Tyche in Switzerland
We already have an established network of contacts in Switzerland for creating and directing temporary companies, as well as for external CFO support.
The path to creating a Sàrl in Switzerland, step by step
These timelines assume a complete file (ID documents, supporting evidence, governance decisions made): an incomplete file is the single most common cause of delay, ahead of the administrative timelines themselves. Once the file is genuinely complete, expect generally 4 to 10 weeks (from abroad) for the legal process itself.
Minimum share capital: CHF 20,000.
Project scoping & complete file
Gathering ID documents, mandate, governance decisions and choice of bank — the essential groundwork for the legal timelines below to actually start running.
Preparing the file
Drafting the articles of association and gathering shareholders' supporting documents.
Blocked capital account
Depositing the share capital (CHF 20,000 minimum) into a bank's blocked account; timing varies by bank.
Notarial deed
The incorporation deed must be authenticated by a Swiss notary in every canton, in the presence of the shareholders.
Commercial Register filing
Once registered, the company converts its blocked account into an operational account.
Safety margin — opening the bank account
On top of the legal timelines above, allow one week of banking margin: KYC checks, extra documentation or a branch appointment can extend account opening, particularly for a non-resident director.
VAT
| Taux | ||
|---|---|---|
| Standard rate | 8.1% | |
| Reduced rates | 2.6% | food, books, medicines, essential goods |
| Reduced rates | 3.8% | hotel accommodation (excluding meals and drinks) |
Corporate tax
Federal rate of 8.5% on after-tax profit; combined effective rate (federal + cantonal + communal) ranges from 11.7% to 20.5% depending on canton, national average around 14.4%.
Is a permit required?
An EU/EFTA national can relocate freely. A non-EU national wishing to reside in Switzerland to run the business needs a residence permit with gainful activity, subject to quota.
Information provided for guidance (July 2026), subject to change depending on local regulation, the bank and the relevant authority. We confirm the precise timeline with you during the initial assessment of your project.
Opening a bank account
Is presence in Switzerland required?
At least one manager must be domiciled in Switzerland. If no shareholder resides there, a resident-manager mandate (often held by a fiduciary firm) allows incorporation without systematic shareholder travel.
Observed timeframe to open the account
3 days to 3 weeks for the initial blocked capital account; the final operational account follows commercial-register filing, so 4-10 weeks total for a founder based abroad.
Share capital deposit
Minimum share capital: CHF 20,000.
Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) register
Every director or shareholder must be declared as an Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) in the national register — a requirement stemming from EU anti-money-laundering directives (or equivalent standards outside the EU). Bank scrutiny is heightened in two situations common among international clients: when a shareholder or director is a US citizen or US tax resident (FATCA then imposes extra reporting obligations on the bank, which can slow down or complicate account opening); and when a shareholder is based in an African country rated higher-risk by the FATF (extra proof of the origin of funds, longer KYC validation times). We anticipate this with you from the initial assessment if your structure involves such profiles.
Information provided for guidance (July 2026), subject to change depending on local regulation. We confirm the applicable detail with you during the initial assessment of your project.
Selling on-site and clearing customs
Securing a premises or retail location
Commercial lease, notifying the establishment to the municipality, and a cantonal licence for certain trades (food, hospitality).
On-site sales & till
No federal requirement for a certified cash register — unlike most EU countries; proper bookkeeping is still required.
Cash register suppliers
- SumUp
- Zettle (PayPal)
- myPOS
- Lightspeed
- Shopify POS
Payment providers for small businesses
- Stripe
- Wallee (acquéreur suisse)
- Adyen
- PayPal Business
- Worldline
Indicative, non-exhaustive list of examples of solutions present on the local market — availability and terms change quickly; we help you select the best-suited offer during the assessment of your project.
Customs & ATA carnet
To exhibit or sell equipment at a trade fair, the ATA carnet allows temporary import of goods — professional equipment, samples, stand fittings — without advancing customs duties or import VAT, provided they are re-exported within the allotted period (generally 12 months, sometimes 6 months for fair equipment). The carnet is issued by the chamber of commerce in the country of departure and recognised across the international network of ATA Convention countries, a network that covers Switzerland.
Importing products from outside the European Union
To import goods from a non-EU country (China, the US, etc.), an EORI number is essential for any customs procedure. Customs duties depend on the tariff code (combined nomenclature) and the product's origin; import VAT is then due at the rate applicable in the destination country, generally recoverable if the business is VAT-registered. Depending on trade agreements in force, some products benefit from reduced or zero duties on presentation of a certificate of origin. The competent authority for these procedures is Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (FOCBS).
On-site consumer rules
As Switzerland is not an EU/EEA member, consumer-protection rules (right of withdrawal, price display, warranties) fall under national law and can differ significantly from the harmonised European framework. We check this point with you based on your on-site sales activity.
Information provided for guidance (July 2026), subject to change depending on local regulation. We confirm the applicable detail with you during the initial assessment of your project.