Business Establishment and Expansion
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Are you looking to expand into the Canton of Zurich or open a branch office? The canton offers ideal conditions: fast registration, attractive tax rates, highly qualified professionals, and first-class infrastructure. This page guides you through the most important administrative and regulatory steps.
Key Points at a Glance
- Decide on a legal structure: whether to establish a new company (AG, GmbH), set up a branch of a foreign company, or acquire an existing company.
- You must register with the Commercial Register to obtain a company identification number (UID).
- Depending on your industry and business activities, additional permits may be required.
- Allow time for work permits for foreign employees.
Factors Influencing Expansion and Establishment
- Legal structure: Whether a new company, a branch of an existing company, or an acquisition—the choice influences requirements and processes.
- Country of origin and legal form: Swiss or foreign company—for foreign entities, different requirements may apply regarding notarial certifications and documentation.
- Number of employees and their origin: The workforce structure influences permit procedures and social security obligations (EU/EFTA vs. third countries).
- Choice of location within the canton: The registered office influences corporate tax rates, municipal requirements, and available infrastructure.
- Support and information: Startbox Zurich, SECO’s SME portal, and Ahead can assist you with your expansion.
- On EasyGov.swiss, you can complete the necessary administrative procedures digitally.
Here’s how to proceed
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Forming a new company:
- Public limited company (AG): For larger companies, international structures. Minimum capital: 100,000 Swiss francs. Board of directors required.
- Limited Liability Company (GmbH): Ideal for SMEs, startups, and mid-sized businesses. Minimum capital: 20,000 Swiss francs. Flexible management.
- Sole proprietorship: For freelancers. No minimum capital.
Branch office of an existing company:
- Branch office: Foreign companies can open a branch office. No separate capital requirements. The parent company remains liable.
Acquisition or takeover:
- Purchase of an existing company: Incorporation documents must be notarized.
Prepare incorporation documents:
- Articles of Association or Bylaws (for AG/GmbH)
- Certificate of incorporation with notarial certification
- Personal details of the founders and management
Registration with the Commercial Register:
- Submission of all required documents to the cantonal or municipal commercial register
- Review by the registry authority – typically 1–2 weeks
Receipt of the company identification number (UID):
- Unique company identification number for tax, social security, and communication with government agencies
- Assigned automatically upon entry in the commercial register
Capital account (custody account):
- Deposit of the required initial capital prior to or concurrently with entry in the Commercial Register
- Branch office: No separate capital requirements
Open a business account:
- Account for daily business transactions following company registration
- Various Swiss banks offer specialized services for company formations.
Depending on the business activity, additional permits may be required:
- Financial services: Banking license, regulation by the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA) for banks and securities dealers
- Life Sciences: Pharmaceutical license, laboratory certifications
- Restaurants: Restaurant permit, liquor license
- Real estate and retail: Various local permitsContact the relevant authority or the regional development agency early on for clarification.
Contact the relevant authority or the regional development agency early on for clarification.
Register with the SVA Zürich (Kompetenzzentrum für Sozialversicherungen im Kanton Zürich) or another compensation office) for:
- Old-age and survivors’ insurance (AHV): Mandatory for all employers with employees.
- Unemployment insurance (ALV): Required when employees are hired.
Insurance against occupational accidents with the Swiss Accident Insurance Fund (SUVA) or private insurers is mandatory for all employers.Registration takes place at the same time as entry in the commercial register or before hiring employees.
Note:
The information on this page is for guidance only and is not exhaustive. Details should be clarified with experts or the relevant authorities as early as possible.
Further information
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Contact
Amt für Wirtschaft – Standortförderung
Montag bis Freitag
8.00 bis 12.00 Uhr und
13.30 bis 17.00 Uhr
