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Emigrate, set up, get started - we'll support you from the choice of legal form to the right insurance for your company in Switzerland.
Setting up a company in Switzerland
Anyone emigrating from Germany or Austria to Switzerland and wanting to set up their own company should be well prepared. Find out which steps are important for a sole proprietorship, GmbH or AG and how to plan your start in Switzerland correctly. Whether you need an entry in the commercial register or the right SME insurance, we are your partner and, as experienced company consultants, will support you right from the start and ensure that you fulfil all legal requirements and meet all deadlines.
Founding a company - first advise, then found
Before you set up a company in Switzerland or take out insurance for your business, it's worth getting thorough advice. Our Company consultant from Deine3a will go through all the relevant issues with you - from the legal form and company headquarters to the pension fund and compulsory insurance.
It's important not to rush into choosing just any offer. It is crucial to know your actual needs so that you can neither overinsured nor underinsured are. Well thought-out cover protects you in the long term - and often saves you money too.
We have been supporting founders from Germany and Austria in their move to Switzerland for many years and are now one of the leading organisations in this field. leading partners for company formations and business development. With our experience, you can start your new business life in Switzerland safely, well advised and optimally secured.
Choose legal form - sole proprietorship, GmbH or AG
Anyone who emigrates from Germany or Austria to Switzerland and wants to set up a company here faces an important decision right at the start: choosing the right legal form. The three most common options are sole proprietorship, limited liability company and public limited company. Which one suits you best depends on your situation, your willingness to take risks and your financial resources.
The sole proprietorship is the simplest form of start-up. It is particularly suitable for small companies and people who want to start up on their own. It is uncomplicated, costs little and requires no minimum capital. However, as the owner you are personally liable with your private assets - you should take this into account when planning.
The limited liability company is the most popular legal form for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Switzerland. It offers you a clear separation between business and private assets and is therefore considered more secure. A share capital of at least CHF 20,000 is required for incorporation, which must be paid up in full or in part.
Public limited company: If you think bigger or want to involve investors, you can set up an AG. It is particularly interesting for growing companies and often appears more professional in business dealings. However, the formation costs and administrative effort are higher than with a limited liability company.
Before you make a decision, it's worth carefully analysing the tax, legal and financial differences. We will help you find the right legal form for your company - so that your start in Switzerland is secure, efficient and successful in the long term.
Commercial register entry and registered office
After choosing the right legal form, one of the most important steps in Switzerland follows: the Commercial register entry and the determination of the Company headquarters. Both points are crucial for your company to be officially founded and legally authorised to act.
The Entry in the commercial register is a key step in setting up a company in Switzerland - and it takes time. It often takes four to six weeks from the submission of all documents to official registration, depending on the canton and the workload of the authorities. In the case of a GmbH or AG, there are also notarised certifications, proof of capital and a review of the articles of association, which can prolong the process.
Many emigrants focus primarily on tax aspects when deciding where to locate their company - understandably, as the tax burden varies greatly depending on the canton. But taxes are not everything. Factors such as accessibility, infrastructure, labour, rental costs, customer location and cantonal regulations also play an important role. A central location is not always the best solution - sometimes it pays to be based outside the big city in order to save costs and remain more flexible.
For the opening of a Swiss bank account or the conclusion of SME insurance a valid address is required. If you come from Germany or Austria and are setting up a company in Switzerland, it is worth planning the registered office and entry in the commercial register at an early stage. With the right preparation, you can save time, costs and unnecessary hassle - and lay the foundations for a successful company launch.
Important insurances for your company
Anyone setting up a company in Switzerland should take care of the right Insurance cover take care of yourself. Good insurance is not only a legal obligation, but also protects you from financial consequences in the event of a claim. Especially as an entrepreneur, you bear responsibility - for your company and yourself. Unexpected events such as illness, accidents or claims for damages can otherwise quickly threaten your existence.
Depending on the legal form, different Insurance obligations. With a sole proprietorship, you are responsible for many areas yourself, whereas with a GmbH or AG, certain types of insurance are mandatory.
A central topic is the Occupational pension scheme (BVG), also known as Pension fund. It is mandatory for employees in Switzerland. BVG insurance is also compulsory for managing directors of a GmbH or AG as soon as a salary is paid. Self-employed persons with a sole proprietorship can join voluntarily - which usually makes sense in order to improve their pension and disability cover.
Also important is the UVG (Accident Insurance Act). It covers occupational accidents and, in the case of employees, non-occupational accidents as well. We also highly recommend UVG-Z, a supplementary insurance that supplements benefits or closes gaps - for example in the event of higher income or prolonged incapacity to work.
The KTG (daily sickness benefits insurance) secures income in the event of illness. It is particularly important for small companies and the self-employed to be able to continue paying running costs and wages if someone is absent.
It is also worthwhile for companies to Corporate legal protection, which offers legal support in the event of disputes with customers, suppliers or authorities.
One Public liability insurance protects you if your work causes personal injury or property damage - a must for almost every company.
With a well thought-out combination of these insurances, you are well protected as an entrepreneur in Switzerland. This allows you to concentrate on your business without taking financial risks, which can quickly become expensive in an emergency.
7 tips for company founders
- Consultancy: Get professional support to avoid mistakes.
- Legal form: Choose between a sole proprietorship, GmbH or AG, depending on liability and capital.
- Check company name: The name must be unique and must not already be in the commercial register.
- Company headquarters: Weigh up location, taxes and accessibility carefully.
- Insurances: Check compulsory insurance and sensible additional cover in good time.
- Precaution: Think about your pension fund, accident insurance and daily sickness benefits.
- Bank account: A Swiss business account is a prerequisite for incorporation.
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Our advisory team and office staff specialise in emigrants from Germany and Austria, and we help people emigrate to Switzerland every day. If you would also like to emigrate to Switzerland, please get in touch using the contact form and get to know our team in Zurich - we look forward to hearing from you! 🤗
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