START A BUSINESS
Start a Business in Switzerland
Launching a business in Switzerland requires a solid legal foundation and strategic structural decisions. At Legal Expat, we connect you with independent partner attorneys who provide expert guidance on choosing between a Sole Proprietorship, Sàrl, or SA. For a flat fee of CHF 300, you receive a 45-minute consultation—online or in Geneva—covering shareholder arrangements, governance, and essential initial legal steps. Our experts help you navigate director responsibilities and contractual requirements to ensure your venture starts on the right track. Secure a clear roadmap for your business and receive a written summary of your next steps by booking today.
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.
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.
Sole Proprietorship (RI)
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.
Limited liability company (Sàrl)
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).
Corporation (SA)
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.
Our 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
Nicolas Mossaz
Attorney-at-Law, Geneva Bar
Family Law / Employment Law / Inheritance Law
Languages: English, French
Gabriel Raggenbass
Attorney-at-Law, Geneva Bar
Inheritance Law / Tenancy 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.-.
