*The German term for sole proprietorship is "Einzelunternehmen".

Provided you are well-prepared, the formal steps required to set up a sole proprietorship (see steps 2-4 below) can be completed within a few days. For more detailed information please consult the checklist for setting up a company.  

Step 1: pre-clarification and preparation of documents

As part of the preliminary clarification process, make sure to check the availability of the name you have envisaged for your sole proprietorship. 

Step 2: registration in the commercial register

A sole proprietorship is automatically established with the commencement of a business activity, irrespective of whether or not it is registered in the commercial register. The requirement to register is given when a sole proprietorship is conducted in a commercial manner and achieves annual gross earnings of at least CHF 100’000 (Art. 36 para. 1 of the Commercial Register Ordinance CRO).    

In the specific case, it is advisable to contact the Commercial Registry Office (Handelsregisteramt, HRA) to make sure that all relevant factors have been taken into account. You can submit your registration (see forms below) personally or send it to: HRA des Kantons Zürich, Bleicherweg 5, 8022 Zürich. For phone information, call +41 (0)43 259 74 00.

Provided the documents are complete and in keeping with the law, your sole proprietorship will usually be registered in the commercial register within seven work days (registration costs are usually between CHF 200 and CHF 300).If desired, a confirmation of registration can be requested before the new registration is announced in the Swiss Official Gazette of Commerce. The costs for this are CHF 80.

Step 3: registration with the social insurance office SVA Zurich

The next step in the process is for you to register as a self-employed person with or without employees at the social insurance office SVA Zurich, Röntgenstrasse 17, 8005 Zürich, Tel +41 (0)44 448 50 00. This does not involve any costs.  

Step 4: Value Added Tax (VAT) registration

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A sole proprietorship can be set up online via the electronic counter of the federal government: StartBiz. 

We recommend that you clarify the recognition of self-employment with the social insurance office SVA Zurich as early as possible. Furthermore, make sure you find out about the requirements for registration in the commercial register.

• Questionnaire for self-employed persons and partnerships to register with the social insurance office SVA Zurich: form to complete 
• Registration in the commercial register: form to complete
• Social insurances
• Set up your sole proprietorship online: StartBiz