Best Business Registration Lawyers in Arlesheim

About Business Registration Law in Arlesheim, Switzerland

Arlesheim is a municipality in the canton of Basel-Landschaft. Business registration here follows Swiss federal law for company formation and the cantonal procedures administered by the Basel-Landschaft Commercial Registry Office. You choose a legal form, prepare required documents, file with the Commercial Register, and complete tax and social insurance registrations. Depending on your activity and premises, you may also need municipal or cantonal permits.

Common legal forms include sole proprietorship, general or limited partnership, limited liability company GmbH, and corporation AG. Partnerships and companies must register in the Commercial Register. A sole proprietorship must register if annual revenue reaches at least CHF 100,000, and may register voluntarily below that threshold. GmbH and AG require notarization, a defined corporate purpose, governing bodies, and minimum share capital. After registration, your company details are published in the Swiss Official Gazette of Commerce and a company identification number UID CHE format is assigned.

Beyond formation, expect obligations around VAT if applicable, accounting and audit, social security, accident insurance, pension schemes for employees, data protection, and sector specific licensing. Authorities primarily operate in German in Basel-Landschaft, though many professionals can assist in English.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Choosing the right legal form affects liability, taxation, governance, investor readiness, and succession. A lawyer can compare options and tailor the structure to your goals and risk profile. This is especially important if several founders or investors are involved.

GmbH and AG incorporations require notarized documents. A lawyer can draft articles of association, shareholder or quotaholder agreements, board regulations, and founder vesting terms, and coordinate with the notary and the bank for capital deposit confirmations.

Names and purpose clauses must comply with Swiss naming rules and truthfulness requirements. Counsel can clear conflicts, protect your brand strategy, and avoid registry refusals.

Commercial leases and premises issues can involve hidden costs and compliance duties. A lawyer can review lease terms, use clauses, assignment and subletting restrictions, rent escalation, and fit out responsibilities, and coordinate any municipal or cantonal permits.

Many activities require special licenses or notifications such as hospitality, retail with food, healthcare, crafts, or transport. A lawyer can map the permit landscape, prepare filings, and structure your operations to meet local public law requirements.

Employment contracts, contractor arrangements, and employee participation plans must respect Swiss labor and social insurance rules. Legal advice helps you onboard staff compliantly and set up fair policies.

If founders or staff are foreign nationals, residence and work authorization must be addressed with the cantonal migration office. Legal coordination reduces delays and compliance risks.

Ongoing governance, accounting and audit thresholds, VAT positioning, data protection compliance, and changes such as capital increases or restructuring benefit from preventive advice to avoid penalties or rejected filings.

Local Laws Overview

Swiss Code of Obligations governs company forms, articles of association, corporate bodies, accounting, audit, and restructuring. The Federal Commercial Registry Ordinance and practice guidelines define how filings are examined and published. In Basel-Landschaft, the Commercial Registry Office reviews names, purposes, signatures, capital proofs, and auditor status before entry.

Capital and liability basics. GmbH requires at least CHF 20,000 fully paid in. AG requires at least CHF 100,000 with at least CHF 50,000 paid in. GmbH owners quotaholders are publicly listed in the register. AG shareholders are not public, but the company must keep an internal share register for registered shares and document beneficial owners as required by federal rules.

Accounting and audit. Businesses with revenue of CHF 500,000 or more must keep full accounts and prepare financial statements. Smaller sole proprietorships and partnerships may use simplified bookkeeping. Companies generally require a limited audit unless they have an ordinary audit due to size or listing, or they validly opt out of audit if they have fewer than 10 full time employees and unanimous shareholder consent.

Tax and VAT. Companies and registered sole proprietors obtain a UID number and register as taxpayers in Basel-Landschaft and the municipality of Arlesheim. VAT registration is required if global taxable turnover reaches CHF 100,000 in a 12 month period, with sector specific exceptions and special rules for foreign businesses. Corporate and communal tax rates vary by location and change over time, so verify current rates with the cantonal tax administration.

Social insurance. Employers must register with the cantonal social security fund for AHV IV EO, set up accident insurance UVG with SUVA or another approved insurer, and enroll eligible employees in an occupational pension BVG. Self employed persons apply for self employment recognition with the social security fund and pay contributions accordingly.

Permits and zoning. Premises in Arlesheim must comply with zoning and building rules. Fit out, signage, or change of use may require municipal approval. Certain trades such as gastronomy, food handling, and personal services have cantonal license or notification requirements and health inspections.

Language and filings. The registry and many authorities in Basel-Landschaft operate in German. Corporate documents and applications are usually prepared in German. Notarization in the canton is required for GmbH and AG formation documents and certain later changes.

Data protection and compliance. The revised Swiss Federal Act on Data Protection applies to most businesses processing personal data. Depending on your activity, anti money laundering regulations may apply if you act as a financial intermediary or offer certain payment or asset services.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to register my sole proprietorship in Arlesheim

Registration in the Commercial Register is mandatory once your annual revenue reaches CHF 100,000. Below that, you can operate without registration, but voluntary registration can improve credibility, name protection, and access to some counterparties. Regardless of registration, you must handle taxes and social insurance properly.

