Bern is a Swiss business hub with developed infrastructure, a skilled workforce and a stable legal system.
GmbH (LLC) is the most popular form. Minimum share capital: CHF 20,000. AG (joint-stock company) requires CHF 100,000 and is suited to larger enterprises.
Submit documents to the Handelsregisteramt of the Canton of Bern. The process takes 2–5 business days. Online submission is available via zefix.ch.
A unique company identification number (UID) is assigned automatically upon registration. It is required for all official interactions.
Register with the cantonal tax authority (Steuerverwaltung) and, if turnover exceeds CHF 100,000, with the Federal Tax Administration for VAT.
A corporate account at a Swiss bank. You will need: the company charter, commercial registry extract, and directors' documents.
Registration with AHV/IV (pension insurance) is mandatory when hiring your first employee. This is done through the cantonal insurance fund.
Free support for the first year: legal advice, co-working space, mentoring from experienced entrepreneurs in the Canton of Bern.
A dedicated service for companies relocating their headquarters or opening a branch in Bern. Full support available in English.
Subsidies and discounted leases for artisans, small traders and social entrepreneurs in priority city districts.