Switzerland is the first name that comes to mind when we think of top travel destinations in Europe. Switzerland attracts thousands of tourists each year thanks to its picturesque landscapes, unique traditions, and hospitable atmosphere. At the same time, it is well-regarded as a global business hub for its attractive tax incentives, a liberal market, and business-friendly laws, among other factors. So it wouldn’t be wrong to say that starting a travel agency in Switzerland to aid travellers can be a golden opportunity for entrepreneurs.
Moreover, the country is famous across the globe for boasting one of the most nuanced tourism industries in the world. In addition, the Swiss tax system is flexible, which is good news for foreign investors. Finally, the country also enjoys significant popularity due to its strong privacy laws.
Read on to learn more about forming a Switzerland travel company.
Tourism Industry in Switzerland
The tourism sector is one of the most significant contributors to the Swiss economy, thanks to the country's abundant lakes, forests, and mountains. The Swiss Federal Statistical Office reports that foreign nationals account for 34.4 million overnight stays from January to September, 2025.
That certainly shows how thriving the tourism industry of Switzerland is. So what could be a better location than the ever-popular Switzerland for starting your tourism company? Besides enjoying a central location in the European continent, the country is known for a wide variety of stunning mountain ranges.
Company formation in Switzerland can help you access the thriving tourism industry in the country. Travel agencies can also offer unique packages such as health and wellness tourism, and so forth.
Investments in Swiss Tourism
Switzerland is not a part of the European Union; however, it has maintained excellent relationships with the members of the EU through bilateral agreements. This is great for foreign investors planning to incorporate a travel agency in Switzerland.
Before making a massive investment in a Swiss travel agency, entrepreneurs or businesses must keep certain things in mind. For instance, it is crucial to obtain a travel agent license to start a Swiss travel agency. Moreover, foreign nationals can also go down the sole trader route if they want to work on their own.
Requirements for setting up a travel agency in Switzerland
People belonging to the EU (European Union) or EFTA (European Free Trade Association) can go ahead with formation without a C permit if they meet the following demands:
- They must have a B permit. It is typically valid for 1 year and renewed annually. However, it is valid for 5 years for EU/EFTA citizens.
- A foreign national must declare the objective of their business activity and provide necessary proof concerning the same.
- They should maintain a valid bank account with a Swiss bank.
- There should be a business plan.
- They should register the travel agency in the commercial registry.
- Registration with the professional register is necessary.
- Foreigners will have to provide proof of social insurance for themselves and their employees.
- They must register for VAT.
People hailing from countries other than those belonging to the EU or EFTA must fulfill any of the following requests:
- The person shall have a Swiss C permit, which allows self-employment in Switzerland
- The person can be married to someone with a C permit
- The person is married to a Swiss citizen
Moreover, the travel agencies are not regulated, but if they offer packaged tours, they may need to comply with the Swiss Package Travel Act requirements.
What are the Steps for Opening a Travel Agency in Switzerland?
Follow the steps below to get started with the incorporation of a Switzerland travel company:
Connect With a Consultant
Choosing the right consultant to start your travel agency in Switzerland can be very helpful. The agent will guide you through numerous requirements.
Choose a Legal Structure
For setting up a Switzerland travel company, you must choose an appropriate legal structure depending on your requirements. An LLC is a popular structure in Switzerland for small and medium-sized enterprises, as it offers limited liability and a low minimum capital requirement of just CHF 20,000.
Obtain the Permits
A travel company is legally required to guarantee the customer’s payment and the customer's return trip in the event it goes bankrupt. This is required under the federal act on package travel. To comply with this requirement, you must obtain insolvency protection from Swiss Travel Security or other similar organizations. However, it must be noted that this only applies to a firm that offers package tours.
Carry Out Commercial Activities
Once you have met all the regulatory requirements, you can begin with the commercial operations.
If you don’t meet any of the criteria mentioned above, you can still pursue your dreams of setting up a company in Switzerland. However, you will need to provide solid proof that your business will have a positive, lasting impact on the Swiss economy. Therefore, you must have a foolproof business plan up your sleeve.
After foreign nationals have established their business of choice in Switzerland, they will obtain a short-term permit, the L permit. This permit allows them to conduct and manage business activities in the country for twelve months. After that, they can renew their license after passing a labor law exam.
Switzerland is considered to be a global business haven, and rightfully so. Some of its exceptional features, which attract tons of foreigners every year, include high-quality, accessible education, liberal employment laws, tax incentives, double-taxation treaties with many nations, and so on. If you want to explore further the abundance of business opportunities, such as starting a franchise in Switzerland, contact us.
