Registering a commercial business in Switzerland
Find out how to register your commercial business in Switzerland, what aspects you need to pay attention to and where you can find commercial premises online.
Founding and registering a business in Switzerland requires not only choosing the right legal form and creating a business plan, but also obtaining specific permits depending on the type of planned activity. This guide offers a detailed overview of the necessary steps and permits required for business registration in Switzerland.
1. Permits for Business Registration
In Switzerland, certain businesses and activities are subject to mandatory authorization. This serves to protect the public, ensure quality standards, and comply with legal regulations. The necessity of a permit depends on various factors, including the type of business, location, and the specific activities of the company.
2. General Steps for Business Registration
Before dealing with specific permits, you should complete the basic steps for business registration in Switzerland:
Choice of legal form: Decide on a suitable legal form, such as a sole proprietorship, a GmbH (LLC), or an AG (Corp).
Entry in the Commercial Register: Depending on the chosen legal form and annual turnover, an entry in the Commercial Register is required.
Registration with the OASI Compensation Office: Register your company with the relevant OASI (AHV) compensation office to settle social security contributions.
Check for VAT liability: Check whether your company is subject to VAT and, if necessary, register with the Federal Tax Administration.
Further information on these steps can be found on the SECO SME Portal.
3. Industry-Specific Permits
Depending on the industry and type of activity, additional permits may be required. Below are some examples:
3.1. Hospitality Industry
Anyone wishing to run a hospitality establishment in the Canton of Zurich requires a hospitality license. This can be granted with or without authorization to serve alcoholic beverages. The municipality of the location is responsible for issuing it. Additionally, hospitality establishments must be reported to the Cantonal Laboratory as food businesses.
3.2. Security Companies
Natural and legal persons providing commercial private security services require a permit from the canton. Furthermore, all employees providing security services in the Canton of Zurich must fulfill certain requirements.
3.3. Employment Agencies and Staff Leasing
Companies operating in employment placement, placement of athletes or artists, as well as modeling and mannequin agencies or staff leasing require a cantonal permit.
3.4. Commercial High-Risk Activities
For activities such as mountain guiding and ski instruction, as well as commercially offered outdoor activities, a permit from the canton is necessary.
3.5. Trade in Alcoholic Beverages
The sale of alcoholic beverages to end consumers requires a permit. For retail sales, a so-called patent for small and medium sales is necessary. Alcohol sold with this patent may not be consumed on the premises. The municipality where the business is located is responsible for issuing the patent.
4. Procedure for Obtaining Necessary Permits
To obtain the necessary permits for your business, you should consider the following steps:
Research: Inform yourself about the specific permits required for your industry and activity. Cantonal authorities offer comprehensive information on this.
Application: Submit the required applications to the competent authorities. Ensure that all necessary documents are complete and correct to avoid delays.
Deadlines and Fees: Note the processing times and applicable fees for permits. Plan enough time before starting your business.
Inspections and Conditions: Be prepared for authorities to conduct inspections and impose certain conditions. Ensure your operation complies with legal requirements.
5. Steps to Finding the Ideal Commercial Space
5.1 Conduct Needs Analysis
In the first step, clarify your requirements: location, size, budget, and potential industry-specific needs.
5.2 Use maison.work as a Tool
Create a free profile on maison.work and benefit from the intuitive search function. The platform allows you to specifically filter for commercial spaces that match your criteria.
5.3 Compare Offers
maison.work shows you an overview of relevant listings with transparent information. This allows you to easily compare offers and make a well-founded decision.
5.4 Contact and Viewing
Via the platform, you can contact providers directly and arrange viewing appointments.
Whether you are opening a café, setting up an office, or need a warehouse – maison.work is your partner for the efficient and stress-free search for commercial space in Switzerland.
6. Support and Advice
Obtaining necessary permits can be complex. It is therefore advisable to seek advice from professionals. Cantonal economic development agencies, industry associations, and specialized consulting firms can offer valuable support.
7. Conclusion
Successfully registering a business in Switzerland requires not only fulfilling general administrative steps but also obtaining specific permits, depending on the type of activity. Careful planning and early information are crucial to making the founding process smooth and meeting legal requirements.