Sole proprietorship
FromCHF 290
Ideal for small business ventures with low investment needs. The cost-effective start for freelancers.
Establish your company in Switzerland with Nexova quick and cost-efficient
- Free initial consultation
- Fully digital service
- Attractive prices
Procedure
These three steps will get you there
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Book a call with us for a free consultation.
Incorporation
After reviewing the information, we prepare the incorporation documents, and our notarial partner certifies them.
Commercial register filing
Once the signatures are legalized, we will forward your file to the Commercial Registry of your canton.
The legal forms in Switzerland at a glance
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Book a callDo you live abroad?
Setting up a company as a foreigner in Switzerland
Legally, every Swiss company limited by shares must have at least one board member who lives in Switzerland. Similarly, limited liability companies must have at least one managing director who is a Swiss resident.
If your company doesn’t have a managing director residing in Switzerland, Nexova can provide you with a local managing director as part of our complete nominee service.
Swiss law also requires that companies have a registered business address in Switzerland. This company address is used for official correspondence and must be a physical location where the company can be reached.
Nexova offers rental of company addresses/domicile addresses in Switzerland to fulfil this legal obligation.
Why should you choose Switzerland for your business?
A gateway to global success
Switzerland is renowned for its stable economy, innovative ecosystem, and attractive tax environment, making it one of the best locations to start or expand your business.
Global access
Take advantage of Switzerland's strategic location in the heart of Europe, offering easy access to international markets.
Business-friendly environment
Enjoy a stable regulatory framework and growth-promoting tax benefits.
Hub for innovation
Join a thriving community of entrepreneurs and innovators in sectors such as finance, technology, and healthcare.
Book a free initial consultation with our experts.
Book a callRoad to establishing your Swiss company
With Nexova AG, setting up your company is simple
Initial consultation
In a free video call, we clarify the entire formation process and your individual requirements.
Capital provision
Depending on the legal form you choose, you may need to deposit a minimum capital into a capital contribution account.
Creating the formation documents
Our team will create all the necessary formation documents, including the articles of association.
Sign documents
You review and sign the formation documents conveniently online.
Notarization
The documents are notarized and then submitted to the commercial register office for registration.
After the formation
We offer comprehensive support with VAT registration, social security contributions, and other legal and accounting requirements.
Book a free initial consultation with our experts.
Book a callHow does Nexova help you establish your business?
Nexova ensures a smooth and legally compliant setup
Strategy
Receive tailored advice on choosing the right business structure, adapting your business to Swiss regulations, and understanding tax and liability obligations. Our experts customize their advice to your goals and business model.
Execution
Nexova handles all administrative aspects and frees you from tedious bureaucracy. From creating documents and providing VAT advice to your commercial register filing, we ensure that every step is carried out correctly, saving you time and avoiding stress.
Ongoing support
Nexova is there for you even after registration. We assist with VAT registration, social security contributions, and all other ongoing administrative requirements, ensuring that your business remains compliant with the law and well-organized.
Book a free initial consultation with our experts.
Book a callWhat makes Nexova stand out?
Choosing the right partner for your business formation is key to success.
Broad experience
Nexova’s deep knowledge of Swiss regulations minimizes risk and maximizes efficiency for new businesses.
Personalized advice
We prioritize your goals, tailoring guidance to fit your unique business needs.
Flexibility
Our services adapt to your budget and schedule – perfect for freelancers, SMEs, and global businesses alike.
Fully digital
Nexova’s digital process lets you manage everything remotely, no office visits or paperwork needed.
Highly efficient
We ensure a fast, smooth process, helping you start your business without delay.
Complete trust
Nexova values long-term relationships, providing confidential, transparent, and integrity-driven service.
Book a free initial consultation with our experts.
Book a callDiscover our expert articles
Up-to-date knowledge for your business
July 8, 2024 | Nexova AG
Founding a limited liability company in Switzerland: a step-by-step guide
Are you dreaming of setting up your own company and want to play it safe? A limited liability company (GmbH) could be just the thing for you. The GmbH is a limited liability company and a popular legal form in Switzerland. It offers many advantages, such as the limitation of liability to the company's assets. In this blog article, you will learn everything you need to know about setting up a GmbH - from the business idea to registration in the commercial register.
