BECOMING SELF-EMPLOYED IN SWITZERLAND
Become self-employed in Switzerland
Application support for CHF 690 excluding VAT
Would you like help setting up your sole proprietorship? Entreprendre.ch prepares your application and supports you through the process of applying for recognition as self-employed with the Swiss social insurance compensation office (AVS/AHV). The office makes the final decision.
Why start your sole proprietorship with Entreprendre.ch?
A carefully prepared application
We gather the information needed and prepare your application for recognition as self-employed.
Swiss-qualified accountants
At Entreprendre.ch, qualified accountants who are members of EXPERTsuisse help you structure your business.
Support at every stage
Our team follows your application and remains available to help until the compensation office issues its decision.
An application that reflects your business
We take your circumstances and the nature of your project into account to prepare an application that accurately reflects your activity.
Start your sole proprietorship in three steps
Our professionals manage a straightforward process so you can focus on your business.
01
Complete the form
Send us information about your circumstances and activity, together with the supporting documents you already have.
02
We prepare your application
Our team checks the information received and prepares your application for recognition as self-employed.
03
We follow up your application
Your application is sent to the relevant compensation office. We follow its progress and support you through to the decision.
The cost of setting up a Swiss sole proprietorship
Entreprendre.ch prepares your application and supports you through the process of seeking recognition as self-employed for Swiss social insurance purposes.
Full application support
Support to start your business
690.-
CHF excluding VAT
fixed fee
A clear scope of support, from preparing your application to following up your self-employment recognition process.
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Preparation of your application
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Support with social insurance recognition
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Follow-up through to the compensation office’s decision
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Answers tailored to your circumstances
Prefer a different level of support?
Choose from two other options depending on how much help you need.
Discuss your plans with a specialist
CHF 89
A 30-minute consultation to answer your questions and clarify your situation before you start.
Take the online course in French
Free
A complete video course explaining the steps so you can handle the setup formalities yourself.
Start your self-employed business with confidence
A qualified accountant will contact you within 24 business hours to discuss your project and answer your questions.
- A response from an expert within 24 business hours
- A non-binding initial conversation
- Advice tailored to your situation
- No fees before you approve the service
Would you like to talk first? Book a call with our team.
Enquiry form
Sole proprietorship registration
The benefits of a Swiss sole proprietorship
A straightforward and accessible legal structure for starting your business, testing your idea and developing at your own pace.
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Straightforward setup
You can start a sole proprietorship without a notary. Commercial Register registration is generally compulsory from CHF 100,000 in annual turnover for a commercially run sole proprietorship, subject to the applicable rules and exceptions.
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No minimum share capital
Starting a sole proprietorship requires no minimum share capital. You can start with resources suited to your business needs.
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Independent decision-making
You make the decisions for your business and organise how it runs, without needing approval from business partners.
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Personal taxation
Your business income is included in your personal tax return. Private and business income are therefore reported through the same personal tax process.
Business owners trust us
Reviews from entrepreneurs and self-employed clients in Switzerland
Swiss-qualified accountant
Your formation in experienced hands
Romain Prieur
Founder of Entreprendre.ch · More than 3,500 companies formed
Romain Prieur and his team review every company formation application. After eight years at PwC, he qualified as a Swiss certified accountant in 2018 before founding Entreprendre.ch to make starting a business more accessible and transparent.
Swiss federally certified accountant
EXPERTsuisse member
Lecturer at CREA and EXPERTsuisse
Learn more about Romain Prieur
FAQ — Setting up a sole proprietorship in Switzerland
What is a sole proprietorship in Switzerland?
A sole proprietorship, called a raison individuelle in French, is a straightforward legal structure for someone operating a business in their own name. Setup formalities are generally simpler than for an LLC or a limited company.
Is there a minimum capital requirement for a sole proprietorship?
No. Unlike an LLC or limited company, a sole proprietorship requires no minimum share capital. This makes it accessible, but the owner is personally liable for the business's obligations.
How do I obtain self-employed status from OASI/AHV?
You must apply for self-employed status to the relevant compensation office and provide evidence that you work on your own account, such as contracts, invoices, clients, business organisation, entrepreneurial risk and a description of your activity.
How much does setting up a sole proprietorship with Entreprendre.ch cost?
Our CHF 690 package, excluding VAT, covers preparation and follow-up of your application for recognition as self-employed. Additional services, such as personalised tax and accounting consultations, can be arranged separately.
Does a sole proprietorship have to register with the Commercial Register?
Whether Commercial Register registration is compulsory depends on factors including turnover and the nature of the activity. Voluntary registration may also be useful for commercial credibility. Social insurance recognition is a separate process.
Can I be employed and self-employed at the same time in Switzerland?
Yes. You can run a self-employed activity alongside employment, provided you respect your employment contract and the applicable administrative requirements. The consequences for social insurance and tax need to be assessed for your circumstances.
Can a cross-border worker start a sole proprietorship in Switzerland?
Yes, where the applicable residence and work rules allow it. Social insurance, tax and administrative consequences must be assessed carefully, particularly where work is carried out in more than one country.
Ready to become self-employed in Switzerland?
Start your application online or book a call to discuss your circumstances first. Entreprendre.ch supports you through your application for recognition as self-employed, with the final decision made by the compensation office.
