Best Business Registration Lawyers in Bern

About Business Registration Law in Bern, Switzerland

Business registration law in Bern, Switzerland falls under the purview of Swiss federal laws and is streamlined to encourage entrepreneurship. An entity can be established in one of the various forms like a Sole Proprietorship, General Partnership, Limited Partnership, Limited Liability Company (GmbH), or a Corporation. Each structure has distinct registration processes, tax implications, and legal obligations. Individuals or corporations seeking to establish a business entity in Bern should familiarize themselves with the local Swiss Code of Obligations and consult a legal professional for advice.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Engaging a lawyer is crucial to navigate the complexities of Swiss corporate laws, minimise liability, and ensure compliance with the regulations. Legal assistance may be required to determine the suitable legal structure for your business, preparing registration documents, understanding tax obligations, addressing employment laws, or handling disputes. A lawyer also plays a crucial role in understanding agreements, contracts, and leases. Therefore, legal advice is pivotal in developing a sound business plan and strategic decisions.

Local Laws Overview

Swiss law mandates that a business to be registered with the Swiss Commercial Registry once it's established. For a business to be registered in Bern, at least one member of the management body must reside in Switzerland. Depending upon the type of business entity, there may be varied financial auditing requirements as per the Swiss Code of Obligations. It's also important to know that employment laws in Switzerland necessitate providing workers with written contracts. The country also has an intricate system of indirect taxes including a mandatory Value Added Tax (VAT).

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of businesses require registration in Switzerland?

All organized commercial activities need to be registered in the Swiss Commercial Registry. This applies irrespective of the legal form of the business.

Who can start a business in Bern, Switzerland?

Swiss citizens, EU/EFTA nationals, and non-EU nationals with a residence permit can start a business in Switzerland.

What is the minimum capital requirement to start a Corporation and a LLC in Switzerland?

The minimum capital requirement for starting a Corporation (AG) is CHF 100,000 while for a Limited Liability Company (GmbH) it is CHF 20,000.

Are businesses in Bern required to charge VAT?

Yes, usually businesses with an annual turnover exceeding CHF 100,000 are required to be VAT registered. Smaller businesses can opt for voluntary VAT registration.

What is the process to register a business in Bern, Switzerland?

The process involves planning your business, choosing the legal form, preparing a notarized document, opening a blocked account for capital deposit, filing the forms with the Commercial Registry, and notifying the authorities when your business starts operations.

Additional Resources

The Swiss Chambers' Commercial Register, the Federal Tax Administration (FTA), and the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) are the main government bodies to consult. You can also browse through the 'EasyGov' website, which is a one-stop-shop for businesses in Switzerland.

Next Steps

If you require legal assistance in Business Registration, first gather information about your business – type, size, scale, etc. Post that, seek a lawyer specializing in Business Registration law. They would be best equipped to guide you through the process, provide personalized advice, and ensure your business is compliant with the law. You can also consult bodies like Chamber of Commerce or Trade Associations for general advice.