Help for setting up a business in Switzerland

set up your business in switzerland

Establishing a business in Switzerland can be a complex yet rewarding endeavor. While you may be an expert in your field, navigating the administrative landscape can feel like scaling a mountain. At AX Fiduciaire, we offer personalized support to guide you through every step of the process, ensuring a smooth and efficient business setup.

The Importance of Choosing the Right Legal Structure

Selecting the appropriate legal structure for your company is a critical decision that will impact your business’s future. Switzerland offers various legal frameworks, each tailored to specific business needs:

  • Limited Company (SA): This structure provides reliability and discretion but involves a more complex setup process.
  • Limited Liability Company (SARL): The most common legal structure, especially suitable for family businesses and SMEs, offering a more economical creation process.
  • Auxiliary Company: Designed for businesses looking to establish a presence in Switzerland without actively operating on Swiss soil.
  • Service Company: A subsidiary created to provide services to a parent company located in another country.
  • Holding Company: A financial structure that owns stakes in various companies.
  • Shell Company: A pre-built, dormant company that can expedite your business launch.
  • Foundation: A special status entity subject to Swiss authority supervision.

Making the right choice for your company’s legal structure in Switzerland is crucial. The expert advisors at AX Fiduciaire provide comprehensive guidance to help you select the most suitable legal form, ensuring security, reliability, and optimized tax conditions for your business.

The Five Phases of Business Creation in Switzerland

At AX Fiduciaire, we offer full support throughout the business creation process. Our expert advisors guide you through each stage, providing tailored advice and assistance. Our business creation service encompasses five key phases:

1. Project Analysis and Legal Structure Consultation

We begin by thoroughly examining your business project. Our team of experienced consultants will analyze your goals, financial projections, and operational needs. Based on this comprehensive assessment, we provide expert advice on the most suitable legal structure for your company. This crucial step sets the foundation for your business’s future success in the Swiss market.

2. Share Capital Account Setup

Once the legal structure is determined, we facilitate the opening of a deposit account specifically designed to receive your company’s share capital. This step is essential for meeting Swiss legal requirements and demonstrating the financial viability of your business. Our team handles all the necessary paperwork and coordinates with Swiss banks to ensure a smooth and compliant process.

3. Notary Appointment and Authentication

In Switzerland, company incorporation requires an authentic act signed by a notary. We arrange the appointment with a qualified notary who will oversee the legal formalities. The notary is responsible for the legal publicity and registration procedures, ensuring your company’s formation adheres to all Swiss regulations. Our experts will prepare all necessary documents and attend the notary meeting with you, providing support and clarification throughout the process.

4. Official Registration and Account Activation

Following the notary’s authentication, we guide you through the official registration process with the Swiss Commercial Register. Once your registration is confirmed, we assist in opening your company’s operational bank account. This step allows for the release of the capital, marking a significant milestone in your business’s establishment. Our team ensures all documentation is accurately filed and follows up with the relevant authorities to expedite the process.

5. Implementation of Management Tools and Accounting Setup

To set your business up for success, we provide a comprehensive suite of management tools tailored to your specific needs. Our experts at AX Fiduciaire will establish your chart of accounts in full compliance with Swiss regulations. We offer guidance on financial management systems, helping you implement robust processes for tracking income, expenses, and overall financial health. This final phase ensures you have the necessary infrastructure to manage your business effectively from day one.

Ongoing Accounting and Business Management Support

Establishing your business is just the beginning. Swiss law mandates that companies maintain proper accounting records. At AX Fiduciaire, we extend our services beyond the initial setup phase to support your ongoing business operations:

Comprehensive Accounting Services

Our team of skilled accountants provides end-to-end accounting solutions tailored to your business needs. We handle:

  • Daily bookkeeping and transaction recording
  • Preparation of financial statements (balance sheets, income statements)
  • Cash flow management and forecasting
  • Accounts payable and receivable management
  • Inventory tracking and valuation

Tax Compliance and Optimization

Navigating the Swiss tax system can be complex. Our tax experts ensure your business remains compliant while optimizing your tax position:

  • VAT registration and periodic filings
  • Corporate tax return preparation and submission
  • Tax planning and strategy development
  • Representation in tax audits and disputes

Payroll Administration

Managing employee compensation in accordance with Swiss labor laws is critical. We offer comprehensive payroll services:

