The most common types of companies established by foreign entrepreneurs in Switzerland are GmbH and AG. Both types of companies have their advantages and disadvantages, therefore the following information might be very useful for those interested in opening a company in Switzerland, to help them make a decision.
Switzerland is offering a very attractive business environment, including for foreign investors. The Swiss laws allow anyone, including foreigners to start a business in Switzerland, to form a company or to have a financial interest in one.
However, there are certain conditions that are required. Only persons that hold a valid C permit, the spouse of a C permit holder or the spouse of a Swiss citizen have the legal right to start their own businesses in the country.
In terms of well – developed industries in Switzerland, tourism is certainly one of them. Switzerland is home of numerous lakes, mountain villages, cities with medieval quarters and many popular tourist landmarks. It should come as no surprise that many entrepreneurs are interested in opening a hotel or creating a successful hotel chain in Switzerland.
Managing a Swiss company automatically implies having a board of directors, as it is one of the legal requirements in order to incorporate in Switzerland. Company shareholders appoint the company directors. However, company directors must meet certain requirements, depending on the type of company. The main regulatory framework that applies when appointing company directors is the Swiss Code of Obligations.
The choice of location for a business has become extremely important in today’s competitive economy. Switzerland offers many unique advantages for entrepreneurs willing to invest in the country, on economical, political and social level. Here are the most important reasons why you should consider investing in Switzerland, a small, yet highly developed country.
Branch offices are commercially independent businesses of a parent company. Foreign companies are able to open branch offices in Switzerland. Company branches are legally dependent of the head office, thus they do not have a legal personality. The company branch has limited commercial independence. It means that it must carry out the same type of commercial activity as the parent company, in order to form a commercial whole with it.
Products and services offered by Swiss companies enjoy a very good reputation on global level, due tot positive references on quality, authenticity and precision regarding products “made in Switzerland”. Switzerland is also known for luxury products, as many foreign companies establish company branches and subsidiaries in this country. Most common authenticity markers are de red and white cross and references including the label “made in Switzerland”.
The Commercial Registry (“Handelsregister” in German or “Registre du Commerce” in French) provides most of the public information a foreign entity would have to know when doing business with a Swiss company. In act, it’s recommended to verify any Swiss business partner if they are registered with the Commercial Registry. The information provided by the registry are public and easy available for any interested party.
The legal form for a Swiss corporation is the “Aktiengesellschaft” (AG), which is governed by the Swiss Code of Obligations. This type of company is best suited for multinational corporations looking to expand their activity on the Swiss market.
The liability of the shareholders of an AG is limited to the unpaid amount of shares they hold within the company. However, it is enough to have only one shareholder, while there are no limitations regarding the maximum number of shareholders, thus making the AG a very flexible business structure.
The pharmaceutical industry has a key role in the Swiss exports industry. In 2014, pharmaceuticals exports amounted to more than 70 billion CHF, which means that about one third of money earned abroad by Switzerland comes from pharmaceutical products.
The pharmaceutical sector has contributed to the growth of the Swiss economy over the last two decades, with an annual average market growth of 9.1% .
