Business
STARTING A BUSINESS
Foreigners have the right to start a business in Switzerland, provided that they have a valid work permit (see Swiss Permits).
With a relatively low number of regulations, setting up a business is quite simple under Swiss law and it can be a matter of a few weeks once all the documents are ready. Except for situations where the nature of the business requires a licence, such as in the banking or food industry for example, it is not necessary to obtain any specific authorization.
All business forms defined in the Swiss Code of Obligations are available to foreigners. The legal forms most commonly adopted are sole proprietorships, limited liability companies (Sàrl) and corporations (SA).
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Start SOLE PROPRIETORSHIP (RI)
Sole proprietorship (“raison individuelle”) is in practice the simplest way to set up a company in Switzerland
How to create a SA?
Corporations are the most common form of limited liability companies
Starting a business in Switzerland as a foreigner
Settling in Switzerland on a permanent basis
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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).
Nicolas Mossaz
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