Starting a Business (LLC) in the Canton of Fribourg
Starting a business (LLC) in Canton Fribourg: the path to your own company.
Starting a Business (LLC) in the Canton of Fribourg
Starting a limited liability company in Canton Fribourg offers many advantages due to favorable local economic conditions. Fribourg, strategically located between German and French-speaking Switzerland, benefits from a cultural mix that fosters business and innovation. The city of Freiburg, with its renowned university, is a hub of talent and innovative ideas. To establish a limited liability company, you must register with the Registry of Commerce and obtain the necessary licenses depending on your business sector. Moderate fees and support from local institutions make Fribourg an ideal place for entrepreneurs. In addition, the canton offers several opportunities for networking and collaboration, thanks to numerous events and business associations. With a strong sense of community and modern infrastructure, Fribourg is the perfect place to establish and grow a limited liability company.
Start a limited liability company in Canton Fribourg: 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
- Officially bilingual (German/French) — access to both Swiss language markets
- Lower costs than Zurich, Geneva or Bern
- University of Fribourg and HES-SO provide skilled graduates
- Good motorway connections (A1/A12)
- Growing tech and food industry presence
- Competitive cantonal tax rates
- Active cantonal economic promotion (Promotion économique FR)
Starting an LLC in Switzerland: Disadvantages
- Smaller economic ecosystem than major urban cantons
- Less international visibility
- Public transport outside the city is limited
- Swiss residency required for managing directors of LLCs and AGs
What should I consider if I want to start a limited liability company in Canton Fribourg?
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 Fribourg
- Choose your legal structure and register with the Fribourg Commercial Register
- Obtain any sector-specific permits or licenses
- Register with AHV social insurance
- VAT registration required above CHF 100,000 annual turnover
- Open a business bank account (required for GmbH/AG capital deposit)
Key Legal Facts
- Bilingual environment ideal for national-facing businesses
- Food, agriculture, and medtech sectors especially active
- Lower operating costs than Lausanne or Bern
Canton-Specific Notes
- Promotion économique FR provides free startup advisory and market access support
- Fribourg's university creates an ongoing pipeline of multilingual graduates
Download the Checklist
Download the checklist for preparing for self-employment with a LLC in PDF format now!