Self-employed in Switzerland: Key steps to start your activity and manage it

Many Swiss residents consider this path when starting a consulting activity, offering creative services, working as an independent tradesperson, or developing a small professional practice.

At the same time, running an independent activity in Switzerland comes with specific rules that must be followed – not only to register properly but also to manage your business efficiently over time. In this article, you will learn when you need to register as a self-employed person, how to do so correctly, and what responsibilities you must handle once your activity begins.

When it is time to officially register

Before you can officially launch your independent activity, it’s important to understand the key requirements authorities use to determine eligibility.

Key requirements for self-employment:

Requirement	What it means
Operate under your own name and take responsibility	You are fully accountable for your business outcomes, including any financial losses.
Control over your work	You determine how, when, and for whom you perform your services, without being directed by a single client.
Assume financial risk	You cover your own business expenses and accept the possibility of losses.
Invoice clients directly	You create and send invoices yourself for the products or services you provide.
Maintain independence from an employer	Your activity must not be economically dependent on a single client.

Getting started as a Swiss independent professional

Step 1: Check your eligibility

Before starting your independent activity, confirm that you are legally permitted to do so:

• Swiss citizens can launch their activity without additional permits.
• Citizens of European Union or European Free Trade Association countries must have the right of residence for self-employment, which may involve applying for or converting a permit depending on their situation.
• Non-European citizens must secure explicit approval from the cantonal authorities. This process is often complex and may only be granted in specific circumstances, such as recognised professions or a well-documented business plan.

Step 2: Have evidence of your activity

You cannot register purely in anticipation of starting a business. Authorities require proof that your activity is genuine. Evidence may include:

• Issued or ready-to-issue invoices
• Signed contracts or offers
• Payments from clients
• Proof of business expenses

Even if you earn small amounts or operate for a short period, objective signs of activity are sufficient.

Once your activity becomes regular and shows a genuine intention to generate income, prompt registration is mandatory and failing to register while earning income can lead to penalties.

Step 3: Choose a business name

Many self-employed individuals operate under their own name, often with an added description of their activity. If you select a different name, ensure it is not misleading and not already in use.

Step 4: Prepare supporting documents

Prepare documents demonstrating the legitimacy of your activity. This may include contracts, invoices, offers, your website, or marketing materials. Having these ready helps ensure a smooth registration process.

Step 5: Officially register your independent activity

Registration is requested through the cantonal social insurance office. Required documents typically include:

• A completed application form
• A copy of your identity document or permit
• Evidence of independent business activity

While registration is usually procedural, some cantonal authorities may request additional proof if the activity appears uncertain. Accuracy and completeness are essential.

Step 6: Inform the Cantonal Tax Office

In some cantons, you must formally notify the tax office of your new activity. This may be done:

• Through a short online form
• By letter or email

Requirements vary by canton. In some cases, registration is automatic, but it is essential to check the procedure in your specific canton to ensure compliance.

Step 7: Arrange mandatory and optional insurance

When you complete registration with your cantonal social insurance office, your mandatory social insurance coverage is set up automatically. Beyond this, you might also consider additional protections for yourself:

• Accident insurance: Optional for independent professionals, while it is compulsory only for employees.
• Pension contributions: You can make voluntary contributions to a pension plan to support long-term financial security. Although occupational pensions are mandatory for employees, independent contributions allow you to plan for retirement.
• Value-added tax registration: Required when your annual turnover exceeds CHF 100,000 (unless the activity is exempt from VAT by law). Small businesses below this threshold may choose voluntary registration to recover input taxes.

Step 8: Set up proper invoicing

Invoices must include the following elements:

• Your name and address
• Invoice date
• Description of the services you provide
• Amounts due
• If you are VAT-registered, invoices must also include your VAT number, applicable VAT rate, and VAT amount.

A consistent, professional invoicing system helps you stay organised and maintain a professional image with clients.

How to be self-employed in Switzerland: Managing activity after registration

Registration is only the beginning. Once your activity is officially recognised, ongoing obligations follow.

Continuous social insurance contributions

As a self-employed professional, you are responsible for reporting your income and paying social insurance contributions. These are typically recalculated based on actual annual earnings, and some cantons may require advance payments throughout the year.

Income and expense tracking

Maintaining accurate records of all earnings and business-related expenses is essential for:

• Compliance: Ensures you meet legal and tax obligations and can provide proof if authorities request it.
• Financial clarity: Helps you monitor cash flow and avoid surprises.
• Decision-making: Provides insights for investments, pricing, and growth strategies.
• Tax filing: Organised records make completing your personal tax return faster and reduce the risk of errors or penalties.

This includes all invoices sent, payments received, and costs incurred in running your activity.

Managing tax responsibilities

Income from your independent activity is included in your personal tax assessment. Careful preparation is important to avoid mistakes or unexpected adjustments. You have two main options:

• Do it yourself: With accurate records and clear guidance, you can complete your tax filings independently.
• Outsource to a professional: Specialists can manage the process, preparing, reviewing, and submitting your tax return to ensure accuracy and compliance.

Some cantons may require advance tax payments based on estimated income.

Cash flow awareness

Unlike salaried employment, payments may arrive late or irregularly. Monitoring incoming and outgoing funds is essential to maintain financial stability throughout the year.

Administrative follow-ups

Deadlines, reporting requirements, and documentation reviews are part of daily reality. Staying organised ensures your activity remains compliant and sustainable.

Starting smoothly with LedgerPeek

When you launch your independent activity, you may have many questions: How to register for self-employed in your canton? What are the specific requirements for your type of work? How much tax will you pay, and what social insurance obligations apply?

LedgerPeek is here to guide you through every step. We provide comprehensive administrative support to help you start correctly and manage your activity with confidence.

From your first consultation, we deliver guidance tailored to your situation. We explain essential administrative steps, clarify your legal and financial obligations, and answer all your questions in clear, practical language. With us, you are never left wondering what to do next.

Once your activity is running, we help you keep up efficiently with:

• Calendar integration
• Invoice automation
• Expense management
• Personal taxation support
• Business-level reporting

With LedgerPeek, you get all the help you need for your self-employed activity – from your first administrative step to daily financial clarity.

Take your first step toward self-employment in Switzerland. Book a consultation with our specialist today and start your journey with confidence.