EU/EFTA vs non-EU — different thresholds
EU/EFTA
Municipal registration within 14 days with proof of activity started. The canton cannot impose high requirements. 5-year B permit.
Non-EU
Economic interest test: job creation for Swiss residents, sector diversification, significant investment, new orders for the Swiss economy. University degree + years of experience required.
Alternative route
C holders, spouses of Swiss nationals and spouses of C holders: legal right to self-employment without the economic interest test.
Arrival, registration, launch in this order
Prepare proof of activity
Swiss business address, any client contracts or invoices. The canton cannot impose high requirements but some evidence is necessary.
Municipal registration (within 14 days)
EU/EFTA document, activity documentation, proof of accommodation. 5-year B permit.
AHV enrolment as self-employed
Register at the cantonal Ausgleichskasse with invoices and contracts.
Fees
Orientation consultation
CHF 2501 hour • Deducted if mandate
- EU vs non-EU
- Economic interest test feasibility
- Canton selection
- GmbH/AG vs sole trader structure
EU/EFTA — Self-employed registration
CHF 1,650Orientation fee deducted
- Activity documentation
- Municipal registration and permit B
- AHV enrolment
- VAT guidance
Non-EU — Full Service
From CHF 6,800Business plan + canton + SEM + visa • Orientation fee deducted
- Canton selection
- Business plan preparation
- Cantonal dossier
- Federal SEM
- Type D visa
- Registration and company setup
Other costs:
- Cantonal fees: CHF 60–150
- Type D visa: approx. CHF 80
- Sole trader (<CHF 100k): free; above: CHF 150
- GmbH: approx. CHF 500 (min. capital CHF 20,000)
Frequently asked questions
I am EU and freelance. Do I need a company?
No. You can operate as a sole trader. You need permit B (municipal registration) and AHV enrolment. Commercial register mandatory only above CHF 100,000 turnover.
How many clients do I need to qualify as self-employed?
For the self-employed G permit: cantonal practice usually 3+ ongoing clients. For permit B: less strict threshold but the business must be sustainable.
I am non-EU with permit C. Can I start a business?
Yes, you have a legal right to self-employment without the economic interest test.
What happens at renewal if the startup has not met its targets?
For non-EU, the initial permit lasts 2 years. The canton assesses whether the business has achieved the business plan results. If not, renewal may be refused.