Establish a limited liability company (LLC) in Canton Lucerne

Establishing a limited liability company (LLC) in Canton Lucerne: the path to your own company.

Establish a limited liability company (LLC) in Canton Lucerne

Forming a limited liability company (LLC) in Lucerne offers many advantages due to its picturesque location on Lake Lucerne and dynamic economy in the tourism and service sector. Lucerne is particularly favorable for activities in the restaurant, event management and health care sectors. The Lucerne Trade Registry supports entrepreneurs with an efficient registration process. The city is a crucial node for national and international communication routes, facilitating access to business partners and customers. Proximity to Lucerne University of Applied Sciences offers additional opportunities for collaboration and networking. Lucerne is also a major cultural center with numerous festivals, museums, and theaters, creating a vibrant and stimulating environment for new businesses. The high quality of life, along with the magnificent scenery and excellent infrastructure, makes Lucerne an ideal location to establish limited liability companies (LLCs).

PROCESS

Establish a limited liability company (LLC) in Canton Lucerne: here's how to do it!

1

Calculate a non-binding offer

Enter your start-up project conveniently online and benefit from cost sharing from our partners. In just a few steps you can compose your customized start-up package.

Enter the details of the limited liability company

After calculating the non-binding offer, enter your company details. At this point you can order the formation of the limited liability company (LLC).

Get in touch

Our attorneys will contact you within the specified time (often less than 24 hours). You will receive all incorporation documents, discuss any uncertainties, and schedule a personal consultation.

Check the documents

You can consult, print and sign all the constituent documents at your convenience at home.

Authenticate signature

At this point you must obtain official certification of the signature (e.g., from the local authority). This confirms that the signature is indeed yours.

Entry in the commercial register

We submit all incorporation documents to the commercial register and ensure that your company is successfully registered in the commercial register. In the case of corporations, the paid-up capital is transferred to a business account after publication and is available to your company.

Celebrate

Congratulations on the successful founding of your company. Your limited liability company (LLC) is now active and can operate.

The LLC in Switzerland

We believe that personalized advice is the key to best understanding our clients' individual needs and challenges and offering tailored solutions.

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Establishing a LLC: advantages

  • Central Swiss location — excellent access to all major economic regions
  • Competitive tax rates (below Swiss average)
  • Strong financial services, tourism and healthcare clusters
  • Good rail and road connections (A2/A14 motorways)
  • High quality of life; popular with international professionals
  • University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSLU) provides skilled graduates

Establishing a LLC: disadvantages

  • Higher costs than smaller central Swiss cantons (Nidwalden, Obwalden)
  • Commercial real estate competitive in the city center
  • Smaller financial and pharma ecosystem than Zurich or Basel
  • Double taxation on profits and dividends
  • Swiss residency required for at least one managing director

What should I consider if I want to establish a limited liability company (LLC) in Canton Lucerne?

Capital needed

A minimum of CHF 20,000 (fully paid up) is required to establish a LLC.

Info: The founder of an PLC or LLC cannot draw on pension fund money because he is employed in his own company on the basis of an employment contract. He is therefore not considered self-employed under OASI law.

Number of members

The LLC requires at least one partner and one managing director, which can be the same person. A managing director with signature authority must also be a resident of Switzerland.

Auditing

The audit is mandatory for 10 or more employees. Under Article 727 CO, an LLC is subject to ordinary audit if it exceeds two of the following thresholds in two consecutive fiscal years: Balance sheet total: 20 million francs - Turnover: 40 million francs - Full-time employees: 250.

Subjection to VAT

Your LLC is subject to value added tax only if its turnover exceeds CHF 100,000. However, you can also voluntarily apply VAT to a lower turnover.

Useful information about the LLC

LLC Formation Requirements in Lucerne

  1. Minimum share capital: CHF 20,000 (fully paid up)
  2. At least one managing director with Swiss domicile
  3. Notarial deed for articles of association
  4. Registration with the Lucerne Commercial Register
  5. Company name must include "GmbH" / "LLC"

Key Legal Facts

  • Partner liability limited to share capital
  • Annual financial statements mandatory
  • Small LLCs may opt out of statutory audit
  • VAT registration required above CHF 100,000 annual turnover

Canton-Specific Notes

  • Strong destination for financial services, tourism, and health-related LLCs
  • Lower tax burden compared to Zurich or Bern
  • luzern.business portal provides startup guidance and network access

Download the Checklist

Download the checklist for preparing for self-employment with a LLC in PDF format now!