Checklist: starting a sole proprietorship

A certain number of steps are involved for starting a sole proprietorship. They are listed below.

• Budget for start-up costs
• Get tax advice and calculate taxes for establishing your company
• Decide the company name (check with the cantonal trade register if registration is mandatory or voluntary)
• Register with the trade register (if mandatory or voluntary)
• Register with the Old-Age and Survivors' Insurance (OASI) cantonal compensation fund
• If you have employees, register with the Old-Age and Survivors' Insurance (OASI) compensation fund and take out mandatory Occupational Pension insurance (OP) and Accident Insurance (UV) policies
• Register with the Swiss Federal Tax Administration (FTA) if you are required to pay VAT.