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Verified rules

Becoming self-employed

AHV recognition, VAT threshold, pension capital and the commercial register threshold.

Civena’s verified rule set covers 6 steps for this situation. Which of them apply depends on your canton, commune, permit and household.

Rules checked against official sources on 23 September 2026.

Work out my steps

Short answer

What you may have to do

Before the move

  1. Do your registrations through EasyGov

    Federal: Federal

    EasyGov is the Confederation’s free online desk for companies. It handles the commercial register, AHV compensation fund, VAT and accident insurance registrations. Civena prepares what you need and sends you there.

    Authority: EasyGov.swiss (SECO) (easygov.swiss, opens in a new tab)

    EasyGov.swiss (easygov.swiss, opens in a new tab)

  2. Register your sole proprietorship in the commercial register

    Canton: Canton

    Registration is compulsory once annual revenue exceeds CHF 100,000. EasyGov submits the registration to the cantonal commercial register office.

    Authority: EasyGov.swiss (SECO) (easygov.swiss, opens in a new tab)

    EasyGov.swiss (easygov.swiss, opens in a new tab)

  3. Register for VAT with the Federal Tax Administration

    Federal: Federal

    Businesses with an annual turnover above CHF 100,000 must pay VAT and register with the FTA. For a sole proprietorship you need your AHV number. You can register via EasyGov.

    Authority: Federal Tax Administration (FTA) (estv.admin.ch, opens in a new tab)

    EasyGov.swiss (easygov.swiss, opens in a new tab)FTA – register for VAT (estv.admin.ch, opens in a new tab)

After the move

  1. Have your self-employed status recognised by a compensation office

    Canton: CantonDeadline: Recommended: within the first few months

    Submit the affiliation form and evidence of your activity to an AHV/AVS compensation office. It is recommended to do this within the first few months of activity; EasyGov can submit it.

    Authority: AHV/AVS compensation office (kmu.admin.ch, opens in a new tab)

    EasyGov.swiss (easygov.swiss, opens in a new tab)

Good to know

  1. Commercial register: optional below CHF 100,000

    Federal: Federal

    Below CHF 100,000 annual revenue, registering a sole proprietorship is voluntary. Re-check if your revenue grows.

    Authority: SME Portal (SECO) (kmu.admin.ch, opens in a new tab)

  2. Optional: withdraw pension capital for your business within a year

    Federal: FederalDeadline: Within one year of becoming self-employed

    If you want to use your 2nd-pillar capital to become self-employed, you must apply within one year of becoming self-employed.

    Authority: ch.ch – Swiss authorities online (ch.ch, opens in a new tab)

Official starting points

Frequently asked questions

What do I have to do: Becoming self-employed?
Depending on your situation, the steps include: Do your registrations through EasyGov; Register your sole proprietorship in the commercial register; Register for VAT with the Federal Tax Administration; Have your self-employed status recognised by a compensation office.