Switzerland - Establishing an OfficeSwitzerland-Establishing-an-Office
Any adult can establish a business in Switzerland – irrespective of nationality or place of residence. There is no specific pre-establishment legislation in Switzerland, nor is a minimum percentage of Swiss ownership required for foreign entrepreneurs. Establishing an independent office instead of using an agent may be a preferred solution if a U.S. company has already identified growth prospects in Switzerland and plans to invest financial resources in the Swiss market to develop its market strategy. An independent office may offer greater visibility into the market, provide specific after-sales services, and allow more direct access to local government representatives and business networks.
The actual mechanics of forming and registering an office in Switzerland can be accomplished within a few weeks, but the planning process can be more time-consuming and involves many factors. The World Bank Doing Business Report 2018 ranks Switzerland 73rd in the ease of starting a business, due to the 10 days required to set up a company, and the relatively high initial capital requirements.
The Swiss government provides helpful checklists and initial guidance on what legal form to choose to set up a business in Switzerland. By registering at the Swiss government’s website www.easgov.swiss, a company can file company specific information in order to determine the most appropriate legal structure, the necessary steps and important contact details. Swiss cantons also have specialized economic promotion agencies in place that can help with questions related to the opening of a new business.
Location is among the most important factors to consider when establishing an office in Switzerland. There are wide differences in tax laws, availability of work permits, availability of labor force, and availability and cost of business facilities among Swiss cantons. Some cantons may offer special incentives for foreign investors. The choice of business location also impacts potential market size and the linguistic requirements of the employees.
Detailed information on investment in Switzerland is included in the Investment Climate Statement, Chapter 6.
Detailed information regarding setting up and staffing a business enterprise in Switzerland is available from the Swiss-American Chamber of Commerce (http://www.amcham.ch) and from the Handbook for Investors published by Switzerland Global Enterprise (SGE) (https://www.s-ge.com/en/sbh).
Prepared by the International Trade Administration. With its network of more than 100 offices across the United States and in more than 75 markets, the International Trade Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.
The actual mechanics of forming and registering an office in Switzerland can be accomplished within a few weeks, but the planning process can be more time-consuming and involves many factors. The World Bank Doing Business Report 2018 ranks Switzerland 73rd in the ease of starting a business, due to the 10 days required to set up a company, and the relatively high initial capital requirements.
The Swiss government provides helpful checklists and initial guidance on what legal form to choose to set up a business in Switzerland. By registering at the Swiss government’s website www.easgov.swiss, a company can file company specific information in order to determine the most appropriate legal structure, the necessary steps and important contact details. Swiss cantons also have specialized economic promotion agencies in place that can help with questions related to the opening of a new business.
Location is among the most important factors to consider when establishing an office in Switzerland. There are wide differences in tax laws, availability of work permits, availability of labor force, and availability and cost of business facilities among Swiss cantons. Some cantons may offer special incentives for foreign investors. The choice of business location also impacts potential market size and the linguistic requirements of the employees.
Detailed information on investment in Switzerland is included in the Investment Climate Statement, Chapter 6.
Detailed information regarding setting up and staffing a business enterprise in Switzerland is available from the Swiss-American Chamber of Commerce (http://www.amcham.ch) and from the Handbook for Investors published by Switzerland Global Enterprise (SGE) (https://www.s-ge.com/en/sbh).
Prepared by the International Trade Administration. With its network of more than 100 offices across the United States and in more than 75 markets, the International Trade Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.