Easily Create a General Partnership in Switzerland: Your Strategic Partner

• No minimum capital required
• The owner must have a domicile in Switzerland (no residency requirement)
• Unlimited liability with personal assets

How much does it cost to establish a general partnership, and how long does it take to register?

Establishing a general partnership often costs up to CHF 1'000. At IFJ, the legally and notarized formation costs a maximum of CHF 200. If you open a business account with the banking partner PostFinance, the formation costs only CHF 100.

Not to forget: Thanks to further well-known partners, you receive additional startup deals that completely cover your incorporation costs and support the start of your company.

These additional third-party costs are incurred with every general partnership incorporation:>

• Commercial registry office CHF 150 - 250
• Signature certification CHF 20 - 50

How long does it take to establish a general partnership in Switzerland?

On average, establishing a general partnership takes 2 - 4 weeks. Depending on the canton and the workload of the offices, this can vary.

How is a general partnership formed?

What is the company name of a general partnership?

How do I register a general partnership in the commercial register?

What insurance does a general partnership need?

Other insurances are also of central importance for the general partnership. It is important to always analyze the different needs and create tailored solutions accordingly. An overview of what insurances might be necessary for your new company can be found at www.ifj.ch/durchstarten/versicherungen.

Experts from Helvetia are available for personal consultation.

Who is liable in a general partnership?

Secondarily (subsidiarily), all partners are liable without limitation and jointly with their private assets for the debts of the general partnership (OR 568.

Accounting in a General Partnership

A general partnership whose turnover is less than CHF 500'000 must maintain at least a basic accounting system covering income, expenses, and financial position.

A general partnership that generated revenue of at least CHF 500'000 in the last financial year is obligated to keep accounts and prepare financial statements according to the rules defined in the Swiss Code of Obligations (OR 957).

Taxation of the general partnership in Switzerland

Each partner is taxed based on their share of the income and assets of the partnership, as well as their personal income and assets. Tax planning is feasible whether the business and personal domicile are located in the same place or in different locations. Particularly when the business and personal domiciles are in different locations, the owner with the general partnership can potentially pay lower overall taxes.

The transfer of a general partnership can only be made with the consent of all partners (OR 557, OR 542). The chosen company name can be continued without restriction. In partnerships, the change of a partner has no impact on the company, and choosing a different legal form ideally only affects the indication of this legal form (OR 954).

The dissolution of a general partnership occurs in several steps and can be easily ordered online through the digital legal service of IFJ.

Advantages:

• For the formation of a general partnership, no minimum capital is required.
• The founding process is relatively straightforward. This also applies to the internal organizational structure of the company (depending on the number of partners).

Disadvantages:

• The liability issue can be problematic as the partners are jointly and severally liable without limit among themselves. This creates a mutual dependency among the partners.
• Having everyone involved can complicate entrepreneurial flexibility.
• The professional flexibility of the partners is also restricted, for example, by non-compete clauses.

Opting to create a general partnership means choosing a structure where the responsibility for the company’s debts is shared indefinitely among the partners. This legal form is ideal for small businesses, family businesses, or partnerships where trust is a central pillar. By collaborating with us for your general partnership creation, you benefit from professional support that transforms your entrepreneurial ambitions into operational reality.

Our online general partnership creation service is designed to simplify your entrepreneurial journey. Through our secure digital platform, you can initiate the creation of a general partnership online, with all necessary administrative steps efficiently handled without the need for travel. This service offers you unparalleled freedom and complete control over the process, ensuring that each step strictly complies with the regulations in force.

Switzerland, particularly the cities of Zurich, Basel, Bern, Geneva and Lugano offers an attractive economic environment for setting up your general partnership and positions you advantageously in dynamic and diverse markets. We help you navigate the local business landscape and ensure that your general partnership in Switzerland takes full advantage of all available opportunities. Our in-depth knowledge of local specifics enriches your project and turns the establishment of your general partnership in Aargau, Thurgau, Fribourg, Valais or Lucerne into a lasting success.

In addition to general partnership creation, we offer a range of complementary services covering all aspects necessary for the development and management of your business. Whether it is for tax advice, risk management strategies, or accounting services, our team is equipped to provide comprehensive support. Creating a general partnership with our assistance is not just about getting started; we commit to providing continuous support to ensure the long-term success and growth of your business.