July 11, 2024 | Nexova AG
Founding a public limited company (AG) in Switzerland: step by step
Alongside the limited liability company and the sole proprietorship, the public limited company is one of the most frequently chosen legal forms when founding a company in Switzerland. It is particularly popular due to its limited liability, which extends exclusively to the business assets. For those who can raise the necessary share capital, the AG also offers excellent opportunities for growth. These advantages also make the company form attractive for smaller companies. You can find details on the required start-up capital and all the points that are necessary for the formation of an AG in the following checklist.
November 20, 2024 | David Merz
Starting a Company in Switzerland: A Detailed Cost Overview
Establishing a company in Switzerland requires careful financial planning. Costs vary significantly depending on your chosen legal structure and industry, with different requirements for minimum capital, registration fees, and ongoing compliance obligations. In this article, we will explore the various costs associated with starting a company in Switzerland, how different legal forms can affect these costs, and some tax considerations for new businesses. We will also touch on how to plan for future expenses and discuss common ways to finance a new business.
June 22, 2023 | David Merz
Checklist for Starting a Business
Setting up a business is an exciting and rewarding journey, but it requires careful planning and preparation. Whether you are a seasoned entrepreneur or a first-time business owner, having a comprehensive checklist can help ensure that you cover all the necessary steps. In this article, we will guide you through the essential elements to consider when starting a business in Switzerland.
January 17, 2025 | David Merz
Setting up a company in Switzerland as a foreigner
Switzerland is an attractive jurisdiction for foreign entrepreneurs looking to establish a company. With its strategic location in the heart of Europe, excellent economy and infrastructure, and highly skilled workforce, Switzerland offers numerous opportunities for foreign investors. In this article, we will explore the process and requirements for setting up a company in Switzerland as a foreigner, along with some important factors to consider while doing so.
June 27, 2023 | David Merz
What is the best Canton for founding a company?
Switzerland has long been an attractive destination for entrepreneurs looking to establish their own companies. However, when it comes to founding a company in Switzerland, choosing the right canton is a crucial part of the process. Each canton has its own unique characteristics, pros and cons, and regulations that can significantly impact the success and profitability of your business. In this article, we explore the factors to consider when selecting the right canton for your company and provide insights into the most popular cantons to start a business.
November 11, 2026 | David Merz
Limited Audit in Switzerland: Definition, Criteria and Process Explained
The limited audit is the statutory audit that applies to most Swiss AGs and GmbHs. It covers every company that is too small for an ordinary audit and has not waived the audit altogether. The auditor reviews the annual accounts and reports to shareholders, which gives owners, banks and investors a basic level of comfort. In this article, we explain what a limited audit is and who needs one. We then cover what the auditor examines, how the process runs, what the report says and what it costs.
October 28, 2026 | David Merz
How to Change Your Auditor in Switzerland: Steps, Timing & Checklist
Companies change their audit body (Revisionsstelle) for practical reasons: fees, service, growth or a conflict with the firm that keeps their books. The law allows it, but how easy it is depends on when you act. This article explains when you can change your auditor, the steps between election and register filing, how long it takes, what happens to the audit files and what it costs. We also provide a practical checklist to help you through the process of changing your auditor in Switzerland.
September 23, 2026 | David Merz
The Revisionsstelle Explained: What a Swiss Statutory Audit Body Does and When You Need One
Every Swiss AG and GmbH is required to have a Revisionsstelle (audit body) unless it has completed a valid opting-out. It sits alongside the general meeting and the board as one of the company's governance bodies, and its job is to tell shareholders whether the accounts can be trusted. This article explains what the Revisionsstelle is, what it examines, what its report actually says, who is qualified to hold the mandate, and how the body is appointed and replaced.
August 11, 2026 | David Merz
What Is a Statutory Audit in Switzerland? A Guide for SMEs and Startups
A statutory audit is the independent check of your company's annual accounts required under Swiss law. But not every company needs one, and many can avoid it entirely. What applies to your company depends mainly on its size and structure. This article explains what a statutory audit involves, who has to get one, and the difference between an ordinary and a limited audit. We'll also look at when small companies can skip the audit entirely, what changed under the law in 2025, who's allowed to act as your auditor, and how to keep the process efficient.
