How can I start a company in Switzerland if I live abroad?

Switzerland is an attractive location for entrepreneurs from around the world. The country offers high quality of life, a stable political and economic situation, a liberal labor market, and an attractive tax system. But how can you start a company in Switzerland if you reside abroad? What requirements must you meet and what challenges can you expect? In this blog article, you will find out everything you need to know.

Personal Requirements

The good news is: You don't necessarily need a residence or citizenship to start a company here. As a citizen of an EU or EFTA country, you can become self-employed and start a sole proprietorship, a general partnership, or a limited partnership. You will need a B permit EG/EFTA for self-employment. However, when registering in Switzerland, you must prove the planned self-employment activity, for example with a business plan, a commercial register entry, or a UID number.

If you want to establish a corporation such as a GmbH or an AG, slightly different rules apply. You do not need to reside in Switzerland personally, but at least one managing director or a board member must establish residence in Switzerland and be authorized to sign. This means that you must either have a partner or an employee in Switzerland who takes on this role, or that you establish residence in Switzerland yourself.

Company Requirements

Your company must have a domicile in Switzerland, meaning an address where it is legally reachable. It is most preferable to have a domicile address (c/o address) in Switzerland. For this, you need a domicile agreement with an individual or a company like Findea, which provides you this address.

Depending on the legal form of your company, you must also register it in the commercial register. This applies to all corporations as well as sole proprietorships and partnerships with annual turnover exceeding 100,000 Swiss Francs. The commercial register entry costs between 600 and 1200 Swiss Francs depending on the canton. For registration, you need various documents such as a partnership agreement, a deed of incorporation, or proof of capital stock.

Challenges and Tips

Starting a company in Switzerland when you live abroad is possible, but not entirely simple. You must deal with various authorities, which may have differing requirements. You also need to ensure compliance with Swiss law, for instance concerning taxes, social security, or liability.

Therefore, we recommend that you stay well-informed and seek advice from the experts at STARTUPS.CH. They can assist you with all your questions and concerns.

Conclusion

Starting a company in Switzerland, even if you live abroad, can be a challenge but it can also bring many benefits. However, you must meet several requirements and prepare for possible problems. With good planning, solid research, and professional advice, you can achieve your goals and successfully establish your company in Switzerland. Findea AG and STARTUPS.CH are happy to help you get started with your company in Switzerland!

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