Since 1998
Licensed provider of company formation and corporate services
The Swiss crypto licence, formally an SRO membership, grants your company globally recognised AMLA-supervised VASP status for fiat and crypto services.Serve clients in 100+ countries from a Swiss entity, with access to Crypto Valley and premium Swiss bank introductions.
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Overview
The Swiss crypto licence gives your company regulated VASP status under a single membership via a FINMA-recognised SRO, most commonly VQF or SO-FIT, covering crypto exchange, OTC trading, payment processing, custody, remittance and forex. DeFi interfaces and card issuance may also be covered, depending on your structure.
FATF-aligned jurisdiction, accepted by banks and institutional partners worldwide
One AMLA regulation covers fiat and crypto: exchange, payments, custody and remittance
Premium Swiss banking introductions, Crypto Valley ecosystem and established fintech network in Zug
Zug: one of the lowest corporate tax rates in Switzerland, no capital gains tax, 100+ double tax treaties worldwide
Serve retail, institutional and corporate clients in 100+ countries from a single Swiss entity
SRO membership in 3 to 4 months: generate revenue and build a compliance track record from day one
Most crypto exchanges, OTC desks and payment companies register through VQF, the most widely used FINMA-recognised SRO in German-speaking Switzerland. French-speaking operators typically use SO-FIT, which provides equivalent AMLA status. We recommend the right SRO for your business model after a project assessment. Our Swiss team has extensive experience maintaining regulatory compliance for leading fintech and crypto companies worldwide.
Coverage
SRO membership in Switzerland covers a wide range of fintech business models, from crypto exchanges and OTC desks to payment processors, custody, forex brokers and DeFi platforms. A single AMLA regulation covers both fiat and crypto services, with no minimum regulatory capital beyond standard company law requirements. Below are the three most common business profiles.
You need: to legally buy, sell or exchange Bitcoin, Ethereum and other established cryptocurrencies for clients globally, or to operate an OTC desk with custody using segregated wallets.
SRO gives you: AMLA regulation covering crypto exchange and OTC operations without separate securities licensing for major assets. Global client reach through a FATF-compliant, Swiss-regulated entity with broad acceptance in the banking sector.
You need: to process cross-border payments, offer foreign exchange services, or run international money transfers for retail or corporate clients.
SRO gives you: full coverage for remittance, forex and payment processing from a single VQF membership. Card issuance and PSP operations are also covered. Swiss banking prestige simplifies correspondent banking relationships. From day one, you can serve retail and corporate clients in 100+ countries.
You need: to issue payment tokens, operate as a Visa or Mastercard acquirer, or provide card-based crypto payment services to clients globally.
SRO gives you: AMLA regulation covering payment token issuance to identified holders, card acquiring and PSP operations under a single VQF membership. Switzerland’s strong banking infrastructure and FATF-compliant status make it easier to work with card networks and payment scheme partners.
Switzerland offers one of the most internationally respected regulatory frameworks for fintech and crypto. FINMA-supervised SRO membership is a recognised, FATF-compliant credential that global banks and institutional counterparties treat with high confidence, while Zug’s tax environment and Crypto Valley ecosystem make it a strategic long‑term base.
A FINMA-supervised SRO membership is one of the most bank-accepted regulatory credentials globally. Swiss-regulated entities typically experience faster and more successful account opening with major international banks than other non-EU jurisdictions. We arrange introductions to specialist Swiss banking partners.
EU operators need a separate EMI licence for fiat and a CASP licence for crypto, each with its own capital and compliance requirements. A Swiss VQF membership covers both fiat and crypto financial intermediary activities under a single AMLA regulation, which significantly reduces cost and operational complexity.
Zug is home to the Crypto Valley, one of the world’s leading blockchain and fintech ecosystems. Incorporating in Zug gives access to a dense network of investors, technology partners, legal professionals and regulated service providers, alongside one of the most favourable corporate tax regimes in Europe.
The canton of Zug has one of the lowest combined corporate tax rates in Switzerland, well below most EU jurisdictions. Switzerland has double tax treaties with 100+ countries, offers binding tax rulings, and most financial services are exempt from Swiss VAT.
