I am also starting my own business in Switzerland (Zurich) and I have a question.
To launch my idea I would like to start as self-employed (EU citizen, permit B) and, when things are running well, to create a GMBH but I read somewhere that I have to put my name on it. Is it true? Because i don't want to use my name but a commercial one.
thanks

For GmbH formation you do not need to use your name.

Take a look at the section on page 10 headed "Overview of legal structures" of the attached highly informative guide for start-ups in Switzerland.

Hi,
started to build up my own business and I contacted the chamber of commerce (of Switzerland and of my own country but based in Zurich), which informed me that I can simply start without any registration or vat number until I earn 500 thousands chf per year. The only thing I have to do is to pay taxes.

Absolute bollocks.

Please don't post such tripe.

That's completely not true.

You will become a VAT subject after a taxable business volume of CHF 100'000 generated in Switzerland.

I'm a UK citizen with a C permit thinking o starting an online business selling athletics equipment in switzerland which would be imported from outside. Can you help me with the following questions:
1) do I need to setup any sort of a company just to get started or can I just setup a web page and start selling, registering the income on my personal tax return?
2) if I have to setup a company which one would be the best?
3) is there anything I should bear in mind with regards to importing or customs?
4) I already work for a company in Switzerland. Is there any issue with me being self employed also?
5) do u think such a business would work in switzerland. I don't see so many online business' like the uk here?

Thanks alot for all your help

Heads up for folks in Lausanne wanting to open up their own business, there is a free entry event of one day with seminars and conferences. It's on 1st Nov. I saw it on an advert in the street today.
Couldn't find it online, but maybe the info is still useful for someone.

The links here are fantastic...all the information I was looking for while researching my new business venture. Thanks English forum!

Hi guys,

I am an Non-EU member and is just wondering if anyone who was in my position had started a business successfully with a Swiss national? If so, would you be able to provide some advise surround the work permit? The only thing I could find on the website's the links below and there are quotas as to how many non-EU member there is that will be accepted.

http://www.takingupresidence.com/swi...zerland.3.html

Non-EU/EFTA nationals can obtain a work and residence permit provided the desired market is not saturated and can create job opportunities for Swiss nationals. Foreigners without residence permits can still own an interest in a business operated by a Swiss national, regardless of the percentage of equity. Some sectors may require licenses or permits (such as banking, insurance, hotel and restaurants, medical and law), depending on the canton.

http://www.gruenden.ch/fileadmin/cus...en2_112011.pdf

Third-country citizens without a residence or settlement permit can only become self-employed if the planned endeavor is economically meaningful and the required financial and operational conditions are met. The application forms and documents (incl. a business plan) are examined by the labor market authorities.

I started a business here two years ago, an SA importing building materials but its been a hard slog trying to sell to the Swiss. Ive got three or four customers that buy from me regularly but the swiss are generally very wary of buying from foreigners preferring to pay much more from local swiss suppliers. They almost never use the internet and are very protective of their own markets.

I have heard that GmbH can be established only when at least one of the representatives is swiss/EU nationals.

However what I have read:


The GmbH must be represented by a person domiciled in Switzerland, but who does not have to be a shareholder

in my understanding "domiciled" means any holder of B or C permit irrespective of nationality, or am I wrong?

In other words, If i am a holder of a B-permit, and I am not EU-citizen, may I establish GmbH only on my own, or should I look for CH/EU - citizen or C/B permit holder?

I have friends who have started a GmbH with a B permit, so should be fine. Also if you check back on the threads, there are a few links confirming.

I have a question as well: The 20,000CHF capital, once its in the company can you spend it on anything company related or does it have to remain as cash ?

Ideally, I would put that cash in, then use it almost immediately to set up website, rent a premises etc. Is that ok ? Couldnt find the rules anywhere

Many thanks

Hi all,

Has anyone started a small business partnership with EU & Non-EU member together ? If so would you be able share your experience?

As I understand it - courtesy of a guest lecture some 5 or 6 years ago, so take it with a big grain of salt - it doesn't necessarily have to be cash. It does, however, have to remain as a tangible asset. So I would guess that something like renting property, setting up a website, would not qualify, whereas buying property probably would.

But you'll want to talk to someone more knowledgeable than me about it.

50% needs to be cash both for Sarl and SA

Hello all,

I am also wanting to find out some information on starting a business in Switzerland as a Non European (I'm Australian and have a youth mobility visa to work in UK). I am currently in Switzerland as a tourist and am looking very seriously into self employment and from my research I have determined that there is quite a large gap in Switzerland in my skilled area.

My only barrier (which is quite large) for applying for a residency permit at the moment is a proof of business address. Has anyone been in a similar situation that can provide some assistance?

Thanks in advance.

it is really interesting discussion

I am also in a similar situation. I am an Australian citizen and I am a registered sole trader selling digital items via the internet from my own home. Annual income is approximately $250,000 USD. I am looking to relocate to Switzerland and co-found a GmbH between myself and my EU business partner.

I won't lie in saying that part of my move is to eventually escape the ludicrously high Australian tax rates. As paying low tax is a priority of mine, which Swiss cantons would you avise me to register the business address under?

All I need to operate my business is a computer and an internet connection. All other running requirements are off sourced. Personally, I'd like to be close to either Zurich or Geneva for air transportation purposes.

Cheers.

I also just read that in the canton of Berne, both domicile and holding companies are exempt from municipal or cantonal profit taxes, paying only a maximum tax of 0.42% of capita. This is provided that the company's activities take place outside of Switzerland. Because the majority of my customers reside in Europe (including Switzerland, but very few), the Americas, Asia and Oceania, would my GmbH qualify for this tax exempt if I was to register it in Berne?

Having a business isn't going to give you a permit, unless you are going to employ a bunch of people in Switzerland. Are you eligible for a permit? Maybe you should start there first.