What legal form should I choose

Sole proprietorship is simple and low cost but exposes your personal assets to business liabilities. GmbH offers limited liability, a clear governance framework, and easier ownership transfers for small to medium ventures. AG suits ventures needing broader investment or a more formal governance structure. The right choice depends on liability tolerance, investor plans, profit distribution, and administrative budget.

How long does incorporation take

For GmbH or AG, expect about 1 to 3 weeks from document readiness to registry entry, assuming timely notarization, capital deposit confirmation, and complete filings. Sole proprietorship and partnerships can be faster. Timelines vary with registry workload and whether names or documents require revision.

What does it cost to register

Costs include notary fees for GmbH or AG, registry fees, publication, and any legal drafting. You also pay bank fees for the capital deposit account. Fees vary based on complexity and service providers. Ask for fixed fee offers for predictability.

What documents are required for a GmbH

You need articles of association, a public deed of incorporation before a Swiss notary, evidence of paid in capital from a Swiss bank, identification and signature specimens of managing persons, and an auditor appointment or an audit opt out declaration if permitted. The corporate purpose and company name must meet registry practice standards.

Do I need a physical address in Arlesheim

Yes, every company needs a registered office in Switzerland. If you want the place of registration to be Arlesheim, the registered office address must be there. Virtual office solutions are possible if they meet substance and notification requirements. Leases or domicile agreements should be available for the registry.

When must I register for VAT

You must register if your global taxable turnover reaches CHF 100,000 within 12 months. Some activities are exempt or outside scope. Voluntary VAT registration can be advantageous for input tax recovery. Evaluate your pricing and client base with a tax advisor.

What are the accounting and audit requirements

Entities with revenue of at least CHF 500,000 keep full accounts and prepare financial statements. Smaller sole proprietors and partnerships may keep simplified records. Companies are subject to limited or ordinary audit depending on size. Many small GmbH and AG can opt out of audit with unanimous consent if they have fewer than 10 full time employees, but creditors may request an audit in certain cases.

Can foreign nationals start a business in Arlesheim

Yes. EU EFTA nationals benefit from freedom of establishment subject to residence formalities. Third country nationals generally need a residence and work permit that allows self employment or employment by the Swiss entity. Plan immigration steps early and coordinate with the cantonal migration office.

Do I need special licenses for my activity

Many sectors operate with general freedom of trade, but specific activities require licenses or notifications. Examples include hospitality and alcohol service, food retail or production, healthcare and wellness services, transport, security services, and crafts with safety implications. Premises related permits for signage or construction may also apply. Check cantonal and municipal requirements before opening.

Additional Resources

Handelsregisteramt Basel-Landschaft Commercial Registry Office for company registrations and extracts.

Amt für Wirtschaft und Arbeit Basel-Landschaft Economic Affairs and Labor Office for work permits, labor topics, and business support.

SVA Baselland Cantonal social security fund for AHV IV EO registrations and self employment recognition.

Steuerverwaltung Basel-Landschaft Cantonal Tax Administration for corporate and personal tax matters.

Eidgenössische Steuerverwaltung Federal Tax Administration VAT for VAT registration and guidance.

Gemeinde Arlesheim Municipal administration building and planning office for zoning, building, and signage permits.

Lebensmittelkontrolle Basel-Landschaft Cantonal food inspection authority for food business approvals and inspections.

IHK beider Basel Chamber of Commerce and Industry of both Basels for business networking and support.

Standortförderung Baselland Cantonal business location promotion and startup support.

Local Swiss notaries and fiduciary firms in Basel-Landschaft for notarization, accounting, payroll, and corporate secretarial services.

Next Steps

Clarify your project. Define your business model, planned revenue, founders, funding, and where you will operate in Arlesheim. This informs the choice of legal form and licensing path.

Select a legal form. Compare sole proprietorship, GmbH, and AG with a lawyer or fiduciary, considering liability, taxation, governance, and investor expectations.

Prepare documents. Secure a compliant company name, draft articles and internal agreements, arrange capital deposit if forming a GmbH or AG, and gather identity documents and addresses for managers and directors.

Coordinate filings. Book a notary appointment for incorporations, submit your application to the Basel-Landschaft Commercial Registry, and handle VAT, tax, and social insurance registrations. Keep copies of all filings and confirmations.

Secure premises and permits. Review your lease, check zoning and fit out needs with the municipality of Arlesheim, and obtain any sector specific licenses before opening.

Set up compliance. Implement bookkeeping, payroll, accident insurance, and pension arrangements. Put basic data protection notices and processes in place. Calendar annual obligations such as general meetings and filings.

If you need legal assistance, contact a Swiss business lawyer familiar with Basel-Landschaft practice. Ask for a scoping call, a checklist tailored to your activity, timelines, and a clear fee proposal. Bring your draft business plan, proposed name, and questions about permits so you can proceed efficiently and compliantly.