Open a Representative Office in Switzerland

Switzerland is a very important European economy, but it is necessary to know that the state is not a member of the European Union (EU). However, many laws applicable here are similar with the ones established in the member-states of the EU and foreign investors have many business opportunities, sustained by many regulations and agreements signed between Switzerland and other countries. Those who want to establish a business presence on the Swiss market should know they can set up a representative office through which several operations can be carried out, except those referring to commercial activities. Our team of Swiss lawyers can assist foreign businessmen with an in-depth presentation on the main functions of the representative office. 

 

 

Businessmen who are interested in the Swiss business environment can enter the local market through a representative office (also referred to as a liaison office), which is a type of entity set up for non-commercial purposes. 

 

The liaison office has a special status under the Swiss law. It is important to know that a representative office does not possess a legal entity and that it is governed by the rules and regulations imposed under the domicile legislation. Liaison offices can be set up by both foreign legal entities and non-governmental organisations. 

 

The office does not need a different trading name than the one of the parent company and in the situation in which the office set up in Switzerland may experience financial issues, the parent company will be liable for such debts; our team of Swiss attorneys can offer more details on how to register a representative office here. 

 

 

A liaison office is not required to perform the standard procedure applicable to commercial companies set up in Switzerland.

 

The minimum requirements are the following: 

 

• the appointment of a representative;

• declaring the existence of the office;

• complying with the regulations of the Swiss social insurance system (as the office is allowed to hire personnel). 

 

Businessmen interested in receiving more details on how to register a representative office in Switzerland can address to our Swiss law firm for legal representation.