Incorporating HR Companies in Switzerland: Types, Services & Requirements
Setting up an HR company in Switzerland is a straightforward process, but activities related to recruitment and temporary staffing are regulated and require the correct licenses. Below is an overview of the main HR company types, the services you can offer, and the key requirements for starting operations.
1. Types of HR Licenses in Switzerland
HR companies fall under two main regulated categories: Private Employment Agencies and Temporary Recruitment / Personnel Leasing Providers. Understanding the difference is essential for choosing the correct setup.
A. Private Employment (Private Arbeitsvermittlung)
This license is required when your company's primary activity is matching candidates with employers to help them conclude employment contracts.
Key features: No security deposit required Placement services must generally be free for candidates In some cases, authorities may request a sample placement contract Suitable for recruitment agencies, headhunters, executive search firms
This license applies whenever your service includes direct mediation between job seekers and employers.
B. Temporary Recruitment / Personnel Leasing (Personalverleih)
This license is required when your company hires employees and assigns them to work at client companies, even temporarily.
You need this license if: You employ workers who are occasionally lent to other businesses, or You enter into framework agreements where employees work at a client's site for a defined period.
In this model, your company acts as the employer, managing payroll and insurance, while the employee performs duties for the client.
Requirements include: Deposit: CHF 50,000 (cantonal) or CHF 100,000 (cantonal + SECO) Accident insurance & social security registrations Sample employment contracts Approval by the canton; SECO authorization if you operate nationwide or abroad
This is the strictest HR license, but it allows you to offer full temporary staffing services.
2. Services HR Companies Can Provide in Switzerland
Once incorporated and licensed where required, your HR company may offer: Recruitment & executive search Temporary staffing / personnel leasing HR administration and onboarding support Payroll and Employer-of-Record solutions HR consulting and process documentation
Only employment placement and temporary staffing require licensing. General HR consulting and admin support are unregulated activities.
3. Requirements for Incorporating an HR Company
The general setup process remains simple and can be summarized as follows: Establish a Swiss entity (GmbH or AG) Prepare Articles of Association that mention HR activities Register with social security and accident insurance Apply for the relevant HR license(s) Comply with cantonal rules, which may vary
Once licensing is approved, you may begin providing HR services immediately.
We Assist With the Full Process
Our team supports you with: Choosing the right legal structure Preparing incorporation documents Managing license applications (Private Employment or Personnel Leasing) Ensuring full compliance with Swiss HR regulations
Reach out to us for a tailored roadmap for your HR company in Switzerland.