Business Licenses in Switzerland

Usually, a Swiss Commercial Registry is sufficient for a Swiss company to operate general business activities. However, if a company operates in certain sectors, special licenses are required for a company to start such activity.

Some of these are: 

• Banking, Security trading, Asset Management, Crypto Currency, Insurance – Licenses issued by Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA) is required for these business activities. Read more about License for Financial Services in Switzerland.

• Portfolio managers and trustees

• Transport –The license is issued by Federal Office of Transport (FOT), depending on type of activities, such as transport of goods, persons, etc.

• Recruitment Agency – A license issued by the Canton, in which the company is located, is needed.

• Hotel or Restaurant – A retail permit issued by the Canton, in which the company is located, is required.

• Selling liquor – The company will need to obtain a license from Swiss Alcohol Board.

• Casino – The company will need to have a permit from Swiss Federal Gaming Board.

• Others – Lawyers, dentist, physicians and pharmacists are also required to obtain special licenses.

Before applying for a license, a Swiss company needs to be officially registered on Swiss Commercial Registry. Different license may require different type of companies. If you are interested in our services in Swiss company incorporation and administration, please feel free to contact us at admin@ftrust.ch. We are specialists in Swiss company setup, administration, accounting, payroll services, etc.