Best Business Registration Lawyers in Dornach

About Business Registration Law in Dornach, Switzerland

Dornach is a municipality in the canton of Solothurn. Business registration follows Swiss federal law, cantonal rules of Solothurn, and some municipal procedures. In Switzerland there is no single general trade license. Instead, you choose a legal form, register with the Commercial Register if required, obtain a Swiss business identification number, and complete tax and social insurance registrations. Certain activities also need special permits.

Key authorities for a Dornach business include the Handelsregisteramt des Kantons Solothurn for Commercial Register entries, the Federal Tax Administration for VAT, the Solothurn cantonal tax office for income or corporate tax, and the Solothurn cantonal compensation office for social insurances. Many filings can be coordinated through the federal EasyGov portal. Filings for Solothurn are typically made in German.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Lawyers help founders avoid delays, defects, and hidden liabilities. Common situations where legal advice adds value include:

- Choosing the right legal form sole proprietorship, GmbH, AG, partnership, cooperative, or association based on liability, taxes, investors, and governance.

- Drafting articles of association, shareholder agreements, transfer restrictions, vesting for founders, and governance rules for a GmbH or AG.

- Protecting a business name and checking for conflicts or trademark issues beyond the name check in the Commercial Register.

- Structuring capital contributions, employee share plans, and notary coordination for incorporations.

- Ensuring compliance with sector permits hospitality, healthcare, financial services, transport, construction, education, and with municipal rules on signage, zoning, and noise.

- Setting up cross-border operations near Basel, including VAT implications, permanent establishment risk, and foreign worker permits.

- Employment law and social insurance registrations, including accident insurance, pension obligations, and withholding tax for foreign employees.

- Data protection and consumer law for websites and online shops under the revised Swiss Data Protection Act and unfair competition rules.

- Avoiding accounting and audit pitfalls, including correct audit opt-out or limited audit, and capital maintenance rules.

- Handling restructurings, conversions, or bringing in investors while preserving tax neutrality where possible.

Local Laws Overview

Legal forms and registration:

- Sole proprietorship Einzelunternehmen is simple to start. Registration in the Commercial Register becomes mandatory once annual turnover reaches CHF 100,000. Below that it is optional. The owner is personally liable. The business name must include the owner’s family name.

- General and limited partnerships must register if they run a commercial business. Partners are personally liable subject to the partnership type.

- GmbH requires a minimum share capital of CHF 20,000, fully paid in. Incorporation is notarized. It gains legal personality upon entry in the Commercial Register. At least one managing person must be able to represent the company in Switzerland.

- AG requires share capital of CHF 100,000, of which at least CHF 50,000 must be paid in at incorporation. Notarization and Commercial Register entry are required.

Commercial Register in Solothurn:

- The Handelsregisteramt des Kantons Solothurn processes entries for Dornach. Once registered, your entity is published in the Swiss Official Gazette of Commerce and is assigned a UID business identification number.

Name rules:

- Names must be truthful and not misleading. GmbH and AG must include the legal form suffix. Names must be distinguishable nationwide. Use the federal name index Zefix to check availability before drafting documents.

Taxes and accounting:

- VAT registration at the Federal Tax Administration is required once worldwide taxable turnover reaches CHF 100,000 per year, with some exceptions. Voluntary VAT registration is possible.

- Corporate or personal income tax and communal taxes are assessed by the Solothurn tax authority. Registration is required after formation or start of activity in Dornach.

- Businesses must keep accounts. Small businesses may keep simplified accounts if below the statutory threshold. Larger entities must prepare full financial statements. GmbH and AG are subject to at least a limited audit by default, with a possible opt-out if they have fewer than 10 full-time employees on average and all shareholders agree.

Employment and social insurance:

- Employers must register with the Solothurn Ausgleichskasse for AHV IV EO old-age, disability, and loss-of-earnings insurance and for unemployment insurance, and affiliate with a family allowance fund.

- Employers must provide accident insurance UVG and, above an annual salary threshold set by law, occupational pension coverage BVG. Source tax withholding may apply to certain foreign employees.

Permits and local compliance:

- There is no general business license, but many activities are regulated. Examples include hospitality Gastgewerbebewilligung, healthcare professional licenses, transport, finance, security, and education. Check cantonal offices for sector requirements.

- Premises in Dornach may require zoning clearance, change-of-use approval, signage permits, and fire safety approvals. Coordinate with the Dornach municipal building office before signing a lease or opening.

Digital and consumer compliance:

- The revised Swiss Data Protection Act applies if you process personal data. Maintain a privacy notice and ensure appropriate technical and organizational measures.

