Special Licenses for Niche Sectors in Switzerland

Switzerland’s licensing system is known for being thorough and challenging to navigate. The process involves detailed paperwork, inspections, and mistakes can cause delays, increase costs, or even lead to rejection. So why go through all the effort? A Swiss license isn’t just permission to operate—it’s a mark of credibility. This guide will break it down, offering practical steps to help you secure licenses in pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, and financial services.

Trends in Family-Owned Businesses in Switzerland

Family-owned businesses, which account for over 60% of Switzerland’s workforce and GDP, are undergoing significant changes. As leadership transitions to a new generation, these companies are embracing fresh ideas while staying rooted in the traditions that have sustained them for decades. This generational shift has brought key trends into focus. Many businesses are professionalizing leadership, adopting modern governance practices, and prioritizing sustainability. Let’s take a closer look at how these trends are shaping the future of Swiss family businesses.

Swiss Tax Trends 2025: Mission Possible

 

Digital Platform Taxation

Starting January 1, 2025, Switzerland is implementing a fundamental transformation in how digital platforms are taxed. Under the new regulations, digital platforms facilitating sales of goods will be considered the direct supplier for VAT purposes, creating a dual-transaction system where platforms act as intermediaries between sellers and buyers.

Crowdfunding in Switzerland 101: A Complete Guide for Entrepreneurs and Investors

Introduction

Crowdfunding has become a popular way to fund projects, support startups, and connect with investors worldwide. In 2022 alone, global crowdfunding platforms raised over $17 billion, demonstrating the growing importance of this financing method. Switzerland, known for its financial stability and innovation, is no exception to this trend. In this guide, we will explore what crowdfunding is, how it works in Switzerland, the different models available, and the legal framework governing this fast-growing sector. 

Share Capital in Switzerland

 

Setting up a company in Switzerland involves creating the company's share capital. In general terms, authorized capital can be defined as a sum of money that determines the company`s financial capabilities. Depending on the legal form of a company, the Swiss Code of Obligation establishes the following minimum size of the share capital:

 

AG / Corporation

Opening a Swiss Corporation (Aktiengesellschaft)

What is Swiss Corporation (Aktiengesellschaft)

Aktiengesellschaft, commonly abbreviated as AG, translates to "stock corporation" in English. It is a legal entity recognized under Swiss law, characterized by having its capital divided into shares. AGs are considered distinct legal entities, separate from their shareholders, and are subject to specific regulations outlined in the Swiss Code of Obligations. The example of similar legal structures in other jurisdictions can be Public Limited Companies (PLC) in Great Britain or Société Anonyme (SA) in France.

Double Tax Treaties in Switzerland: A Comprehensive Guide

 

Switzerland's extensive network of Double Tax Treaties (DTTs) plays a vital role in international business operations, making it an attractive jurisdiction for global companies. Here's what you need to know about Switzerland's approach to preventing double taxation and facilitating cross-border business activities.

1. Overview of Swiss Double Tax Treaties

Switzerland maintains one of the world's most comprehensive networks of double taxation agreements, with:

Set up GmbH in Switzerland

 

What is GmbH?

GmbH is a private limited liability company in Switzerland. Similar entities exist in other jurisdictions, such as the Limited Liability Company (LLC) in the United States, the Société à Responsabilité Limitée (SARL) in France, and the Private Limited Company (Ltd) in the United Kingdom. These structures share common characteristics, primarily offering limited liability to their shareholders, flexible management, and a separate legal entity status.

Payroll Services in Switzerland: A Comprehensive Guide

 

In the complex landscape of Swiss business operations, managing payroll requires careful attention to detail and thorough understanding of local regulations. Whether you're a company expanding into Switzerland or an organization looking to optimize your existing payroll processes, here's what you need to know.
The Swiss payroll system is known for its emphasis on personal responsibility and relatively low burden of social contributions compared to other countries. It operates through a sophisticated structure that ensures both employee security and employer compliance.