How to setup a business in Switzerland
From SwissEntrepreneur
Setting up a business in Switzerland is not really any more complicated than in other countries. The process is well-documented, there is plenty of on-line resources available, and professional help is also readily available, even on-line (netnotar.ch).
Having said that, depending on your language skills, all of this information may be more or less accessible, and for the first-time entrepreneur, the overall prospect may seem a little daunting.
Hopefully these pages will help you getting an understanding of the process. I have intentionally used the German & French language terms (where I knew them) such as Einzelfirma, GmbH, Zweigniederlassung etc. as these will be what you will be dealing with anyway.
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Are you allowed to set up a company in Switzerland?
This depends on your nationality and/or your residency permit. [to be continued].
Which type of company
There are usually three types of companies that are relevant in this context:
- Einzelfirma/sole trader/Enterprise Individuelle
- GmbH (Gesellschaft mit begrenzter Haftung)/plc/Sarl
- AG (Aktiengesellschaft)
One more is perhaps interesting when you already have a company, but in another country:
- Zweigniederlassung/branch office
Other less .... are
- Kollektivgesellschaft
- Kommanditgesellschaft
- Associations/Vereine
Is the name already taken?
You have access to all of the Swiss Handelsregisters through Zefix]. Here you have easy access to search people and names.
Einzelfirma
The Einzelfirma is by far the easiest to set up. It is quite literally done in minutes. There is no registration and no paperwork needed, and you can start running an Einzelfirma whenever you want.
Generally, there is no requirement to register your Einzelfirma anywhere, but you do have the option of registering with your local Handelsregister. I suspect this could lend you more credibility in some situations.
Ausgleichskasse/SVA
One exception [tbc]
Name
The name you chose for your Einzelfirma must contain your family-name. It may optionally also include your first name. Typical names are for instance:
- Christian Rintelen Konzept & Text
- Christian Hügin Kommunikationsdesign
- Holliger Gartenbau
Liability
Apart from the ease of setting up, liability is the main difference between the GmbH or AG forms and the Einzelfirma.
In an Einzelfirma, the liability is all yours. Personally and unlimited. This is something you have to consider.
GmbH (Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung)
AG (Aktiengesellschaft)
Zweigniederlassung
Setting up a Zweigniederlassung or a branch office is an option for already established companies to start up operating in Switzerland. I really don't know much about this option, except that is apparently
