From an idea abroad to opening day in Switzerland
This page shows every step from the first idea to opening day in the order the steps happen. It also covers the parts that are rarely mentioned upfront.
The short version
Opening a business in Switzerland means dealing with authorities, documents and deadlines in a fixed order. This order is handled here in your language and you can concentrate on the business itself.
The journey
Feasibility
Your situation is assessed: citizenship, the canton, the type of business and the premises you have in mind. Afterwards you know what is possible and which steps it takes. An EU or EFTA passport makes this stage short. A third-country case takes longer and runs with specialist partners.
You then decide whether the plan holds as it is or gets adjusted first.
The permit
The permit strategy, the complete dossier and all correspondence with the migration authorities are handled here. You only need to sign.
The premises
The lease is checked before you sign it. Old index clauses, handover conditions, solidarity clauses and hidden obligations are pointed out and negotiated with the landlord or the agency in German, French or Italian.
Licences and requirements
This covers the operating licence, the restaurant operator certificate where required, food safety self-monitoring, fire safety and communal requirements. The dossiers are assembled and submitted. The authorities are followed up until the answer comes.
Registrations and opening
The registrations with the residents' office and for social security (AHV) come last, shortly before the opening.
What can go wrong
These are the risks that come up most often.
Delay
A permit or a licence can sit on a desk for weeks.
Regular follow-ups help more than pressure. They are done here in writing.
Premises
A former shop cannot always become a restaurant.
Change of use and building requirements are checked before you sign the lease.
Permit
Third-country cases can fail on quotas and requirements.
If a case is unrealistic, you hear it in the first conversation, before any fees add up.
When something stalls, you hear it early with the reason and a plan B.
Example of a status update
Week 6: Restaurant opening in Lausanne
Where it stands: the operating licence is issued. The terrace permit is still with the commune.
Next step: the commune has promised a decision by 14 October.
Plan B: the restaurant opens inside on 1 October. The terrace follows once the permit is issued.
While you are still abroad
Until you arrive, someone is on the ground for you.
Your part, from abroad
- You decide on the premises and the details.
- You sign the documents.
- You join the important meetings by video.
On the ground in Switzerland
- Every viewing is done here, with photos and notes.
- Meetings with the commune, the authorities and third parties are attended here.
- Contracts are negotiated and any handovers happen here.
- Documents and conversations are translated between German, French, Italian and English where necessary.
You make the decisions and the work on site is done here.
The first conversation is free
Describe what you want to open, where and your citizenship. These details decide most of the next steps. You receive a response within one working day.
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