How to easily set up a company in Switzerland as a French national

What is the simplest way for a French national to set up a company in Switzerland?

The simplest way for a French national to set up a company in Switzerland is to use an online company formation platform such as startups.ch, which guides step by step through the administrative procedures and connects with partner fiduciaries. Without support, the procedures remain accessible but may take longer. The key is to choose the right legal structure from the outset to avoid costly changes later.

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Step 1: Define your project and choose your legal structure

Before any administrative steps, you need to clearly define your project: nature of the activity, projected turnover, number of partners, need for external financing. These elements determine the most appropriate legal structure. For a solo project with no major asset risk: the sole proprietorship. For a protected SME with one or two partners: the LLC. For an ambitious project with investors: the PLC. Most French nationals who settle in Switzerland or want to set up a structure there opt for the LLC, the best simplicity/protection compromise.

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Step 2: Choose the right canton

The choice of canton directly influences taxation, administrative costs and ease of access to services. For French nationals, the French-speaking cantons (Geneva, Vaud, Valais, Fribourg, Neuchâtel, Jura) offer the advantage of a common language. On the tax side, Zug is the most attractive canton but less accessible for non-residents. Vaud and Fribourg offer a good balance between reasonable taxation, accessibility and services for foreign entrepreneurs. Geneva, despite less competitive taxation, offers a dynamic local market and a strong international image.

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Step 3: Find a fiduciary or local partner

For a French national setting up an LLC or PLC in Switzerland, finding a local fiduciary is often essential. This professional plays the role of manager or director domiciled in Switzerland (legal requirement), handles accounting, manages tax returns and acts as an interface with the Swiss authorities. Fiduciaries specialising in supporting foreign entrepreneurs are numerous in French-speaking Switzerland. We can recommend the following fiduciary for your new firm's accounting needs: Findea.ch

Step 4: Open a Swiss bank account

Opening a bank account is essential for depositing the capital at incorporation (blocked deposit account) and then for day-to-day operations. The deposit account for incorporation can be opened remotely at several banks.

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Step 5: Complete the registration procedures

Once the capital has been deposited, the notary drafts the deed of incorporation and forwards the file to the cantonal Commercial Register. Registration generally takes one to two weeks. The company receives its IDE number (Swiss Business Identification Number) and can begin its activity. In parallel, AHV affiliation, possible VAT registration and the taking out of mandatory insurance must be carried out.

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Using Startups.ch to simplify the process

The Startups.ch platform is specially designed to simplify company formation in Switzerland. It allows administrative procedures to be completed online, a choice between several legal structures, access to customisable articles of association templates and connection with partner fiduciaries. For French entrepreneurs, the platform offers support in French and guides through the specificities related to non-residents. It is the most effective solution for quickly setting up a company in Switzerland without getting lost in bureaucracy.

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Mistakes to avoid when setting up

• ‍Failing to check your permit obligations: Before starting, make sure your status (resident, cross-border worker, non-resident) is compatible with the planned activity.‍
• Choosing the wrong canton solely for tax reasons: Taxation is important, but accessibility of services, proximity to clients and the quality of the local economic fabric also count.‍
• Neglecting tax planning: Double taxation France-Switzerland can be costly if not anticipated. Consult a tax expert before defining your structure.‍
• Underestimating annual administrative costs: Incorporation is one thing, but ongoing management (accounting, AHV, VAT, insurance) represents a recurring cost that must be factored into your projections.

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FAQ - How to easily set up a company in Switzerland as a French national

Can I set up a company in Switzerland entirely online?

Yes, with startups.ch, most of the procedures can be completed online: choice of legal structure, drafting of articles, document submission, file tracking. The signing of the notarial deed can often be done by representation (notarised power of attorney), avoiding travel. Only opening the bank deposit account may require physical presence at certain banks.

What documents are needed to set up an LLC in Switzerland as a foreigner?

The documents generally required are: copy of a valid identity document (passport or ID card), recent proof of address, capital deposit certificate (provided by the bank), signed draft articles of association, and details of the managers. Additional documents may be required for contributions in kind or corporate shareholders.

Is the initial consultation with a startups.ch adviser free of charge?

At startups.ch, an initial consultation is available online or in branch. Rates vary depending on duration and complexity. For a first general enquiry, you can often obtain a quick response via the chatbot or contact form at no charge. In-depth personalised consultations are charged. Please refer to the pricing page on startups.ch for current details.

How long after incorporation can I start invoicing my clients?

Legally, you can start invoicing as soon as your company is registered with the Commercial Register (CR). Before that date, it is technically possible to operate under the 'company in formation' entity, but this carries legal risks. With startups.ch, registration with the CR generally takes 1 to 2 weeks after the notarial deed. Provisional VAT numbers can be obtained for urgent cases.

What is a fiduciary and why do I need one to set up a company in Switzerland?

A Swiss fiduciary is an approved professional who manages the accounting, taxation and legal obligations of companies. For a French national setting up an LLC or PLC in Switzerland, the fiduciary often plays the role of domiciled manager or director (legal requirement) and acts as an interface with the Swiss authorities. startups.ch works with a network of partner fiduciaries to simplify this process.

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