Starting a business (LLC) in Canton Lucerne
Starting a business (LLC) in Canton Lucerne: the path to your own company.
Starting a business (LLC) in Canton Lucerne
Forming a limited liability company 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 businesses in the restaurant, event management and healthcare 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 a limited liability company.
Start a limited liability company in Canton Lucerne: here's how to do it!
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 LLC's data
After calculating the non-binding offer, enter your company details. At this point you can order the incorporation of the company.
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 company is now active and can operate.
Definition of 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.
Starting an 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)
- HSLU provides skilled graduates for corporate staffing
Starting an LLC: Disadvantages
- Higher costs than smaller central Swiss cantons
- Smaller financial and pharma ecosystem than Zurich or Basel
- Swiss residency required for at least one board member
- AG audit and reporting obligations are substantial
What should I consider if I want to start a limited liability company in Canton Lucerne?
A minimum of CHF 20,000 (fully released) is required to establish a LLC.Info: The founder of an PLC or LLC cannot draw money from the pension fund 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.
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.
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.
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.
What you need to know about the LLC!
AG Incorporation Requirements in Lucerne
- Minimum share capital: CHF 100,000 (at least CHF 50,000 paid up)
- At least one board member with Swiss domicile
- Notarial deed required for articles of association
- Registration with the Lucerne Commercial Register
- Company name must include "AG" / "SA"
Key Legal Facts
- Shareholder liability limited to share capital
- Annual financial statements and board report mandatory
- Statutory audit required (ordinary or limited depending on size)
- VAT registration required above CHF 100,000 annual turnover
Canton-Specific Notes
- Strong for financial services, tourism and health-related AGs
- Lower tax burden compared to Zurich or Bern
- luzern.business portal provides AG setup guidance and network access