Establishing a Single Family Office in Switzerland: Options for a Discreet and Effective Structure

For globally connected families with significant wealth, Switzerland remains a popular destination for bringing together asset oversight, strategic decision-making, and legacy planning. Its blend of long-term stability, discretion, and world-renowned financial expertise makes it an attractive base for Single Family Offices (SFOs)—especially those navigating complex, cross-border lives in an increasingly interconnected world.

Among American families considering this path, there is often early clarity on why Switzerland, but far less certainty on how to structure and operate the office itself.

Several approaches are available, each with its own practical and strategic considerations.

A private Swiss entity with outsourced management

One option involves establishing a dedicated Swiss legal entity under family ownership and control, while outsourcing the day-to-day operation and investment management to a Swiss-based, asset management firm such as Alpen Partners International, an independent financial advisor and global wealth planner, registered wit the SEC as an investment advisor, dedicated to serving American clients in the US and abroad.

This structure may appeal to families who wish to maintain a distinct legal entity while avoiding the operational burden of staffing, payroll, and regulatory administration. By outsourcing management to Alpen Partners International, families can enjoy streamlined oversight, a customized scope of services, and experienced governance—supported by our long-standing expertise in managing clients’ assets appreciating a high level of discretion.

Establishing the Swiss legal entity

Setting up a dedicated Swiss legal entity—such as a stock corporation (Aktiengesellschaft, AG) or a limited liability company (Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung, GmbH)—is a relatively straightforward process, but it comes with specific requirements. A Swiss AG requires a minimum share capital of CHF 100,000, of which at least CHF 50,000 must be paid in upon incorporation. A GmbH requires a minimum capital of CHF 20,000, which must be fully paid in at the time of formation. If all shareholders are non-residents, Swiss law mandates the appointment of at least one Swiss-resident director authorized to represent the company. This ensures local oversight and compliance with Swiss corporate and tax obligations. While the legal entity remains fully controlled by the family, partnering with a Swiss-based firm like Alpen Partners International can provide both the required local presence and trusted expertise in managing the structure day-to-day, ensuring alignment with cross-border tax and regulatory frameworks.

In addition to being registered with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Alpen Partners International is licensed by FINMA, the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority, as a Portfolio Manager. We are also a member of AOOS, a recognized supervisory organization under the Financial Market Supervision Act (FINMAG).

Investment management and access to private market opportunities

While Alpen Partners International can serve as the primary investment advisor to the family office, we also support families in identifying and coordinating with additional third-party managers where diversification, strategy alignment, or jurisdictional considerations warrant it. The SFO structure allows for a modular, multi-manager setup, providing flexibility to work with specialized asset managers across asset classes and geographies. In particular, a Swiss-based entity is able to invest in private markets, including direct private equity transactions, venture capital, private debt, European real estate, and strategic business participations. This legal and operational setup offers a neutral and efficient platform to access a wide range of investment opportunities, with the intention of preserving control and transparency at the family level.

Integrated, modular family office services

Alternatively, families may choose to participate in a broader family office platform, where services are customized to specific needs but integrated within an established infrastructure.

This model may suit those seeking continuity, discretion, and a broad range of services—investment management, estate structuring, consolidated reporting, and more—without the need to create a standalone office. It is often a more flexible option for families with evolving requirements or those testing the merits of a Swiss base before formalizing a legal structure.

Full in-house family office: Building internally

Some families may opt to build a traditional Single Family Office from the ground up, leasing office space, hiring local staff, and managing all operations directly. While this model can offer the highest degree of autonomy, it also entails substantial fixed costs, local employment obligations, and a greater degree of management involvement. For many, these trade-offs prompt a reassessment of whether a lighter structure might better serve long-term goals.

Broader lifestyle and relocation considerations

For families considering a more permanent presence in Switzerland, the scope often extends beyond financial structuring. Alpen Partners International offers family office services, also providing or coordinating guidance on residence planning, including exploring Swiss lump-sum taxation arrangements, retirement or entrepreneur visas, and multi-jurisdictional planning.

We also offer lifestyle and concierge services, as well as relocation support to assist with education, healthcare, and administrative transitions. For certain families, this integrated support becomes a valuable part of the overall solution.

In closing

Establishing a Swiss Single Family Office invites a range of strategic choices—some structural, others operational. Whether through a private legal entity with outsourced management, participation in an existing platform, or the formation of an in-house office, the selected path often reflects broader family priorities around control, discretion, efficiency, and legacy.

Switzerland offers the framework. The architecture of the office itself remains, as it should be, highly individual.

All investments involve certain risks. All investments carry the potential for financial loss, including the loss of the principal amount invested. Past performance should not be viewed as an indicator of future results.

Market conditions and broader economic factors can significantly impact the value of investments. Investments in international markets are subject to additional risks, such as currency exchange fluctuations, political or economic instability, and variations in accounting practices. Alternative investments, including but not limited to hedge funds, private equity, and real estate, may be illiquid, speculative, and are not suitable for all investors.

The above information should be considered before making any investment decisions.

All posts and publications are for your information only and are not intended as an offer, promotion, or solicitation to buy or sell any financial instrument or perform any other financial transactions. All information and opinions expressed in posts and publications reflect our current views as of the date of the publication and may be liable to change without notice.