most are small: 82 are small and 9 medium.

The service range is broad. Every one of the 91 firms handles tax compliance. Accounting comes from 88, company formation from 80, payroll from 79 and VAT from 78. Support services are stronger than in most Swiss cities: 69 firms offer a virtual office, 53 corporate secretarial support, 37 audit, 29 help with residency and 18 help with a bank account. A foreign founder who needs a registered address and a company secretary in one place will find more choice here.

Firms in Geneva

Kaurum

Accounting firm · Medium-sized firm

Geneva

  • Company formation
  • Accounting and bookkeeping
  • Tax compliance
  • +6 more

Languages: English · French

View profile of Kaurum

Synergix

Accounting firm · Medium-sized firm

Geneva

  • Accounting and bookkeeping
  • Tax compliance
  • VAT
  • +1 more

Languages: French · English · German · Italian

View profile of Synergix

CL Gestion

Accounting firm · Boutique firm

Geneva

  • Company formation
  • Accounting and bookkeeping
  • Tax compliance
  • +5 more

Languages: French · English · Spanish · Italian

View profile of CL Gestion

67 more firms in Geneva

Who the Geneva firms serve

Small and medium companies are the client group named most, by 30 firms, followed by private individuals with 17 and start-ups with 13. Self-employed professionals come up with 10 firms. One group is particular to Geneva: 8 firms name cross-border commuters and 4 name cross-border workers. The industries are start-ups, family offices and real estate, with non-profit organisations named by 4 firms and commodity trading by 3. A non-profit or a trading company will find firms that name its type.

The legal forms are those of French-speaking Switzerland. 38 firms handle the SA, 33 the Sàrl, 34 the sole proprietorship, and 9 each handle branches, foundations and associations. The SECO SME Portal sets the SA at a minimum share capital of CHF 100,000, with at least 20 per cent paid in and not less than CHF 50,000. The Sàrl is the smaller route, at CHF 20,000.

Languages and credentials

French is offered by all 91 firms and English by 61. German comes next with 13, Spanish with 12 and Italian with 11, followed by Portuguese with 7. Eleven Italian-speaking firms are on the page for Italian-speaking accountants in Switzerland. Seven firms state EXPERTsuisse membership, and a few state FINMA registration or supervision, which matters if your company handles other people’s money. Ask which authority supervises the firm and for what activity.

Starting from abroad

Who can work in Switzerland depends on nationality. The SECO SME Portal says nationals of EU and EFTA states may be self-employed, while third-country nationals must meet the labour market requirements. Ask a Geneva firm early whether it also advises on residence, since 29 of them say they do.

When you compare firms, ask what the quote covers: articles of association, notary, bank account for the capital, register entry and the first tax registrations. Read the guide to setting up a company in Switzerland for those steps, and look at Zurich or Lausanne if you want to compare. Use the free quote request once you know the scope you want.

Frequently asked questions

Do accountants in Geneva work in English?

English is offered by 61 of the 91 firms, and every firm works in French. German is offered by 13, Spanish by 12 and Italian by 11. Ask for English reports if you do not read French.

Are there Geneva firms for people who cross the border to work?

Yes. 8 firms name cross-border commuters as clients and 4 name cross-border workers. Tax treatment depends on where you live and work, so ask how the firm coordinates with advisers in the other country.

Can a Geneva firm provide a registered address for my company?

69 of the 91 firms offer a virtual office and 53 offer corporate secretarial support. The register records the domicile, which the SECO SME Portal defines as the registered headquarters and an address where the company can be reached.

Which company forms do Geneva firms handle?

38 firms handle the SA and 33 the Sàrl. 34 handle sole proprietorships, and 9 each handle branches, foundations and associations. State the form you want so the quote matches.

Do Geneva firms help non-EU founders with residence?

29 firms say they help with residency or visas. Admission of non-EU and non-EFTA nationals is limited, according to the State Secretariat for Migration, so treat any firm's statement as a starting point and confirm with the authority.

How do Geneva firms compare with those in Zurich?

Both cities have 91 firms. Geneva has more virtual office and corporate secretarial support, and all firms work in French. Zurich has more firms in German. Compare written scopes from both through one free quote request.

Other cities in Switzerland

Services in Switzerland

Setting up a company in Switzerland: the guide and every firm

General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules, rates and fees change: check them with the official sources linked on this page or with a qualified adviser before you act.