- E-commerce and advertising must comply with the Unfair Competition Act, including clear provider identification and transparent pricing. Retailers must respect the Price Disclosure Ordinance for price indications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which legal form is best for a small business in Dornach

Sole proprietorships are simple and inexpensive, but the owner is personally liable. A GmbH limits liability to the company’s assets and is popular for small teams or where clients expect a company form. An AG suits ventures needing larger capital or investor participation. The right choice depends on risk, taxes, image, and growth plans.

Do I need to register a sole proprietorship in the Commercial Register

Registration becomes mandatory once your annual turnover reaches CHF 100,000. You may register earlier voluntarily. Registration improves transparency and may help with banking and credibility, but it adds costs and publication of your details.

Where do I register my company for Dornach

Commercial Register filings go to the Handelsregisteramt des Kantons Solothurn. You can typically prepare filings through the EasyGov portal and finalize with a Solothurn notary for GmbH and AG. Municipal matters like signage or premises approvals are handled with the Dornach municipal offices.

How long does it take to form a GmbH or AG

If your name is available and documents are in order, expect about 1 to 3 weeks from capital deposit to registration and publication. Timing depends on notary availability and the Commercial Register’s workload.

What are the capital requirements for GmbH and AG

A GmbH requires CHF 20,000 fully paid in. An AG requires CHF 100,000 with at least CHF 50,000 paid in at incorporation. Funds are deposited into a blocked capital account before notarization and are released after registration.

Do I need a VAT number at the start

If you expect to reach CHF 100,000 in taxable turnover within 12 months, you should register for VAT at the start. If you are below the threshold, you may still register voluntarily to reclaim input tax if appropriate for your activity.

What obligations do I have as an employer in Dornach

Register as an employer with the Solothurn compensation office, arrange accident insurance UVG, affiliate with a pension fund if employees exceed the legal earnings threshold, set up payroll with social insurance contributions, and handle withholding tax where applicable. Comply with Swiss labor law on working hours, holidays, and terminations.

Are there special permits for cafes, restaurants, or bars

Yes. Hospitality businesses require a cantonal gastronomy permit and must meet food safety, alcohol, fire safety, and hygiene rules. Plan for inspections and obtain approvals before opening. Outdoor seating may need municipal permission.

Can I run a business from my home in Dornach

Often yes, but you must respect zoning, nuisance, and neighbors. Significant customer traffic, signage, or structural changes may require municipal approval. Check with the Dornach building office before committing.

In what language are filings made

Solothurn is German-speaking, so filings and corporate documents for registration are typically in German. Contracts with private parties can be in other languages, but using German for official processes helps avoid delays.

Additional Resources

Handelsregisteramt des Kantons Solothurn - Commercial Register office for company entries and extracts.

EasyGov portal - Federal online service to incorporate and register with multiple authorities in one process.

Solothurn cantonal tax office - Corporate and personal tax registration and guidance for the canton and municipalities including Dornach.

Federal Tax Administration VAT - VAT registration, rates, and return filing.

Solothurn Ausgleichskasse SVA - Social insurance registrations AHV IV EO ALV and family allowances.

SUVA or private accident insurers - Mandatory accident insurance for employees.

Zefix - Central index for checking company name availability and viewing register entries.

Swiss Official Gazette of Commerce SHAB - Official publication of company registrations and notices.

UID register Federal Statistical Office - Business identification number management.

Dornach municipal administration - Local zoning, building, signage, and opening hour matters.

Next Steps

1. Clarify your business model, risks, and funding. Choose a legal form that matches your needs. A short consultation can save money and complications later.

2. Check and reserve your company name. Verify availability in Zefix and consider trademark searches if brand protection matters.

3. Prepare formation documents. For GmbH or AG, draft articles of association and shareholder or quota holder agreements. Open a capital deposit account and obtain bank confirmation.

4. Coordinate notarization and file with the Handelsregisteramt des Kantons Solothurn. Use the EasyGov process where possible to streamline filings.

5. Register for taxes and social insurances. Complete VAT registration if needed, register with the Solothurn tax authority, and set up payroll with the cantonal compensation office. Choose an accident insurer and a pension fund as required.

6. Address sector and local permits. Contact the relevant cantonal offices for any regulated activity and the Dornach municipal offices for premises, signage, or outdoor seating approvals.

7. Put governance and compliance in place. Approve signing authorities, accounting policies, and document retention. Prepare employment contracts and a privacy notice if you process personal data.

8. Seek legal help when uncertainties arise. A local lawyer can review documents, coordinate with the notary, and ensure your registrations and permits are correct the first time.