Sole Proprietorship Basic
CHF 290
What is included
- Personal legal consultation
- Defining business purpose
- Business name check
- Preparation of founding documents
- Signature certification
- Commercial register filing support
Establish your sole proprietorship in Switzerland with Nexova
- Free initial consultation
- Fully digital service
- Attractive prices
Prices for Sole Proprietorships
Our all-inclusive launch packages
Additional costs (excluded)
| Signature certification (per signature) | CHF 20 |
|---|---|
| Commercial register fee | CHF 200 to 300 |
What is a Sole Proprietorship?
A straightforward path to self-employment
A sole proprietorship is the simplest form of business in Switzerland. It is owned by an individual who is personally liable for all debts and obligations. The sole proprietorship is established as soon as a self-employed, profit-oriented activity is undertaken.
To be officially recognized, the individual must be classified as self-employed by social security authorities. This requires submitting an application to the relevant compensation office. This business form stands out due to its straightforward formation process and minimal administrative effort.
Is a sole proprietorship the right choice for you?
Simple setup, complete control
Starting a sole proprietorship in Switzerland is an efficient and straightforward way for individuals who want full control over their business without the complexity of other legal structures. No separate legal entity is required, and registration with the commercial register is only necessary if the annual revenue exceeds CHF 100,000.
A sole proprietorship is especially suitable for those who value independence and want to start with minimal effort or bureaucracy. The low startup costs and simple structure make this legal form ideal for freelancers, consultants, and small business owners who wish to work flexibly without significant capital investment.
However, it should be noted that there is no legal separation between the sole proprietorship and the owner. This means that, as the owner, you bear full personal liability for all business obligations.
Why establish a sole proprietorship in Switzerland?
A sole proprietorship in Switzerland offers unique benefits
Simple setup
No formal act of establishment is required; only registration with the AHV compensation fund and, if necessary, the commercial register is needed, saving time and costs.
Complete autonomy
As a sole proprietor, you retain full decision-making power without needing to coordinate with partners or shareholders.
Flexibility
Enjoy complete freedom to shape your business according to your own ideas and vision.
Low overheads
With minimal administrative fees, sole proprietorships offer a cost-effective way to run a business.
No required capital
Unlike corporations or limited liability companies, sole proprietorships do not require initial capital.
Fewer regulations
Sole proprietorships face fewer regulatory requirements, making compliance much simpler.
Book a free initial consultation with our experts.
Book a callThe legal forms in Switzerland at a glance
In the initial consultation, we provide free advice on the optimal legal form
Book a free initial consultation with our experts.
Book a callRoad to starting a sole proprietorship
With Nexova AG, setting up your sole proprietorship is simple
Initial consultation
Talk to our experts to find out if a sole proprietorship is right for you and how to avoid false self-employment.
Choosing a business name
We ensure that your chosen business name meets all legal and trademark requirements and can be registered with the commercial register if necessary.
Definition of business purpose
We help you precisely define your business purpose according to Swiss standards.
Preparation of documents
We prepare all the necessary founding documents for registration with the compensation office and, if required, with the commercial register, including full digital signature certification.
Commercial register filing
We file your application with the compensation office to confirm your self-employed status. If needed, we also file your commercial register application.
After registration
Following the formation, we provide comprehensive advice and support with VAT registration, social security contributions, and other legal and accounting requirements.
Book a free initial consultation with our experts.
Book a callWhat is false self-employment, and how can I avoid it?
How to set up your self-employment properly and lawfully
False self-employment occurs when a person formally presents themselves as self-employed but, in reality, fulfills the characteristics of an employment relationship.
This can become problematic in Switzerland, as social security authorities (AHV compensation funds) may review such cases and retroactively classify them as dependent employment. This reclassification means that the client is considered the employer and must pay the outstanding social security contributions.
Nexova helps you structure your self-employment correctly and supports you in gaining recognition as a self-employed person by the AHV compensation fund.
To avoid false self-employment, you should ensure the following criteria are met:
You have multiple clients and are not reliant on just one.
You have the freedom to set your own working hours and locations.
You have your own business infrastructure (e.g., office, tools, website).
You issue invoices for your services and bear the risk of payment defaults.
Book a free initial consultation with our experts.
Book a callHow can Nexova help you establish your sole proprietorship?
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
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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.
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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
Answers at a click
A sole proprietorship is established by starting an independent economic activity aimed at sustainable income generation, which does not necessarily need to be profit-oriented.
Registration in the commercial register is mandatory if the sole proprietorship operates on a commercial basis or has an annual turnover exceeding CHF 100,000. For businesses with lower turnover or non-commercial operations, registration is voluntary but recommended (OR 931).
Regardless of registration, the individual must register as self-employed with the competent social security office (Ausgleichskasse) at the business location. Nexova can guide you through the entire process, ensuring all necessary registrations, including recognition by the social security office, are completed correctly.
Yes, as the sole owner, you are personally liable for all debts and obligations of the business, which means your personal assets may be at risk.
As the owner of a sole proprietorship, all business profits are taxed as personal income under income tax regulations. Additionally, if your annual turnover exceeds the threshold of CHF 100,000, you must register for value-added tax (VAT) and remit it. Nexova can provide detailed advice on your tax obligations based on your income and business activities.
Yes, if your annual turnover exceeds CHF 100,000, VAT registration is mandatory. Nexova can assist you with VAT registration and compliance to ensure your business fully adheres to Swiss tax regulations.
Yes, as a sole proprietor, you can hire employees. However, you must register as an employer with the relevant Swiss social security authorities and ensure payroll deductions such as AHV/IV/EO, ALV, BVG, and withholding tax (if applicable) are managed. Nexova can support you with these administrative requirements to ensure a smooth hiring process.
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