1. You consider expanding your business internationally and in Europe

Setting up an office in Europe gives you access to more than 450 million consumers and talents.

2. You discover and evaluate Switzerland, and the canton of Vaud, as a potential business location

Ideally located in the heart of Europe, the canton of Vaud offers many advantages to companies and their employees. Discover Vaud’s numerous assets and ask us for a personalized visit of the canton of Vaud!

3. You understand all business aspects of setting up in the canton of Vaud

Our Key Accounts Managers can explain everything you need to know about:

• Swiss tax system and corporate taxation in Vaud
• Working conditions and access to talents
• Visas, work and residence permits
• Financial incentives and other types of support

4. You prepare a business plan

The bank with which you will complete the incorporation steps will ask you for your financial projections and employment prospects for your future Swiss entity. Be sure to prepare a business plan for the next 3 to 5 years.

5. You find a location for your company

The canton of Vaud offers a broad variety of business sites. You can set up in a technopark, rent an office or build you own premises. Innovaud’s team will help you find the right location for your company.
Having a physical address is a prerequisite before incorporating your company. In case you have not yet found the ideal place to set up your business, you can register the company at your lawyer's or fiduciary’s address.

6. You choose your company’s legal form

Your company needs to be organized using one of Switzerland’s officially recognized legal structures. This choice is important, as it has legal and economic consequences that need to be thought in advance. The two main types of incorporated firms in Switzerland are: Limited liability company (Sàrl) and Stock corporation (SA).

7. You incorporate your Swiss company

The creation of a company takes about 4 to 6 weeks for the opening of a banking relationship, the presentation of the required documents and the legal constitution of the company by the commercial register. The costs vary from 4'000 to 5'000 Swiss francs, including notary and bank fees.

The company must be represented by at least by one person residing in Switzerland. Many accounting firms and lawyers offer this type of services. We will be pleased to recommend you some.

The main incorporation steps are the following:

• Opening of a capital payment account at a Swiss bank. Depending on the choice of the legal form, the minimum capital is 100,000 Swiss francs for a Stock corporation (SA) or 20,000 Swiss francs for a Limited liability company (Sàrl).
• Entry into the commercial register by a notary. The notary will need the following information: company name, company aim, choice of legal form, company address in Switzerland, founders, representation (administrator).
• Release of the company’s capital.

8. You transfer and recruit employees

Our agency will support you to obtain the necessary work and residential permits for your relocated employees. We can also refer you to headhunters to recruit local workforce. Contact us for more information, for an informal call or a videoconference!

9. You start business operations

10. You benefit from our "Innovate" services

Our services don’t stop here. Once established in the canton, your company can benefit from our Innovate services. We support technological innovation projects and new business models in several areas of innovation, with financing services, promotion and networking opportunities.