Best Providers for Sole Proprietorships

Mon, 01.06.2026, 08:00

Starting a sole proprietorship in Switzerland is easier than many people think. However, providers differ significantly in terms of price, support, digital processes and experience.

Why choosing the right partner matters

The sole proprietorship is one of the most common legal forms in Switzerland. Many entrepreneurs choose it because it is simple, flexible and comparatively affordable.

However, important questions already arise before starting the business:

• Do I need to register in the commercial register?
• When do I need a VAT number?
• How does social insurance registration work?
• Which insurance policies do I need?
• Which accounting obligations apply?
• How does digital company formation work?

Especially when becoming self employed for the first time, many entrepreneurs appreciate support from experienced experts.

What to look for in a provider

Today there are many providers for company formations in Switzerland. Besides traditional fiduciaries, there are also purely online platforms. The differences are often not only related to price, but especially to service and processes.

• Experience with Swiss company formations
• Personal support
• Transparent pricing without hidden fees
• Modern digital processes
• Support with authorities and social insurance
• Availability in case of problems
• Data protection and legal security

1. IFJ Institut für Jungunternehmen

The IFJ Institut für Jungunternehmen has been one of the best known company formation partners in Switzerland for many years.

More than 30 years of experience

IFJ has supported entrepreneurs throughout Switzerland for more than 30 years and has already assisted with more than 200,000 company formations. Clients benefit from extensive experience with Swiss authorities, processes and requirements.

• Self employment registration
• Commercial register entry
• Social insurance registration
• VAT related questions
• Company name
• Accounting
• Insurance

Modern digital company formation in Switzerland

IFJ offers modern and digital formation processes that flexibly adapt to the needs of entrepreneurs.

Clients can decide themselves whether they want to sign documents traditionally by hand or complete the entire company formation digitally using a qualified electronic signature.

A major advantage is the free choice of QES provider. Entrepreneurs are not tied to a single platform and can choose the solution that suits them best.

Personal support remains a major advantage

Especially during a first self employment journey, many uncertainties may arise. That is why many entrepreneurs value the possibility of speaking directly with experienced specialists.

• Social insurance
• Main or side business activity
• Tax obligations
• Business bank account
• Invoicing
• Accounting
• Insurance
• VAT obligations

How much does starting a sole proprietorship cost?

The costs for starting a sole proprietorship in Switzerland are comparatively low. Depending on the situation and desired support, prices are usually between CHF 100 and 200.

Additional costs may arise for commercial register entry, certifications, insurance, accounting software or a business account.

When is a sole proprietorship suitable?

A sole proprietorship is particularly suitable for freelancers, consultants, coaches, creatives, craftspeople, online shops, small service companies and part time self employed entrepreneurs.

Further information is available on the Swiss SME Portal.

Conclusion

Choosing the right partner can significantly simplify the start into self employment. Besides affordable pricing, personal support, legal security and modern digital processes are becoming increasingly important.

IFJ combines many years of experience with modern digital solutions and offers entrepreneurs the flexibility between handwritten signatures and digital QES solutions with free provider choice.