Starting a business in Switzerland: what you need (cross-border guide)

Context

Starting a business in Switzerland: what it takes

In a nutshell

• The most common legal form to open a business in Switzerland is the limited liability company (SRL).
• The commercial register is the responsibility of the cantonal tax administrations.
• The opening procedure can take from 1 to 3 months.

Key facts

• What: Start a business in Switzerland
• When: The opening procedure can take from 1 to 3 months.
• Where: The commercial register is the responsibility of the cantonal tax administrations.
• Who: The Federal Tax Administration (AFC/ESTV) administers direct federal tax and VAT.
• Amount: The minimum capital required varies depending on the canton and the legal form chosen.

The requirements to open a business in Switzerland

To open a business in Switzerland, you need to comply with a number of requirements and regulations. Here are some of the most important:

• Legal form: The limited liability company (SRL) is the most common legal form to open a business in Switzerland. However, you can choose other legal forms such as the limited liability company or the cooperative society.
• Minimum capital: The minimum capital required varies depending on the canton and the legal form chosen. For example, in Switzerland, the minimum capital for an SRL is CHF 20,000 (about € 18,000).
• Trade Register: The trade register is

Operational details

The procedure for opening a business in Switzerland may vary depending on the sector and the needs of the business. The most common legal form to open a business in Switzerland is the limited liability company (SRL). The commercial register is the responsibility of the cantonal tax administrations.

Prerequisites to open a business in Switzerland

Before starting the process of opening a business in Switzerland, it is important to check if you meet the necessary prerequisites. These include:

• Having obtained a residence permit (B) for foreigners
• Having liability insurance
• Having professional liability insurance
• Have a business plan and a financial plan

Legal ways to open a business in Switzerland

The most common legal form to open a business in Switzerland is the limited liability company (SRL). However, there are other legal forms that can be used, such as:

• Limited liability company (SRI)
• Company in collective name (SNC)
• Limited partnership (SAS)

Trade Register

The commercial register is the responsibility of the cantonal tax administrations. There are several trade registers in Switzerland, including:

• Commercial Register of the Canton of Zurich
• Commercial Register of the Canton of Bern
• Commercial Register of the Canton of Ticino

Costs to open

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Key points

To open a business in Switzerland, you need to register with the trade register of the canton where you want to open the business. The commercial register is the responsibility of the cantonal tax administrations. The opening procedure can take from 1 to 3 months.

Before you start, it's important to contact your cantonal tax administration to learn about the specific requirements for your canton or city. For example, in Zurich, the opening procedure may require the submission of a detailed business plan and proof of a bank guarantee of at least CHF 10,000.

To register with the trade register, you need to submit a number of documents, including:

• a detailed business plan
• a statement of intent to open a business
• a copy of the company contract (if it is a company)
• a copy of the driver's license (if it is an activity that requires driving vehicles)

The opening procedure may vary depending on the type of business and the canton in which you want to open the business. For example, to open a trading business, you need to present a detailed business plan and prove that you have a bank guarantee of at least 20,000 Swiss francs.

The opening procedure can be accelerated by submitting the required documents in good time. In addition, you can request the advice of a lawyer or a consultant

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