Setting up a Company in Switzerland in 2024

In 2024, establishing a business in Switzerland remains an attractive venture due to a stable economic environment, competitive taxation, and a relatively simplified administrative system. Whether considering starting a Swiss corporation company (SA/AG), a limited liability company (Sàrl/GmbH), or even a sole proprietorship, it is crucial to understand the steps and essential considerations for a successful launch.

Choice of Legal Form

Choosing the legal structure is one of the first important decisions. Each type offers specific advantages depending on the needs for financial protection, administrative flexibility, and tax implications for entrepreneurs.

Capital Companies (Sàrl/GmbH and SA/AG) are preferable for those seeking to limit their personal liability to capital contributions. These forms require a minimum capital (CHF 20,000 for Sàrl/GmbH and CHF 100,000 for SA/AG) and offer a clear separation between personal and business assets.

Sole proprietorships and partnerships (such as general partnerships – SNC) are easier and less costly to establish but involve unlimited liability, meaning that commercial debts can affect the owner’s personal assets.

Steps for Creation

Market Analysis and Business Plan: The first of all steps for Swiss company formation is rigorous market analysis and drafting a business plan, which are essential. This plan should detail your business model, market analysis, marketing strategy, and financial forecasts.

Name Selection and Availability Check: Your company name must be unique and registerable with the commercial registry. Use the Zefix website to check name availability.

Domiciliation and Taxation: Depending on the canton where you establish your business, tax and social implications can vary significantly. Therefore, it is crucial to judiciously choose the location of your company’s headquarters.

Registration with the Commercial Register/Trade Register: This typically requires the involvement of a notary, especially for SA and Sàrl. Registration is essential for the legal legitimacy of your business.

Bank Accounts and Share Capital: For capital companies, a deposit account is required to deposit the minimum required share capital before the official registration of the company.

Regulatory and Tax Obligations

Once the business is established, certain obligations must be observed:

VAT and Tax Obligations: If your company’s turnover exceeds CHF 100,000, it must register for VAT. Rates vary depending on the type of services or products offered. In 2024, Switzerland adjusted its VAT rates, maintaining a standard rate of 8.10%, a special rate for accommodation of 3.80%, and a reduced rate of 2.60% for essential goods such as food and medicine. These rates aim to maintain fiscal balance while supporting specific sectors of the economy. For international companies seeking to establish themselves in Switzerland, in 2024, the VAT fiscal representative service is essential. My Swiss Company offers this service to help these companies navigate the complex Swiss tax system, ensuring effective and compliant VAT registration. This service is particularly valuable for avoiding costly errors and optimizing tax management, thus facilitating the entry and operation of international companies in the Swiss market.

Audits and Financial Reviews: Depending on the size of your business, different levels of audit may be required, ranging from full audit to limited review.

Support and Resources from My Swiss Company – Corporate Services Provider in Switzerland

Creating a business in Switzerland in 2024 has many advantages but requires careful preparation and a thorough understanding of legal and tax requirements. With proper planning and wise choice of legal structure, entrepreneurs can lay a solid foundation for the future success of their business.

My Swiss Company offers comprehensive support and resources for company formation in Switzerland, fitting well into the evolving business environment of 2024. The company specializes in the establishment and management of commercial and financial entities, providing an extensive range of services tailored to the needs of both national and international clients.

Services Offered and Support Provided by My Swiss Company in 2024:

Legal and Tax Advice: My Swiss Company offers expert advice on crucial legal, tax, fiduciary, and administrative matters for establishing and managing a business in Switzerland. This includes handling necessary authorization procedures for creating new entities.

Domiciliation Services: For companies requiring a physical presence in Switzerland, My Swiss Company offers domiciliation and registered address services to quickly secure a business address and private offices, particularly in key regions such as Lucerne, Zug, and Geneva.

Banking and Financial Services: Given Switzerland’s prestigious banking system, the company advises on the choice of financial institutions and products suited to business strategies, ensuring multi-currency bank account openings and optimal financial arrangements tailored to clients’ specific needs.

Fiduciary Services 2.0: Leveraging modern technologies, My Swiss Company provides advanced corporate services in Switzerland, including a secure tracking platform that gives clients online access to their business information at any time. This platform includes tools such as a digital safe for securely storing and transmitting confidential documents.

Global Reach and Multilingual Support: With expertise in various cultures and proficiency in major languages such as English, Spanish, and French, My Swiss Company is well-equipped to serve a diverse international clientele, making it an attractive choice for entrepreneurs worldwide wishing to establish a business in Switzerland.

The services provided by My Swiss Company are designed to ensure that the administrative, accounting, and tax management of businesses in Switzerland is handled efficiently, minimizing risks associated with compliance in the minimum salary and financial management. This comprehensive support helps businesses focus on their core activities while benefiting from Switzerland’s favorable business environment.

For more information on the benefits of establishing a business in Switzerland and detailed explanations of how My Swiss Company can assist an entrepreneur in establishing a business in Switzerland in 2024, contact us to start your initial consultation now. We would be delighted to meet you and define the next steps for creating your business in Switzerland in 2024.

Fill out our contact form or call us at +41(0)22 566 82 44.