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Jan LichtenbergCEO, InSphero AGAs an internationally active biotechnology company that stands for innovation and the highest quality, we work exclusively with partners who meet our high standards. Nexova consistently impresses us with exceptional service quality, robust processes, and an impressive pace. The professional, solution-oriented, and efficient collaboration allows us to fully focus on our core business. Additionally, we would like to highlight the remarkable cost savings of 35% compared to in-house accounting. We particularly appreciate how Nexova quickly understands, develops, and promptly implements complex requirements – both within Switzerland and at our international subsidiaries. We can wholeheartedly recommend the Nexova team.
Pascal Willoughby-PetitCEO, TheLearning LAB GmbHNexova AG offers highly professional accounting services that have significantly enhanced our financial management at Learning Lab. Their team is precise and reactive, always delivering accurate and timely reports while promptly addressing our queries. With Nexova AG’s support, we manage our clients’ accounts and finances more efficiently. We highly recommend Nexova AG for their exceptional accounting services.
Marco BurgerCEO, Le Café Bar GmbHFor us as a new catering company, it is essential that our trustee understands our specific needs and responds flexibly to our requirements. In Nexova AG, we have found the ideal partner who supports us competently in all fiduciary matters and actively promotes our growth.
Jörg BuckmannManaging Director, BUCKMANN GEWINNT+Uncomplicated or serious? Or is it and? A young, clever team is at work here, offering excellent services, highly uncomplicated and competent. Instead of a prestigious reception, expensive offices and chocolates, there are fast services and competent services. For me as a one-man company, this is exactly what I need.
Florian JauchCo-Founder, Arvy AGArvy AG has found an exceptional partner in Nexova AG. Their very high level of expertise in FINMA-regulated industries ensures that our financial transactions are in safe and competent hands. What sets Nexova apart is their flat-rate pricing structure, which has helped us greatly with budgeting and financial planning. As a company committed to long-term success and integrity in investments, we are very satisfied with the services provided by Nexova AG.
Patrick RissiCo-Founder, Brainiegroup GmbHFor us as an EdTech startup, it is very important that our trustee is as digital and agile as we are. With Nexova AG, we have found the perfect partner who can actively support us in our growth.
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- Marc Perren
Mr. Merz has a very broad knowledge and was able to help me with all my questions. The conversation was very pleasant and very informative for me. Thank you for your support.
- Jörg Buckmann
Uncomplicated or serious? Both here. A young, smart team is at work here, offering excellent services, highly uncomplicated and competent. Instead of a prestigious reception area, expensive offices and a few small gifts, you offer fast and competent services. For me as a one-man company, this is exactly what I need.
- Martin Gerber
I have been a Nexova customer for some time now and so far I am very satisfied! Thanks to the digital working methods and high responsiveness of the client managers, little time is lost in the daily process in particular. The prices are also very fair. Nexova handles the annual financial statements for me, including the tax balance sheet. The processes are standardized, which is a great advantage for audits (AHV and taxes). The two founders are two young, innovative guys and very serious.
- Florian Kreidler
The friendly and competent Nexova employee was able to answer my questions about company car taxation quickly and specifically. Thank you very much for this!
- Reto S
When I founded my company a year ago, I needed a reliable fiduciary partner. In addition to pure accounting, Nexova also offers me very good advice on all aspects of labor law. Thanks to the E-Post solution, I no longer even have to worry about my company mail and can focus purely on my service activities. My contacts at Nexova are always very friendly and pleasant to deal with. The complete package is simply TOP and I can only recommend Nexova!
- Pascal Zumstein
Top company & friendly owners. A highly recommended trustee.
- Seb Ur
Very good and competent advice!
- Louis Revel
Very satisfied with the work done and the service provided in terms of quality and price. I highly recommend
- David Leu
Professionally at a very high level. They are very good with Excel and could also support us with automation of processes.
- Stefan Burgener
I had a few questions about remote work and was advised super and free of charge. Thank you very much!
- Luca Märki
Very good service. Good and competent advice with friendly staff. I can definitely recommend
- Edward Buchanan
The Nexova team is very professional and I felt they always had my best interests at heart. I highly recommend Nexova and will continue to refer my clients to them and trust them with my business.
- Juliam Pantano
I am impressed with their outstanding service, especially in the field of accounting services, they demonstrate a professional approach and exceptional attention. As a lawyer, I have found Nexova to be a valuable partner in the financial world.
