Starting a business (LLC) in the Canton of Bern
Starting a business (LLC) in Canton Bern: the path to your own company.
Starting a limited liability company in the canton of Bern
In Bern, the federal city, forming a limited liability company is facilitated by stable political conditions and a well-organized administration. The city offers an excellent environment for business in the service sector due to the presence of numerous federal offices and international organizations. It is possible to register a limited liability company quickly and easily with the Berne Trade Registry. In addition, entrepreneurs can benefit from a strong network within the region. Proximity to key decision makers is an added advantage. Local networks and start-up centers, such as the Impact Hub Bern, offer support and advice for start-ups. The city also hosts numerous international events and conferences, providing additional networking opportunities. With its high quality of life and rich cultural heritage, Bern provides an inspiring environment to establish and develop a limited liability company.
Start a limited liability company in Canton Bern: 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 details of the limited liability company (LLC)
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 in Switzerland: Advantages
- Federal capital — direct access to federal government, lobbying and procurement
- Bilingual (German/French) — gateway to both language markets
- Strong public sector, healthcare, IT and precision industry clusters
- Excellent infrastructure: airport, rail hub, motorway connections
- Large educated workforce; University of Bern, Bern University of Applied Sciences
- Stable, reputable business environment
Starting an LLC in Switzerland: Disadvantages
- Cantonal tax burden above Swiss average
- Higher commercial rents in the city center
- Slower pace of innovation compared to Zurich or Basel
- Swiss domicile required for managing directors
- Complex bureaucracy due to canton's size and public sector weight
What should I consider if I want to start a limited liability company in Canton Bern?
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!
Business Formation Requirements in Bern
- Choose your legal structure (sole proprietorship, GmbH, AG, etc.)
- Register with the Bern Commercial Register (Handelsregisteramt)
- Obtain necessary licenses and permits for your business sector
- Register for AHV social insurance and employee coverage
- VAT registration required above CHF 100,000 annual turnover
Key Legal Facts
- Ideal for public sector suppliers, NGOs, lobbying or government-adjacent businesses
- Bern Economic Development Agency (WFB) offers free advisory services
- Bilingual setup can be an advantage for national market coverage
Canton-Specific Notes
- Canton Bern is the second-largest in Switzerland by area — diverse economic landscape
- Impact Hub Bern is active for startup networking and co-working
Download the Checklist
Download the checklist for preparing for self-employment with a LLC in PDF format now!