The Swiss crypto licence (SRO membership, typically via VQF or SO-FIT) covers a broad range of crypto and fiat financial services under a single AMLA regulation, including crypto exchange, OTC trading, payment services and custody with segregated wallets. No separate securities licensing is required for established assets. Card issuance and DeFi interfaces may also be covered, subject to your specific structure. Companies must appoint an AML Officer based in Switzerland to oversee AML programmes. This role can be outsourced to our Swiss-resident AML Officer, part of our substance offering.
One SRO membership (e.g. VQF) covers all of the following:
Requires AML compliance policies, transaction monitoring and annual SRO reporting. Omnibus wallet custody is limited to CHF 1m in total for indefinite holding, with a 60-day settlement window allowed for transactional purposes such as crypto purchases. Use segregated wallets for unlimited custody. Securities and derivatives are excluded.
Certain higher-risk or regulated activities require direct FINMA authorisation beyond SRO membership, enabling:
Requires FINMA authorisation, additional capital and ongoing supervisory reporting. We assist with full FINMA licensing project scoping on request.
Comparison
The table below compares three leading fintech licensing routes: Switzerland SRO, Canada MSB (FINTRAC) and EU MiCA CASP. Switzerland SRO offers the strongest banking prestige and the most favourable tax, with fiat and crypto covered under one regulation. Canada MSB has the lowest entry requirements, with no minimum capital, no resident director and a 2-week ready-made route. EU MiCA CASP gives passporting across all 30 EU/EEA countries but requires significantly more capital, local substance and time.
| Factor | Switzerland SRO (VQF) | Canada MSB (FINTRAC) | EU MiCA CASP licence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum authorised capital | CHF 20,000 (GmbH) / 100,000 (AG) | None | €50,000 to €150,000 |
| Resident director required | Yes (Swiss resident) | No | Yes (EU resident) |
| Timeline (new application) | 3 to 4 months (~1 month ready‑made) | 4 to 8 months (2 weeks ready‑made) | 6 to 10 months |
| Fiat & crypto in one licence | Yes | Yes | No (separate EMI + CASP) |
| EU passporting | No (non‑EU) | No (non‑EU) | Yes (30 EU/EEA countries) |
| Global client reach | Yes, worldwide | Yes, worldwide | EU-focused |
| Banking prestige | Excellent (Swiss regulated) | Good (FATF‑aligned) | Variable by jurisdiction |
| DLT / crypto-specific law | Yes (DLT Act 2021) | PCMLTFA (no crypto‑specific law) | MiCA (2024) |
| Setup from (our packages) | From €25,000 | From €25,000 | From €80,000 |
Informational only. Contact us for a tailored multi-jurisdiction strategy. Learn more about our Canada MSB and EU MiCA CASP licensing services.
Pricing
Gold covers the SRO application for your Swiss company; Platinum adds the GmbH or AG formation and substance as a fully managed, all-inclusive service. The Custom package gives access to an existing VQF-registered Swiss entity that can be transferred to you. All services are completed remotely without travel to Switzerland, and the minimum CHF 20,000 GmbH capital can be contributed in crypto assets.
Gold
Entry-level package. Regulatory business case, SRO membership application, AML policy and full process management. Company incorporation and substance priced separately.
€25,000
Platinum
Full-service package. GmbH or AG formation, SRO application, Swiss substance setup, bank introductions and ongoing compliance. Fully managed process.
€58,000
Custom
Acquire an existing VQF-registered Swiss entity. Clean history, name can be changed. Limited availability. The fastest route to an operational Swiss SRO entity.
€250,000+
* Pricing is indicative and subject to final confirmation. Prices exclude VAT. The Gold package covers the SRO application process only; company incorporation and substance are priced separately. Platinum is an all-inclusive, fully managed service including Swiss company formation, substance setup and bank introductions. SRO application and annual membership fees are payable directly to the SRO and subject to its final determination (usually approx. CHF 4,500). Hours spent by the Swiss director are charged separately. Bank KYC and account fees are not included. The CHF 20,000 minimum GmbH capital is a Swiss company law requirement, not a regulatory capital buffer: the funds remain the company’s working capital and may be contributed in crypto assets, payable via the notary. Contact us for a detailed offer.
