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Verified rules

Starting a business

Legal form, commercial register, AHV, VAT — routed to EasyGov, the official one-stop shop.

Civena’s verified rule set covers 7 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

Starting a business: key deadlines

Starting a business: what you may have to do

Before founding

  1. Do your registrations through EasyGov

    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.

    Why
    Official, free and authoritative — Civena does not duplicate it.
    Authority
    EasyGov.swiss (SECO) (easygov.swiss, opens in a new tab)

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

    Report incorrect information

  2. Register your sole proprietorship in the commercial register

    Canton

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

    Why
    SECO SME portal (CO Art. 931).
    Authority
    EasyGov.swiss (SECO) (easygov.swiss, opens in a new tab)

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

    Report incorrect information

  3. Found and register your GmbH/AG

    CantonNeeds verification

    Capital companies are founded with a notary and entered in the commercial register. Civena has not yet verified the full founding procedure; use EasyGov and your cantonal commercial register office.

    Why
    Pending editorial verification.
    Authority
    EasyGov.swiss (SECO) (easygov.swiss, opens in a new tab)

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

    Report incorrect information

  4. Register for VAT with the Federal Tax Administration

    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.

    Why
    ch.ch VAT page and FTA.
    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)

    Report incorrect information

At launch

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

    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.

    Why
    Self-employed status must be recognised by the compensation office.
    Authority
    AHV/AVS compensation office (kmu.admin.ch, opens in a new tab)

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

    Report incorrect information

Ongoing obligations

  1. Commercial register: optional below CHF 100,000

    Federal

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

    Why
    SECO SME portal.
    Authority
    SME Portal (SECO) (kmu.admin.ch, opens in a new tab)
    Report incorrect information

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

    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.

    Why
    ch.ch: the 2nd pillar.
    Authority
    ch.ch – Swiss authorities online (ch.ch, opens in a new tab)
    Report incorrect information

Starting a business: official starting points

Frequently asked questions

I’m starting a business: what do I have to do?
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.