Setting up a company in Switzerland as a foreigner is a dream of many because of the country’s stable economy and premium working culture. Moreover, the competitive tax rates and solid banking infrastructure attract people from across the globe.
Starting a business in Switzerland is no easy feat. There are numerous requirements and meticulous documentation to complete. Our guide walks you through the numerous company structures in Switzerland and the process to start a business in Switzerland.
Types of Business Structure in Switzerland
There are numerous business structures in Switzerland that you can choose from for starting a business in Switzerland as a non-EU citizen. Let’s learn about each:
Sole Proprietorship
You can start a business in Switzerland by choosing sole proprietorship as the company structure. It is highly recommended when only one natural person of the country is involved.
Sole proprietorship in Switzerland is the ideal structure when the business activities are closely linked to the owner. Moreover, it is also suitable for the professions such as architects, lawyers, and so on.
Limited Partnership
Limited partnerships are another structure that you can choose to start a business in Switzerland as a foreigner. Forming a limited partnership in Switzerland requires two or more persons or corporations. Moreover, it has two sets of partners: general and limited partners. General partners are residents of Switzerland and have unlimited liability, but they also enjoy managing rights. On the other hand, limited partners have limited liability, and they cannot interfere with the company's operations.
Public Limited Company
A Switzerland limited company is the most common legal form in Switzerland. The shareholders enjoy the limited liability in this company structure. For starting a business in Switzerland as a foreigner through this company structure, you require at least one shareholder. Moreover, the minimum share capital required to set up is CHF 100,000.
Limited Liability Company
Limited Liability Company (SARL) is a separate legal entity and is particularly suited to SMEs and family-owned firms. A SARL is established at the time of its entry in the commercial register. Moreover, the establishment must be notarized. Aside from this, the minimum share capital required is CHF 20000, and it can also be in the foreign currency.
Steps for Setting Up a Company In Switzerland as a Foreigner
The process to start a business in Switzerland as a foreigner requires compliance with numerous requirements. Let’s have a look at the process and learn in detail:
Connect with a Consultant
An offshore business consultant, such as Business Setup Worldwide, can assist you with starting a business in Switzerland as a foreigner.
Business Name Registration
As in every nation, the initial step is registering the company name. The company enlistment must be done at the Registrar's Office in your selected canton.
The companies in Switzerland are incorporated by submitting an application to the commercial register. The application includes details of the company, purpose, and more. Along with the application, you are also required to submit the company documents, such as the public deed of incorporation, articles of association, and so on. Moreover, the application must be written in the official language of your canton.
Once your application is verified and approved, the registrar will issue an extract that will act as the official document of your company.
Announcing in the Official Gazette
In the following stage, the Registrar publishes the directors' or authorized signatories' names alongside the Articles of Association in the official Swiss Commercial Gazette. Once published, you can start carrying out commercial activities.
Post-Incorporation Procedure
After you start your company activities, you should likewise deal with these methods:
- You can enlist with the Federal Tax Administration for VAT.
- Register workers with the social insurance framework.
Conclusion
Our proficient experts at Business Setup Worldwide can guide you through any queries you may have. Ensure you're getting the correct start and keeping all the appropriate rules and regulations by finding support from the experts. Contact us to get your offshore company in Switzerland opened right away. We would be glad to help.