  • Salary calculations and payments
  • Social security and pension fund contributions
  • Tax at source deductions for foreign employees
  • Generation of pay slips and annual salary certificates

Financial Analysis and Reporting

To drive informed decision-making, we provide in-depth financial analysis and reporting services:

  • Regular financial performance reviews
  • Budgeting and variance analysis
  • Key performance indicator (KPI) tracking
  • Custom financial reports for management and stakeholders

Regulatory Compliance

Staying compliant with Swiss regulations is crucial for your business’s longevity. Our compliance services include:

  • Monitoring changes in Swiss business laws and regulations
  • Ensuring adherence to industry-specific requirements
  • Preparing and filing necessary reports with regulatory bodies
  • Advising on corporate governance best practices

Why Choose AX Fiduciaire for Your Swiss Business Venture?

AX Fiduciaire stands out as a premier partner for businesses looking to establish and thrive in Switzerland. Our comprehensive services and expert team offer numerous advantages:

Expertise in Swiss Business Environment

Our professionals possess in-depth knowledge of the Swiss business landscape, including legal requirements, tax regulations, and market dynamics. This expertise ensures that your business is set up and operated in full compliance with local laws while leveraging opportunities unique to the Swiss market.

Tailored Solutions for Every Business

We recognize that each business is unique. Our approach is to provide customized solutions that align with your specific goals, industry, and scale of operations. Whether you’re a startup, an SME, or a large corporation, we adapt our services to meet your precise needs.

Time and Cost Efficiency

By entrusting your business setup and management to AX Fiduciaire, you save valuable time and resources. Our streamlined processes and established relationships with Swiss authorities and financial institutions accelerate your business launch and ongoing operations, allowing you to focus on core business activities.

Multilingual Support

Operating in Switzerland often requires navigating multiple languages. Our team offers support in several languages, facilitating smooth communication with local authorities, partners, and clients across Switzerland’s diverse linguistic regions.

Ongoing Advisory Services

Beyond initial setup and routine management, we provide continuous advisory services to support your business growth. From strategic planning to expansion strategies, our experts offer insights and guidance to help your business thrive in the competitive Swiss market.

Our Business Creation Packages

To cater to diverse business needs, AX Fiduciaire offers several packages for business creation in Switzerland:

Sole Proprietorship (RI) Package

Starting from 900 CHF, this package includes:

  • Preparation of necessary documentation
  • Filing of commercial register requisition
  • Legal consultations with our attorneys
  • Lawyers’ and notary fees

Limited Liability Company (SARL) Package

Starting from 2,500 CHF, this comprehensive package covers:

  • Drafting of company statutes
  • Preparation and submission of commercial register documents
  • In-depth consultations with our legal experts
  • All associated lawyers’ and notary fees

Note: These packages do not include commercial register fees, which vary based on the specific requirements of your business registration.

Embark on Your Swiss Business Journey with Confidence

Setting up a business in Switzerland opens doors to a world of opportunities in one of Europe’s most stable and prosperous economies. With AX Fiduciaire by your side, you can navigate the complexities of business creation and management with ease and confidence.

Our team of experts is ready to guide you through every step of your business journey in Switzerland. From selecting the ideal legal structure to managing your day-to-day operations, we provide the support and expertise you need to succeed in the Swiss market.

Take the first step towards realizing your business ambitions in Switzerland. Contact AX Fiduciaire today to discuss your project and discover how our tailored solutions can help you achieve your goals. Let us handle the complexities of Swiss business regulations and administration, allowing you to focus on what you do best – growing your business and seizing new opportunities in this dynamic market.

Our offers for the creation of your business

Sole proprietorship (RI)

From 900.-
  • Preparation of the statutes
  • Preparation of the requisition to the commercial register
  • Telephone interviews with our lawyers
  • Lawyers' fees
  • Notary fees

Limited liability company (sàrl)

From 2'500.-
  • Preparation of the statutes
  • Preparation of the requisition to the commercial register
  • Telephone interviews with our lawyers
  • Lawyers' fees
  • Notary fees

Limited liability company (sarl)

From 2'500.-
  • Preparation of the statutes
  • Preparation of the requisition to the commercial register
  • Telephone interviews with our lawyers
  • Lawyers' fees
  • Notary fees

contact us

To contact us, please fill out the form by giving us some information about your needs. We will contact you quickly. You can also reach us on +41 22 566 84 21 during office hours.