Starting a Business in Switzerland as a Foreigner: Complete Guide (2026)

Starting a Business in Switzerland as a Foreigner: Guide and Steps

Starting a business in Switzerland as a foreigner depends primarily on your nationality and residence permit (B, C or G). The viability of the project (business plan) is an essential condition for everyone.

1. Conditions by Nationality

• ‍EU/EFTA nationals: Benefit from free movement. Setting up a self-employed activity or a company (Sàrl/GmbH, SA/AG) is facilitated.‍
• Cross-border workers (Permit G): Can start a business in Switzerland but must prove they are carrying out a genuine economic activity.‍
• Third-party states (outside the EU): Subject to strict quotas. The project must present a "particular economic interest" for Switzerland.

2. Key Steps in the Creation Process

• ‍Choose the legal structure:‍
  
  • Sole proprietorship: No minimum capital, ideal for starting out alone
  • LLC (Sàrl/GmbH): CHF 20,000 capital required (asset protection)
  • PLC (SA/AG): CHF 100,000 capital required‍
• Permits and Authorisations: A valid residence permit is essential. Self-employed individuals must obtain a certificate of activity from the migration authorities.‍
• Registered Address: A real professional address in Switzerland is mandatory.‍
• Commercial Register: Mandatory for LLCs/PLCs, and for sole proprietorships from CHF 100,000 in annual turnover.‍
• Social insurance: Mandatory registration with the AHV/AVS compensation fund.

3. Important Administrative Obligations

• ‍Local representation: For an LLC or PLC, at least one authorised signatory domiciled in Switzerland must represent the company.‍
• Bank account: For capital companies, a blocked account is required to deposit the capital upon incorporation.‍
• Online tools: Use the official Startups.ch platform to simplify your administrative procedures.

Expert advice: It is strongly recommended to consult a business creation specialist such as Startups.ch to validate the legal and tax compliance of your setup.

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FAQ: Starting a Business in Switzerland for Foreigners

1. Can a non-resident foreigner start a business in Switzerland?

Yes. A foreigner can own 100% of the capital of a Swiss company (LLC or PLC) without residing there. However, the law requires that at least one authorised signatory domiciled in Switzerland represents the company. If you do not reside in Switzerland, you will need to appoint a local manager or director.

2. What residence permit is needed to become self-employed in Switzerland?

• ‍EU/EFTA citizens: A permit B is issued if you can prove that your self-employed activity enables you to support yourself.‍
• Non-EU citizens (third-party states): Access is limited. You must obtain a specific residence permit linked to gainful employment, subject to quotas and demonstration of a "major economic interest" for the canton.‍
• Cross-border workers: A permit G is required to carry out a self-employed activity in Switzerland while residing abroad.

3. Is a business plan required to obtain a work permit?

Yes, it is essential. The migration authorities (Population or Economy Department) require a detailed 3-year business plan. This document must prove the financial viability of the business and, for non-EU nationals, demonstrate job creation or innovation contribution.

4. Can I use a virtual office to register my company?

For registration in the Commercial Register, an address is required. However, for obtaining a residence permit (particularly for cross-border workers or non-EU nationals), the authorities often require a real professional address (office or workshop). A simple virtual office ("c/o") may be rejected if there is no effective activity on site.

5. What is the minimum capital a foreigner must deposit?

The capital depends on the legal structure chosen:

• ‍Sole proprietorship: CHF 0‍
• LLC (Sàrl/GmbH): CHF 20,000‍
• PLC (SA/AG): CHF 100,000 (of which a minimum of CHF 50,000 must be paid at the time of incorporation). This capital must be deposited in a blocked account at a Swiss bank before the notarial deed.

6. What social insurance is mandatory for a foreign entrepreneur?

As soon as you operate in Switzerland, you must contribute to the Swiss social system:

• ‍AHV/AVS / IV/AI / EO/APG: Old-age and disability insurance is mandatory.‍
• BVG/LPP (2nd pillar): Mandatory for employees of an LLC/PLC (including the owner), optional for sole proprietorships.‍
• UVG/LAA: Insurance against occupational accidents.

7. How long does it take to set up the company?

Once the capital has been raised and the business plan validated, the administrative process (notary and registration in the Commercial Register) generally takes 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the canton's responsiveness.

To simplify the process, we recommend calling on a business creation specialist such as Startups.ch.

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