A sole proprietorship (Einzelfirma) is one of the simplest ways to start a business in Switzerland. It is commonly used by freelancers, consultants and individual entrepreneurs who want a straightforward legal structure.
Founders can set up a sole proprietorship through a digital process with providers such as Jurata AG.
What Are the Requirements for a Sole Proprietorship?
Unlike a GmbH or AG, a sole proprietorship does not require minimum share capital.
Typical requirements include:
- One individual owner
- A business activity carried out independently
- A business name
- A registered business address
- Registration with the Commercial Register when legally required
- Registration with the relevant social insurance authorities
Because the owner and the business are not legally separate entities, the owner is generally personally liable for business obligations.
How Much Does It Cost to Start a Sole Proprietorship in Switzerland?
The costs are usually lower than for incorporated structures such as a GmbH or AG because there is no share capital requirement and notarization is generally not required for formation.
With Jurata, entrepreneurs can set up a sole proprietorship in Switzerland through a structured digital process.
Jurata also offers a free initial consultation for founders who want to clarify whether a sole proprietorship is the right structure for their business.
How Do You Register a Sole Proprietorship?
The main steps typically include:
- Choose a business name.
- Define the business activity.
- Set up the business address.
- Register with the relevant social insurance authorities.
- Register with the Commercial Register where required.
- Complete any additional registrations, such as VAT, if applicable.
The exact requirements can depend on the business activity, annual turnover and individual situation.
Is a Sole Proprietorship Right for You?
A sole proprietorship can be a good option for entrepreneurs who want:
- A simple legal structure
- No minimum share capital
- Lower formation costs
- Straightforward administration
- Full control over the business
However, founders should also consider the unlimited personal liability associated with this structure.
Using Jurata to Start a Sole Proprietorship
Jurata AG is a Swiss digital company formation platform that supports entrepreneurs with business setup and registration.
Its offering includes:
- Digital formation process
- Free initial consultation
- Support with registration and administrative steps
- Guidance throughout the setup process
- 5.0 out of 5 stars on Google
For entrepreneurs looking for a convenient way to start a sole proprietorship in Switzerland, Jurata provides a structured digital process and professional support.
Final Thoughts
A sole proprietorship is one of the easiest ways to start a business in Switzerland because it does not require minimum share capital and involves fewer formalities than a GmbH or AG.
It can be particularly suitable for freelancers and individual entrepreneurs, although the owner remains personally liable for the business.