Establish a sole proprietorship in the canton of Bern
Establish a sole proprietorship in Canton Bern: the path to your own business.
Establish a sole proprietorship in the canton of Bern
In Bern, the federal city, establishing a sole proprietorship is facilitated by stable political conditions and a well-organized administration. The city offers an excellent environment for business in the service sector due to the presence of numerous federal offices and international organizations. It is possible to register a sole proprietorship quickly and easily with the Bern Trade Registry. In addition, entrepreneurs can benefit from a strong network within the region. Proximity to key decision makers is an added advantage. Local networks and start-up centers, such as the Impact Hub Bern, offer support and advice for start-ups. The city also hosts numerous international events and conferences, providing additional networking opportunities. With its high quality of life and rich cultural heritage, Bern provides an inspiring environment to establish and develop a sole proprietorship.
Set up a sole proprietorship in Canton Bern: here's how to do it!
Calculate a non-binding offer
Enter your start-up project conveniently online and benefit from cost sharing from our partners. In just a few steps you can compose your customized start-up package.
Enter the data of the sole proprietorship
After calculating the non-binding offer, enter your company details. At this point you can order the incorporation of the company.
Get in touch
Our attorneys will contact you within the specified time (often less than 24 hours). You will receive all incorporation documents, discuss any uncertainties, and schedule a personal consultation.
Check the documents
You can consult, print and sign all the constituent documents at your convenience at home.
Authenticate signature
At this point you must obtain official certification of the signature (e.g., from the local authority). This confirms that the signature is indeed yours.
Entry in the commercial register
We submit all incorporation documents to the commercial register and ensure that your company is successfully registered in the commercial register. In the case of corporations, the paid-up capital is transferred to a business account after publication and is available to your company.
Celebrate
Congratulations on the successful founding of your company. Your company is now active and can operate.
Definition of a sole proprietorship in Switzerland
We believe that personalized advice is the key to best understanding our clients' individual needs and challenges and offering tailored solutions.
Setting up a sole proprietorship: Advantages
- No minimum capital required — start immediately
- Simplest legal form available in Switzerland
- Full decision-making autonomy
- Bern is the federal capital — direct proximity to regulators, federal agencies, and embassies
- Strong demand from public sector and NGOs for consulting, services, and supplies
- Good infrastructure and central location within Switzerland
- Impact Hub Bern and local startup support networks available
- Bilingual environment (DE/FR) opens broader market reach
Setting up a sole proprietorship: Disadvantages
- Unlimited personal liability — private assets are exposed
- Higher-than-average cantonal tax burden compared to Zug or Schwyz
- Commercial rents in Bern city are significant
- Business income taxed as personal income
- No AHV coverage unless self-employed registration is completed
- Less vibrant startup/VC scene than Zurich or Basel
What should I consider if I want to set up a sole proprietorship in Canton Bern?
The family name must appear in the company name: for example, Müller Malerbetrieb or Keller Montagen, but the company name must not be misleading or descriptive. Company names such as Rudolf Stahlhandel AG are therefore not allowed if the company does not trade in steel.
Business registration is generally optional up to a turnover of 100,000 Swiss francs. However, entry in the commercial register is recommended in any case. The excerpt from the commercial register is always very useful: for example, for opening a bank account, for opening a P.O. box or a safe deposit box, in international trade, for one's telephone connection, and much more.
The following points must be observed when collecting retirement benefits: You must be able to credibly prove to the relevant compensation office that you will be self-employed. To do this, you must fill out the attached AVS form and attach appropriate evidence, such as three offers to potential clients, three invoices already issued to clients and a business plan for your project.
To apply to the pension fund, a neat file with all forms and documents should be prepared. If possible, it is advisable to make an appointment with the relevant authority and bring the file in person or appear in person at the compensation fund. Experience shows that in this way the authorities have more confidence in your project and your application has a better chance of success.
What you need to know about sole proprietorship!
Key Facts: Sole Proprietorship in Bern
- No minimum capital required.
- Owner must be a Swiss resident.
- Commercial Registry entry mandatory above CHF 100,000 annual turnover.
- Business name must include the owner's surname.
- Unlimited personal liability — private assets are at risk.
- Simplified bookkeeping allowed; income and expense records required.
- Business income taxed as personal income (Bern cantonal + federal rates).
- Mandatory AHV/IV/EO registration as self-employed from day one.
- VAT registration required once revenue exceeds CHF 100,000/year.
- Bern city businesses may face municipal taxes in addition to cantonal taxes.