Practical guide
Creating a business in Switzerland: checklist for self-employed
To launch a self-employed activity, you must anticipate AHV, taxes, and insurance.
Reliability note
Information provided for administrative guidance. Final verification on official portals is recommended.
4-step action plan
- Choose the legal status according to your activity.
- Prepare AHV self-employed file and activity proof.
- Organize accounting and tax supporting documents.
- Check professional insurance and civil liability coverage.
Document checklist
- Activity description
- Forecast budget
- AHV documents
- Insurance policies
Mistakes to avoid
- Starting without separating personal and business accounts
- Ignoring VAT obligations
- Delaying insurance registration
Trust
Official sources to verify
kmu.admin.ch - Creation PME
kmu.admin.ch - Inscrire son entreprise
EasyGov
ch.ch - Portail officiel des demarches
Informations administratives officielles Confedereation/Cantons/Communes.
SEM - Secretariat d Etat aux migrations
Permis, regroupement familial, naturalisation.
OFSP - Assurance maladie
Regles LAMal et informations de sante publique.
Go further
Related detailed page
Business creation and self-employed status
Launching an activity in Switzerland
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ReadGuide FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is this guide enough for my case?
This guide gives structure and common mistakes. For sensitive or urgent cases, personalized support is recommended.
How often is this content updated?
Our guides are regularly updated according to federal and cantonal changes.
Are official sources included?
Yes. The official sources section links to relevant Swiss public portals.
Can I request a simplified version of this guide?
Yes. We can convert this guide into a short checklist and a simplified AI action plan.
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