- Marie Ospina
I had an excellent consultation with Nexova AG regarding withholding tax. Their expertise is remarkably extensive and their guidance was invaluable, I highly recommend their services. A first class experience.
- Alan SchuetzFebruary 8, 2023
The Nexova Team is an important partner to our startup, enabling us to pass all of our accounting, tax and payroll duties. We specially value their expertise with Startups and flexibility, which allows us to plan and manage our financials effectively and to focus on the bottom line of our operations.
- Raphael H.April 7, 2023
We are very satisfied with Nexova as our trustee. Thanks to the Teams group chat, I can always count on very fast response times (of a few minutes). The Teams Chat group is great. With our old trustee, we had to write mails and always had to wait a long time for an answer and on top of that we were charged for every little question. Fortunately, this is not the case with Nexova.
- Philip ReckFebruary 25, 2023
Nexova solved my problem with a non-paying tenant quickly and efficiently. I was simply overwhelmed with the situation and glad for the competent legal advice. Nexova handled everything from the reminder with threat of termination, to representation in court, to the police eviction quickly, efficiently and also inexpensively. Many thanks for the valuable help.
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FAQ on company formation
Answers at a click
The cost depends on the legal form, the complexity of the company structure, the canton and any additional services, such as legal, tax or accounting support. Beyond the incorporation fees, costs can arise for notarization and commercial register fees, plus optional services such as a nominee director or a domicile address. Nexova shows a transparent breakdown upfront, including costs not covered in the basic startup packages (see our guide to company formation costs).
Yes, foreigners can start a business in Switzerland. EU/EFTA citizens benefit from simplified procedures and need a B residence permit and proof of self-employment, while third-country nationals can establish a legal entity such as a GmbH if they appoint a representative residing in Switzerland. For third-country nationals, a sole proprietorship has stricter requirements, including a special permit (details in our guide to company formation as a foreigner).
The best canton depends on your business goals and priorities. Zug and Nidwalden are among the cantons with the lowest corporate tax rates, while Zurich and Geneva are international financial hubs. Our guide to the best canton for founding a company covers the options in more detail.
Tax obligations depend on the legal form and the canton: GmbHs and AGs pay profit tax at effective rates from 11.85% in Zug to 20.54% in Bern, while the profits of sole proprietorships and partnerships are taxed as the owners' personal income. Companies with annual turnover above CHF 100,000 must also register for VAT, at a standard rate of 8.1%. Capital tax and other taxes can apply on top, as set out in our guide to company taxes in Switzerland.
The audit obligation depends on a company's size and structure. Listed companies and companies above certain thresholds need an ordinary audit, while most small and medium-sized companies undergo a limited audit. Companies with no more than 10 full-time equivalents on annual average can opt out if all shareholders agree, but since 2025 an opt-out applies only to future financial years and must be filed in advance (see our guide to the statutory audit in Switzerland).
Choosing the right legal form for your company requires careful consideration of various factors, including capital requirements, personal risk and liability, the degree of desired independence, taxes, and social security. Nexova offers personalized consultations to help you choose the structure that best aligns with your goals and financial situation.
Nexova prepares all formation documents and coordinates the notarization in a fully digital process. Your documents are usually prepared, notarized and submitted to the commercial register within a few days.
After submission, the registration process typically takes about 1–2 weeks, depending on the processing time of the commercial register office in the canton where your business is registered. Please note that this part of the process is beyond our control.
Not necessarily. Many businesses, especially online ones, can operate without their own office. However, your business must have a registered physical address in Switzerland for official correspondence. Nexova can provide a registered Swiss business address and additional services such as digital and physical mail forwarding to meet this requirement.
No, Nexova offers a hassle-free, fully digital incorporation process, allowing you to set up your business from anywhere in the world. With our seamless online service, you can start building your dream business right from your couch. We handle everything on your behalf, making the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Absolutely! Nexova provides ongoing support, including VAT registration, social security contributions, compliance with Swiss regulations, and more. Contact us today to learn more about our comprehensive services in company incorporation, accounting, and fiscal representation for Swiss businesses.
Independence Statement: Nexova AG is an independent private fiduciary firm. We are not a government agency or authority, and we are not affiliated with any government department or official register. All official acts, registrations, and approvals are carried out solely by the competent Swiss authorities and notaries.
Read our full Independence Statement