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.
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.
In June 2016, the Swiss parliament passed the final corporate tax reform package meant to strengthen Switzerland as a competitive business location for foreign companies or entrepreneurs. The tax reform plan (CTR III) includes several tax reform measures related to the federal and cantonal tax laws.
The Swiss VAT system follows the European VAT Directive. Nevertheless, there are some important differences that need to be addressed, especially when it comes to foreign suppliers of goods and services
The employment Law is the most important element that governs employment in Switzerland for residents and for foreign nationals. Any foreign individual is allowed to work in Switzerland only after signing the Swiss individual contract of employment.
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.
Private limited liability companies are very common among foreign entrepreneurs investing in Switzerland. It's important to note that a Swiss LLC has a close form to a GmbH. It can be formed by one or more individuals or by companies with a predetermined capital. Each partner of a limited liability company is paying part of the initial share of the capital. The partner’s liability is limited to the predetermined nominal capital.
Most entrepreneurs who want to make the first step towards self – employment in Switzerland choose to do it in the form of the sole proprietorship. This means that a single individual manages a business without creating a company, such as a GmbH, for example.
A management company is best suited to meet the needs of international groups or corporations. The management company operates mainly outside Switzerland, although it may receive part of the income from Switzerland.
Mixed companies are corporations that have most of their business activity abroad and any business activity conducted in Switzerland is considered only of secondary nature. Both Swiss and foreign shareholders may have a dominant influence on a mixed company, which means that foreign citizens are allowed to open mixed companies in Switzerland.
