Starting a business in Switzerland can be an exciting and stimulating experience, but it can also be a complex and risky undertaking. To maximize your chances of success, it's important to enlist the help of professionals who have the expertise and know-how to help you overcome the obstacles and achieve your goals.

Here are our 5 tips for starting a business in Switzerland:

1. Choose the right legal form: Switzerland offers several legal forms for businesses, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. It is therefore important to study the different options (limited liability company, corporation, sole proprietorship, etc.) and choose the one that best suits your project.

2. Carry out the administrative and legal procedures: Setting up a company in Switzerland requires administrative procedures with the Trade Register. It is important to contact these authorities to find out about the procedures to be followed and the necessary documents.

3. Finding premises or a registered office: If you need premises for your business, it is important to study the different options available and choose the one that best suits your needs. Rents can be high in Switzerland, so it is important to factor this expense into your budget. Domiciliation can in many cases be a good way to get started while keeping costs under control.

4. Find financing: Setting up a business can require significant investment. It is therefore important to have a solid financing plan by seeking financing from banks, investors or by using participatory financing platforms.

5. Get support: It is important to get support in setting up your business and it is also important to understand that setting up a business involves many steps and can be complex, especially if you are not familiar with the rules and practices in Switzerland. This is why it is advisable to be accompanied by professionals, who can provide expertise and support at every stage of your project.

Here are some examples of professionals who can help you:

  • Chambers of commerce and industry: these organizations are present in each canton and offer advisory services to entrepreneurs. They can help you draw up your business plan, find financing, understand the regulations in force, etc.
  • Business incubators: these structures specialize in supporting start-ups and innovative companies. They can help you validate your idea, develop your product or service, find funding, etc.
  • Lawyers specializing in business law: these professionals can help you choose the legal form of your company, draft the articles of association, negotiate contracts, etc.
    Swiss fiduciaries specializing in business start-up advice:
  • Qualified Swiss fiduciaries are experts in finance, tax, accounting and administration who offer advice and assistance to businesses, particularly in the area of business start-up.

Qualified Swiss fiduciaries can help you choose the legal form of your company, draw up the articles of association, carry out administrative procedures with the authorities, keep your accounts, draw up your tax and social security declarations, manage your cash flow, and advise you at every stage of your company's development.

It is important to choose a Swiss fiduciary that specializes in business start-up advice and has a good knowledge of the Swiss market and your business sector.

You should study and plan your project carefully before starting your business in Switzerland. This includes carrying out a market analysis to ensure that your product or service will meet a need, developing a sound business plan, understanding the tax, administrative and legal requirements for your business, and planning a realistic budget for starting and running your business. It is also important to seek professional advice to avoid mistakes and unpleasant surprises. Indeed, professional guidance can help you avoid common pitfalls, save time and maximize your chances of success in setting up your business in Switzerland.

Contact us to start your initial consultation today. We would be delighted to get to know you and define the next steps for your company formation project in Switzerland.

Fill in our contact form or call us on +41(0)22 566 82 45

CONTACT

STARTING A BUSINESS IN SWITZERLAND

Contact
Contact us
We look forward to hearing from you
Adresse
Rue Adrien-Lachenal 26
1207 Geneva
Switzerland
Phone
+41 (0)22 566 82 45
Contact us
First name:
Name:
Phone:
Email:
We thank you!
Your request has been received successfully!
Oups ! Un problème s'est produit lors de l'envoi du formulaire.