Frequently asked questions

Setting up a business in Geneva, whether as a sole proprietorship (SP), a limited liability company (LLC) or a public limited company (Ltd), involves several administrative steps. The time required to complete these procedures may vary; however, it is generally recommended to allow several weeks to complete all formalities, including registration with the Commercial Register where applicable.
Steps prior to setting up a Ltd or an LLC
Please also note that certain activities may require prior authorisation. 

A sole proprietorship (entreprise individuelle) is established by a single natural person. Registration with an AVS compensation fund is required and, for an annual turnover of CHF 100,000 or more, registration with the Commercial Register is mandatory. Business activities can start rapidly.

Yes, it is possible to be self-employed as a cross-border worker. Nationals of an EU/EFTA Member State wishing to carry out a self-employed activity in Geneva must obtain a residence permit with authorisation to work, commonly referred to as a “work permit”. More information

Nationals of non-European countries may carry out a self-employed activity in Switzerland, subject to specific procedures, which are described on this page (only available in french) : Third-country national (outside EU–EFTA).

• Public limited company (Ltd)
  A public limited company (Ltd) is a capital company with its own legal personality. The minimum share capital is CHF 100,000. Shareholders’ liability is limited to their capital contribution. The company must be represented by a person domiciled in Switzerland. The company is established before a notary, and registration with the Commercial Register is mandatory and constitutive.

• Limited liability company (LLC)
  A limited liability company (LLC) offers similar advantages to a public limited company. The minimum capital is CHF 20,000. The company is established before a notary, and registration with the Commercial Register is mandatory and constitutive.

Other legal forms also exist, such as foundations, associations or cooperative companies, which are intended to pursue specific objectives : asset management, non-profit purposes or protecting the interests of members. These structures are generally registered with the Commercial Register.

When setting up your business, you are required to register with a compensation fund in order to contribute to mandatory social insurance schemes. This can be done either through the Cantonal Social Insurance Office or a professional fund associations.
Contribution rates vary depending on the legal form of the business. Detailed rates are provided in the tables contained in the chapter dedicated to social insurance in the Doing Business in Geneva guide.

Important: All enquiries regarding work permits must first be directed to the Cantonal Office for Population and Migration.

Foreign nationals can only engage in paid activity if they are authorised to work in Switzerland. It should be noted that when someone of foreign nationality sets up a Swiss company, this does not exempt them from the obligation to obtain a work permit. The dedicated chapter in the Doing business in Geneva Guide provides detailed information on work permits.

Your obligations depend on your company's location and the duration of the assignment.

• If your company is based in an EU/EFTA member state: For assignments up to 90 effective working days per calendar year, you are not required to obtain a work permit, but you must notify the authorities before your employee starts working in Geneva. Beyond 90 days, you must apply for a work permit — and approval is not guaranteed.
• If your company is based outside the EU/EFTA: A work authorisation must be obtained before the assignment begins, regardless of its duration. The process is more restrictive and subject to quotas.

Before initiating the process of setting up your business, it is essential to verify whether the profession or activity you intend to carry out is regulated at cantonal or federal level and whether it requires prior authorisation.

To find out more (only available in french):

• Regulated professions and information notes 
• Commercial activities subject to authorisation

Regulated professions generally require specific training validated by a recognised qualification (for example in the fields of medicine, engineering or passenger transport) or the demonstration of relevant professional experience.

Premises intended to host business activities are referred to as commercial premises. These are spaces designed for business operations, such as offices, shops, workshops, storage facilities or warehouses.
The Doing Business in Geneva guide provides information on available options, customary practices, applicable procedures and legal requirements for renting, purchasing or constructing business premises. The characteristics and location of your premises may have a significant impact on the success of your project.
With regard to premises located in industrial and light industrial zones, it is recommended to contact the Geneva Industrial Land Foundation (FTI), which manages a substantial proportion of land in these areas.

In Switzerland, all businesses are in principle subject to VAT. However, small businesses with an annual turnover below CHF 100,000 (or CHF 250,000 for certain associations) are exempt from this obligation. Further information is provided in the chapter dedicated to taxation in the Doing Business in Geneva guide.

Yes, several organisations provide financial support and advisory services, including:
•    The Fondation d’aide aux entreprises (FAE) facilitates financing for Geneva-based SMEs
•    FONGIT – The innovation platform : Switzerland’s first innovation incubator
•    Office for the Promotion of Industries and Technologies (OPI): supports innovation and business development in Geneva
•    GENiLEM: coaching and support for innovative businesses across all sector