New in Switzerland 5: Management – ​​Organization of Operational Activities

from hauser@m-win.ch, Tel. +41 (52) 269 21 11

from sueess@m-win.ch, Tel. +41 (52) 269 21 00

They are ready to carry out their operational activities. What now? We give you an overview.

Do I need a permit to start my commercial activities? Typically the answer is: no. In Switzerland, no permits are generally required to start operational activities. As a rule, there are no other formalities and you do not have to register a business, as is the case in Germany. Exceptions exist:

• for example, concerning regulated areas and professions such as banking, staff leasing, professional diploma requirements, etc.  

• Mandatory registrations, such as social insurance with the SVA, VAT, etc. In this regard, we refer to the blog post “ New in Switzerland 1: Setting up a company ”.

Especially at the beginning of building up a business, there is a lot of work to be done, such as business planning, customer acquisition, setting up offices/production facilities, purchasing materials/machines, etc. However, the resources for this are rather limited due to limited financial means. So that the management can use its own manpower specifically for the core business, it is advisable to use additional assistants cheaply for work that does not relate to the main money-generating business. These jobs include, for example, personnel administration, accounting and secretarial work.

There are, among others, the following options:

1. Hiring additional staff with the appropriate skills
2. Handing over the work to a competent third-party company

The second option is often recommended until the company has transitioned into regular operational activity. Third-party companies only charge for the costs incurred (or flat rates). It also has the necessary expertise, and fixed wages as well as additional personnel costs such as BVG, social security contributions, accident insurance for employees and the risk of staff loss are eliminated. The first option can be considered in a later step as soon as there are regular inflows of money. The tasks can be handed over and continued by the third-party company to newly hired staff with appropriate, needs-based training.

MSM Group AG, in collaboration with Martin Rechtsanwälte GmbH, has many years of experience in founding companies and providing close support in business development through various services such as accounting, personnel administration, various office services (telephone service, domicile management) and insurance advice. We also provide flexible support in the creation of business plans and financial planning/monitoring and have good relationships with various banking institutions. Martin Rechtsanwälte GmbH is also happy to help you with legal questions at any time.

I'm interested (email to sekretariat@m-win.ch; we'll get in touch)

This article was created in collaboration with the independent law firm “ Martin Rechtsanwälte GmbH ”.

Other following articles from the series:

• Company structure – taxes (What should you take into account?)
• Company structure – financing (opportunities for raising money)
• Moving in as a private individual – insurance (What do I have to do? How do I proceed?)
• Immigrating as a private individual – residence/work permit (Who has what options?)
• Immigrating as a private individual – taxes (What will I have to pay?)

Already published articles:

• New in Switzerland ? – Blog series on settlement
• New in Switzerland 1: Company formation
• New in Switzerland 2: Society structure – personnel
• New in Switzerland 3: Management and Board of Directors
• New in Switzerland 4: Company structure – insurance

Further articles on this topic:

• Cost savings through efficient personnel administration