Business
STARTING A BUSINESS
Launching a business in Switzerland is a streamlined process, but securing the correct legal and immigration foundation is vital for long-term success. While most sectors don’t require specific authorizations, foreigners must hold a valid work permit to operate legally. At Legal Expat, our independent partner attorneys guide you through the Swiss Code of Obligations to select the ideal structure—whether a Sole Proprietorship, Sàrl, or SA. For a CHF 300 flat fee, we provide a 45-minute expert consultation to align your business goals with Swiss permit requirements. Start your venture with confidence and a clear, written roadmap by booking your session today.
We can assist you with establishing your company
Legal Expat’s partner lawyers help you choose the right structure (Sole Proprietorship, Sàrl, or SA) to match Swiss permit rules. We manage legal registration, shareholder agreements, and corporate compliance to ensure your business is established correctly. This expertise protects your professional interests and streamlines the entire setup process.
swiss Lawyers
immigration specialists
Legal Expat Consultation Desk
Receive clear and practical guidance on starting and structuring your business in Switzerland.
Whether you are setting up a company, choosing the appropriate legal structure, or navigating regulatory requirements, consultations are provided by independent Swiss attorneys and tailored to your project.
Through Legal Expat, you can book a consultation with an independent Swiss attorney experienced in corporate and business law.
During your consultation, you can receive guidance on:
- Choosing the appropriate legal structure (Sàrl, SA, sole proprietorship)
- Shareholder arrangements
- Basic corporate governance questions
- Directors’ responsibilities
- Contractual considerations
- Initial legal steps
Consultations are available online or in person in Geneva.
CHF 300 · Up to 45 minutes
Includes case review, focused consultation, and a clear written summary with next steps.
Legal consultations are provided by independent Swiss attorneys acting under their own
professional responsibility.
Start SOLE PROPRIETORSHIP (RI)
Sole proprietorship (“raison individuelle”) is in practice the simplest way to set up a company in Switzerland
Alexa and Fionna preparing the documents to register a comapany in Switzerland.
How can we help you right now?
We provide immigration services and manage your permit application for you. Get in touch with us today!
Sole proprietorship (“raison individuelle”) is in practice the simplest way to set up a company in Switzerland. Basically, a sole proprietorship means an individual conducting a business under his own family name and under his full responsibility. There is no legal distinction between the business and the owner.
A limited liability company (Sàrl) is a distinct legal entity in which one or more natural persons or legal entities participate. Each member takes equity in the company by contributing to its capital. In order to successfully create such an entity, the law imposes some specific requirements (art. 772-827 CO).
Corporations are the most common form of limited liability companies in Switzerland. This form is generally used to conduct all types of profit-driven commercial activities. In order to successfully create such an entity, the law imposes some specific requirements (art. 602-760 CO).
Articles about Business in Switzerland
Starting a business in Switzerland as a foreigner
Offering a legally, politically and economically stable framework, Switzerland an attractive place for foreigners to launch a fruitful business. Its geographical location, in the very...
Read MoreOur in-house team
Your first point of contact for immigration matters in Switzerland
Independent Swiss Attorneys
Legal consultations are concluded directly between the client and the independent attorney. Legal Expat
Switzerland does not provide legal services and does not collect legal fees for legal consultations.
Fiona Scherrer
Attorney-at-Law, Geneva Bar
Family law / Employment law / Tenancy Law
Languages: English, French, German
Matteo Detraz
Attorney-at-Law, Geneva Bar
Inheritance Law / Employment Law / Family Law
Languages: English, French, German
Fabien Gillioz
Attorney-at-Law, Geneva Bar
Start a company in Switzerland / Corporate Law
Languages: English, French
Jean-Yves Haussmann
Attorney-at-Law, Geneva Bar
Start a company / Corporate Law
Languages: English, French
Book a consultation
Book your legal consultation with immigration specialists or independent Swiss attorneys. Our consultation can be made on Zoom or in Our office in Geneva for a flat fee of CHF 300.-.
