Industry guides
Every industry has its own pitfalls.
What you need where, what it costs, which permits can block you. Six industries, condensed to the essentials.
Food & Beverage
Opening a restaurant, bar or café
Food service in Switzerland is heavily regulated. A liquor licence, food law and staff costs shape the business model more than in many other industries.
Hair & Beauty
Opening a salon or beauty studio
Hair, nail, cosmetics or massage studios are personal services with a low entry barrier – but tight margins. Professional qualification and hygiene rules are central.
E-commerce
Building an online shop
Digital sales have low start-up costs but many pitfalls around data protection, taxes and international shipping. The turnover thresholds for VAT registration abroad are often overlooked.
Consulting & Freelance
Becoming self-employed as a consultant or freelancer
Classic freelancing or specialised consulting is the most common form of self-employment – but the AHV compensation office scrutinises recognition more strictly than many think.
Trades & Construction
Starting a trade business
Trades in Switzerland are heavily shaped by proof of qualification, collective agreements and cantonal licences. A master craftsman or professional exam is mandatory for many trades.
Health & Practice
Opening a practice or health-related business
Doctors, therapists, naturopaths: the market is strongly segmented by region. Health-insurer recognition often decides between success and failure.