Business in Switzerland

Starting up a business in Switzerland is a quite straightforward hassle-free operation. The first step is choosing the best suitable legal form.

For reasons of commercial security, the Swiss law provides only a limited number of legal forms that businesses can take, and the opportunity to modify the internal structure of each is also limited.

Possible legal forms

The Code of Obligations sets out the possible legal forms. For the exercise of business activities, the following are the main corporate forms:

Sole proprietorships
General partnerships
Limited partnerships
Companies limited by shares (AG)
Limited liability companies (GmbH)

Forms for Swiss branches

The typical forms for the location of a foreign company in Switzerland are the subsidiary and the branch office.

Choosing a corporate form

Each of the possible corporate forms has its pros and cons. The State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) and the cantonal business development offices offer information and comparisons. Location: Switzerland also provides information to foreign companies that want to establish a base in Switzerland.

SwissInfo
News

RSS feed Business - Business

21/02/2012 20:12 Swiss tourism: a tale of two markets

In common with many other industries in Switzerland, the ailing tourism sector is being kept afloat by stable domestic consumption and strong growth in Asia.

20/02/2012 17:51 Party ends for easy corporate tax relief

The Federal Audit Office has denounced the generous tax breaks granted to companies up to 2007 under the pretext of aiding disadvantaged regions.

20/02/2012 11:00 Economic slump helps firms innovate

The impact of the strong Swiss franc has driven the government to offer companies a pot of gold to boost innovation. One firm is hoping it will also lead to profits.

Page 1 of 2 > >>

14.04.2011 | 10:12:27

Better access for goods from developing countries

Berne, 30.03.2011 - On 30 March 2011, the Swiss Federal Council (government) adopted a revised ordinance on origin rules for tariff preferences for developing countries. The revised ordinance will pave the way to an enhanced access to the Swiss market for goods from developing countries.

[More]

Hans-Peter Egler, Head Trade Promotion SECO

28.02.2011 | 16:22:00

HSBC data theft: FINMA completes investigation

Following a comprehensive investigation into the large-scale theft of data from HSBC Private Bank (Suisse) SA, FINMA has reprimanded the bank for deficiencies in its internal organisation and IT controls. FINMA has also called on the bank to see through the measures it has already initiated to comply with the legal requirements. FINMA will ensure that these measures are implemented promptly.

[More]

FINMA - Tobias Lux, Media Spokesperson,

21.02.2011 | 12:44:40

Forum for Swiss Foreign Trade and Investment.

All businesses wanting to export successfully should take note of an important date: 7 April 2011. On this day, you will be presented with a load of know-how at Osec's Swiss foreign trade forum.

Swiss exporters will explain how they have made it on new markets, and experts from all over the world will give you valuable practical tips en masse. You'll feel the pulse of the Swiss export industry during catchy speeches, exciting panel discussions, in-depth workshops and promising networking breaks. Be part of the action when the Osec Export Awards are presented for the best projects, chosen by a top-class jury. Get up close and personal with the superior export community, and take away as many valuable experiences and contacts from it as you can.