Client feedback
We chose Switzerland specifically for the banking relationships and the Crypto Valley network. MAXCORP handled our VQF application and Swiss substance setup end to end. The bank introductions alone saved us months of frustration: every institution they introduced us to already understood what VQF membership meant.
We needed a jurisdiction that banks and institutional clients would take seriously. Switzerland was the obvious choice and MAXCORP delivered a smooth process. The team knew every step of the VQF process in detail, and we were fully operational on schedule.
Process
Step 1
We evaluate your business model, services and regulatory needs to confirm the right structure: GmbH or AG, canton of incorporation and the SRO best suited to your activities.
Step 2
We incorporate your Swiss GmbH or AG in Zug (or your chosen canton), appoint the Swiss-resident director, set up the registered address and prepare all documents for the SRO membership application.
Step 3
We prepare and submit your SRO membership application, including AML policies, programme of operations and due diligence documentation. Our team handles the SRO admission interview and represents your interests throughout the process.
Step 4
Once your membership is approved, we assist with ongoing AML compliance, transaction monitoring, annual SRO reporting and MROS suspicious transaction obligations. In parallel, we arrange introductions to Swiss and international banks.
Requirements
Financial intermediaries in Switzerland are governed mainly by the Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA), the Financial Services Act (FinSA), the Financial Institutions Act (FinIA) and, for distributed ledger technology businesses, the DLT Act (2021). Under AMLA, crypto exchanges, payment providers and other financial intermediaries must join a FINMA-supervised SRO (such as VQF) to ensure compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) rules. FINMA directly supervises certain activities, including custody of crypto assets at scale, securities services and banking. We assist businesses in obtaining SRO membership and FINMA authorisation where required, preparing all necessary policies and managing the regulatory process.
General requirements
Documentation
For review and preparation of the licensing project we will ask for the following preliminary documentation:
All listed documentation must be certified by a notary public and apostilled, in English or German (or with a certified translation). At the first stage, we gather the required information and provide a step‑by‑step process overview for your specific case.
Substance & AML Officer
SRO membership and AMLA financial intermediary status are maintained through ongoing compliance. We provide the substance to meet these requirements, including a Swiss-resident director, a shared office in Zug and an outsourced part-time fractional MLRO / Compliance Officer. Our services cover ongoing training, regulatory correspondence and compliance management.
MLRO / Compliance Officer responsibilities:
The specific compliance staffing and operational requirements depend on your business model, risk profile and transaction volumes. We provide customised recommendations following a preliminary analysis of your regulatory needs.
Procedures
Our compliance team prepares the internal procedures and documentation your company needs to meet the Anti-Money Laundering (AML), Know Your Customer (KYC) and regulatory requirements under Swiss AMLA, SRO membership rules (e.g. VQF) and FINMA guidance. Selected key components include:
Programme of operations
Internal security measures
Rules of procedure
Instructions and guidelines: practical steps to identify and manage
Further details about our compliance services can be found in our Compliance section.
Taxation
Digital signatures for remote administration
Non-residents of Switzerland can obtain digital signature capabilities to administer the company remotely. Switzerland’s Federal Act on Electronic Signatures (ZertES) and the Swiss Code of Obligations recognise qualified electronic signatures (QES) as legally equivalent to handwritten signatures for most commercial purposes.
Non-residents can engage Swiss-accredited certification service providers, such as SwissSign or Swisscom Trust Services, to obtain a qualified electronic certificate. Identity verification is typically completed remotely via video identification, so no physical presence in Switzerland is needed. Notarised corporate documents such as the articles of association and the public deed of incorporation are signed by power of attorney, so no travel to Switzerland is needed.
FAQ
Yes. An SRO-registered Swiss entity may serve clients globally, provided it complies with Swiss AMLA obligations and any applicable foreign regulations in the client’s jurisdiction. There is no restriction on serving non-Swiss clients, although sanctioned countries are restricted.
