Setting up a sole proprietorship in the canton of Uri

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

Setting up a sole proprietorship in the canton of Uri

Setting up a sole proprietorship in Canton Uri, characterized by its beautiful alpine landscapes and growing economy, is an excellent choice, especially in the tourism, logistics and handicraft sectors. The Uri Trade Registry facilitates a simple and efficient registration process. The region is known for its strategic location along the north-south axis of Switzerland, offering excellent logistics opportunities. Uri is also a popular tourist destination, attracting numerous visitors each year. The natural environment and welcoming community make Uri an ideal place to establish a sole proprietorship.

PROCESS

Set up a sole proprietorship in the canton of Uri: 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 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 the 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.

The 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

  • No minimum capital required — start immediately
  • Strategic location on the north-south transit axis (Gotthard corridor)
  • Growing tourism sector: hospitality, outdoor activities, and alpine experiences
  • Low operating costs compared to larger cantons
  • Tight-knit business community with accessible local authorities
  • Favorable cantonal tax rates

Setting up a sole proprietorship: disadvantages

  • Unlimited personal liability — private assets at risk
  • Very small local market limits scaling potential
  • Mountainous geography increases logistics costs
  • Limited access to specialized talent and professional networks
  • Distance from major economic centers (Zurich, Basel, Bern)
  • Business income taxed as personal income

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

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 advice

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.

Useful information about the sole proprietorship

Key Facts: Sole Proprietorship in Uri

  1. No minimum capital required.
  2. Owner must be a Swiss resident.
  3. Commercial Registry entry mandatory above CHF 100,000 annual turnover.
  4. Business name must include the owner's surname.
  5. Unlimited personal liability — private assets are at risk.
  6. Simplified bookkeeping allowed; income and expense records required.
  7. Business income taxed as personal income (Uri cantonal + federal rates).
  8. Mandatory AHV/IV/EO registration as self-employed from day one.
  9. VAT registration required once revenue exceeds CHF 100,000/year.
  10. Uri's small market suits niche, tourism-focused, or logistics-adjacent businesses.