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).
Essential Guide to Swiss Immigration
Navigate Swiss immigration without mistakes affecting you or your family. Find key answers about permits, work authorizations, and citizenship pathways here. For expert guidance and support in these critical matters, contact our team today.
swiss Lawyers
immigration specialists
What you need to know:
Browse our free content topics below. Some answers to most of the important and frequently asked questions can be found here.
We can assist you with establishing your company in Switzerland
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
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).
Nicolas Mossaz
Divorce, Employment, Inheritance law, Criminal law
Send an email to
nmossaz@oalegal.ch
Amélia Rauss
Divorce, Permits, Inheritance law, Employment Send an email to arauss@legalexpat.ch
Anne Konikoff
Permits, Naturalization
Send an email to akonikoff@legalexpat.ch
Gabriel Raggenbass
Inheritance law, Tenancy law, Property law
Send an email to graggenbass@oalegal.ch
Fiona Scherrer
Criminal law, Divorce, Employment, Inheritance law
Send an email to fscherrer@oalegal.ch
Rebecca Ruiz Soria
Divorce, Employment, Criminal law
Send an email to rruiz@oalegal.ch
more free content about Business in Switzerland
Browse our free content topics below. Some answers to most of the important and frequently asked questions can be found here.
Are you dreaming of working in the Swiss Alps this winter ? Check out the requirements for the seasonnal L work permit!
Switzerland is a prime destination for seasonal workers, especially during the winter months. Given the short duration of their stay, typically four to six months,...
Read More
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 More
Obtaining the Swiss citizenship
What changes under the new law? In June 2014, the Swiss Parliament modified the law regarding the conditions to obtain the Swiss citizenship. This change...
Read More
What is happening in 2017 with Swiss work permit quotas?
The quotas for work permits attributed to non-European citizens in 2017 have been now established by the Federal Council. Bern decided that Switzerland must be...
Read More
Applying for Swiss citizenship before 2018: how to proceed…
Applying for Swiss citizenship while holding a légitimation card is still possible before the end of 2017. From January 2018, the naturalization law (LN) will...
Read More
Non EU-27/EFTA citizens: how to apply for a work permit?
Applying for a work permit to hire skilled non-European staff is an important step for any international company based in Switzerland. The type of permit...
Read MoreBook a consultation
Book your legal consultation online with English-speaking lawyers! We are located within the law firm OA Legal on the 5th floor at 1 place de Longemalle, 1204 Geneva. Our consultation can be made on Zoom or in our Office for a competitive flat fee of CHF 300.-..