Company formation (GmbH or AG) takes 3 to 4 weeks. SRO membership and AMLA registration typically take 2 to 4 months once documentation is complete. For a ready-made SRO entity (Custom package), the transfer can be completed faster, subject to SRO approval of the new beneficial owner. Timeframes are indicative and depend on the completeness of documentation and the workload of the chosen SRO.
FINMA currently recognises 11 SROs. For crypto and fintech companies, the most relevant are VQF (German-speaking Switzerland, the most widely used by international fintech and crypto operators), SO-FIT (French-speaking Switzerland), PolyReg and ARIF. All are FINMA-supervised and provide equivalent AMLA regulation. The choice depends on your language, business model and the SRO’s admission criteria. VQF is our primary recommendation for most international clients, but we assess the best fit after reviewing your project.
Switzerland SRO requires CHF 20,000 minimum capital (GmbH) and a Swiss-resident director, and covers both fiat and crypto. EU MiCA CASP requires €50,000 to €150,000 in authorised capital, an EU-resident director, and separate EMI and CASP licences for combined fiat and crypto. A Swiss SRO membership takes 3 to 4 months; an EU CASP typically takes 6 to 10 months. EU CASP gives passporting rights across 30 EU/EEA countries; a Swiss SRO member does not. Switzerland offers stronger banking prestige and more favourable corporate tax, particularly in Zug. The right choice depends on your target markets and business model.
Both are fully recognised Swiss legal entities with limited liability, but they differ in four practical ways that matter for fintech operators:
Most international fintech operators choose the GmbH for its lower capital requirement and simpler setup. The AG is recommended for larger operations, external funding rounds or tokenised equity structures.
Yes. An SRO membership covers crypto exchange, OTC trading and payment services for established assets. DeFi protocol interfaces are generally subject to AMLA financial intermediary obligations. Custody of crypto with segregated wallets is covered (unlimited amount). Securities and derivatives are excluded from SRO coverage. Our Swiss legal team can advise on the regulatory perimeter for your specific model.
Most crypto and fintech companies enter Switzerland via SRO membership under AMLA. Direct FINMA authorisation is required if your model includes accepting public deposits above CHF 1m from retail clients, full custodial control over client assets at scale, management of collective investment schemes, or operation of a DLT trading facility. If you are unsure which route applies, we assess this as part of our free project assessment.
Yes. Swiss company law requires at least one director or board member authorised to represent the company to be domiciled in Switzerland. We provide an outsourced fractional Swiss-resident director to meet this requirement. Other key roles, including the MLRO / Compliance Officer, can also be outsourced through our Swiss substance solution.
A registered address in Switzerland is required for company registration and SRO membership. A physical office is recommended but not mandatory at the initial registration stage, although full local presence is typically expected within about 12 months of obtaining SRO membership. We provide a shared office solution in Zug, with options to establish your own presence as your operations grow.
The minimum capital for a Swiss GmbH is CHF 20,000. For an AG (stock corporation), the share capital is CHF 100,000, of which CHF 50,000 must be paid in. This is a Swiss company law requirement, not a regulatory capital buffer. Capital may be contributed in crypto assets.
Yes. An SRO membership covers custody of crypto assets using segregated wallets (unlimited amount). Custody using an omnibus wallet is limited to CHF 1m in total. Accepting fiat deposits from retail clients is limited to CHF 1m under the regulatory sandbox; for higher volumes, a Fintech licence (up to CHF 100m) or a banking licence is required. Our team will assess your model and advise on the appropriate licence.
Key documents include certified passport copies for all directors, shareholders and beneficial owners, a Power of Attorney, a business plan overview and CVs for main participants. Source of funds declarations and draft compliance policies are required for SRO membership. Documents must be notarised and apostilled, with certified German or English translations. We provide a full documentation checklist following the initial project assessment.
Contact
Tell us about your project and receive a tailored proposal with indicative timelines and a budget from our Zug-based legal and compliance team.
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