Setting up a sole proprietorship in the canton of Bern

Setting up a sole proprietorship in Canton Bern: the path to your own business.

Setting up 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.

Process

Set up a sole proprietorship in Canton Bern: here's how to do it!

1

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 your 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.

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Setting up a sole proprietorship: Advantages

Setting up a sole proprietorship in Bern offers access to a large pool of clients due to the city's central location. Bern is the political center of Switzerland and offers a diverse economy, high quality of life and strong support for small businesses.

Setting up a sole proprietorship: Disadvantages

Setting up a sole proprietorship in Bern can be complicated due to bureaucracy and stringent regulations. Operating costs, including rent and labor, can be high, burdening small businesses. Competition in the service and trade sectors can be intense, making it difficult for new businesses to emerge. In addition, the need for good networking to access financing and support can be a challenge for first-time entrepreneurs.

What should I consider if I want to set up a sole proprietorship in Canton Bern?

Name of the company

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.

Register of commerce

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.

Withdrawal from pension fund

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.

Our recommendation

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!

Setting up a sole proprietorship in Switzerland is a relatively simple and straightforward process that is ideal for small entrepreneurs and freelancers. No minimum initial capital is required, but the owner must be a resident of Switzerland. The firm must be registered with the Commercial Registry if the expected annual turnover exceeds CHF 100,000; otherwise, registration is optional but recommended to increase credibility. It is essential to choose a name that includes the owner's last name. Liability is unlimited, so the owner is liable with his personal assets for the debts of the firm. Accounting can be kept in a simplified manner, but it is still necessary to keep records of income and expenses. From a tax point of view, the firm's income is taxed as the owner's personal income. In addition, it is compulsory to register with social insurance and pay contributions for OASI (Old Age and Survivors Insurance). Switzerland offers a favorable entrepreneurial environment with numerous support programs for small businesses and start-ups.