Company Registration in Fribourg

Steps to Register a Company in Fribourg

1. Choose the Business Structure

The first step in the company registration process is selecting the appropriate legal structure. In Switzerland, businesses can be registered as several types of legal entities, each with different requirements:

• Sole Proprietorship (Entreprise individuelle): Ideal for small businesses and self-employed individuals. It has simple registration requirements but offers no liability protection.
• Limited Liability Company (Sàrl): A popular choice for small and medium-sized businesses. It requires a minimum capital of CHF 20,000 and limits the liability of its owners.
• Public Limited Company (SA): Suitable for larger businesses or those looking to raise capital through the stock market. The minimum capital requirement is CHF 100,000.
• Branch of a Foreign Company: If you are expanding a foreign company into Switzerland, you can establish a branch. This requires registering with the Swiss Commercial Register and complying with Swiss laws.

2. Choose a Company Name

The name of your company must be unique and distinguishable from other registered businesses. It is essential to check the availability of the name by searching the Swiss commercial registry before registration. The name must also comply with Swiss regulations and clearly reflect the company’s activities.

3. Draft the Articles of Association

The Articles of Association (Statuts) outline the company’s objectives, governance structure, share capital, and other important information. These documents must be signed by the company’s founders and notarized. For companies such as an SA or Sàrl, this step is mandatory for the registration process.

4. Open a Business Bank Account

To comply with Swiss regulations, you must open a business bank account and deposit the required minimum capital (CHF 20,000 for an Sàrl and CHF 100,000 for an SA). Once the capital is deposited, the bank will issue a confirmation letter, which is required for the registration process.

5. Register with the Commercial Register

The company must be officially registered with the Commercial Register (Registre du commerce). This involves submitting the following documents:

• Proof of identity for the company’s founders and directors
• Company name and Articles of Association
• Proof of deposited capital
• Business address in Fribourg
• A valid business activity description

Once registered, the company will receive an official registration number.

6. Register for Taxes and Social Security

After registration with the Commercial Register, businesses must register with the Swiss Federal Tax Administration for VAT (if applicable) and other necessary tax registrations. This includes corporate tax, VAT registration (if the annual turnover exceeds CHF 100,000), and social security contributions for employees.

7. Obtain Business Licenses and Permits

Depending on the nature of your business, you may need to apply for specific licenses or permits to operate legally in Switzerland. These can include professional licenses, sector-specific permits, or health and safety certifications. You can contact the local authority in Fribourg to check whether your business requires any additional licenses.

Benefits of Registering a Company in Fribourg

1. Strategic Location

Fribourg is strategically located in Switzerland, with easy access to both French and German-speaking regions. It provides access to a wide range of international markets while maintaining a stable and business-friendly environment.

2. Tax Advantages

Fribourg offers competitive tax rates for businesses, including cantonal tax advantages that can benefit small and medium-sized companies. The Swiss tax system provides various deductions and allowances that companies can leverage to optimize their tax liabilities.

3. High-Quality Infrastructure

Fribourg boasts an excellent infrastructure, with a well-developed transportation network and access to high-speed internet and communication services. This makes it an ideal location for businesses that require reliable and efficient logistics and communication channels.

4. Access to Skilled Workforce

The city is home to a highly educated workforce, thanks to its proximity to several top Swiss universities and institutions. Companies in Fribourg can tap into a pool of skilled professionals in various industries, including technology, finance, and engineering.

5. Business Support Services

Fribourg offers a variety of support services for new businesses, including incubators, networking opportunities, and access to professional advisors. The canton has a strong focus on fostering entrepreneurship and innovation.