Relocating Your Company to Switzerland: Key Changes to Prepare For
Switzerland offers international businesses a stable economy, strong infrastructure, and an established legal environment. For an existing company, however, establishing operations in Switzerland requires several legal and administrative changes.
Depending on the company's circumstances, the process may involve establishing a Swiss subsidiary, registering a branch, or transferring the company's registered office where permitted.
Establishing Your Swiss Business Presence
Before relocating operations, the company needs to determine the most suitable legal setup. A Swiss GmbH or AG may provide an independent local structure, while a branch allows the foreign company to maintain a more direct connection with its existing organisation.
SwissFirm supports entrepreneurs with setting up a company in Switzerland, including the administrative steps required to establish a Swiss entity.
Registration and Your New Business Address
Companies establishing a Swiss entity need an official registered address. This address is entered in the Commercial Register and used for correspondence with authorities and business partners.
Businesses that do not require their own office can establish their presence through a professional company address in Switzerland.
The Swiss government's SME Portal also provides official guidance on changing a company's headquarters or address.
Reviewing Taxes, Banking and Financial Administration
Moving business activities to Switzerland can affect corporate taxation and VAT. As corporate taxation includes federal, cantonal, and municipal components, the location of the business should be considered carefully.
Banking arrangements may also change. Swiss banks typically require documentation covering ownership, beneficial owners, business activities, expected transactions, and the source of funds.
Accounting procedures should also be reviewed to ensure that bookkeeping, payroll, annual accounts, invoicing, and record retention meet Swiss requirements.
What Happens to Employees and Contracts?
Companies transferring employees to Switzerland may need to address Swiss employment law, social security, payroll, and immigration requirements.
Existing contracts should also be examined. Agreements with customers, suppliers, insurers, and service providers may need to be amended when activities are transferred to a new Swiss entity.
Preparing for a Smooth Transition
Relocating an existing company requires coordination between its legal and operational activities. Businesses should establish which assets, contracts, employees, intellectual property, and responsibilities will move to Switzerland and which will remain abroad.
SwissFirm assists businesses with company establishment, registered addresses, banking preparation, and other administrative requirements involved in creating a structured Swiss presence.
Contact SwissFirm
RB Swiss Group GmbH
Blegistrasse 7
CH-6340 Baar
Phone: +41 41 410 61 61
Email: info@swissfirm.ch