VAT-free up to CHF 100,000²
Learn more
Non-binding example²: about CHF 18,000 difference DE VAT vs VAT-free under CHF 100,000 CH (assumptions in the calculator). Guide →
Your company in Switzerland
Incorporate. Save. Earn more
VAT-free up to CHF 100,000² Health insurance from CHF 220¹ No Meisterpflicht³
First check your savings potential — then compare legal forms and, if you wish, book a personal consultation.
No obligation · under 2 minutes
Craftspeople without a master certificate? Learn more
Whether
in the trades
in the trades
or in
the service sector
the service sector
tax & business,
Earn more!
Earn more!
Your benefits
Why Switzerland?
Four strong reasons — tap “Learn more” for details.
Lower health-insurance contributions¹
Learn more
With residence in Germany and activity in Switzerland you benefit from much lower premiums. Guide →
Often without a German master certificate³
Learn more
Swiss formation with substance → legal notification → temporary assignments in Germany. Guide →
No trade tax
Learn more
The calculator shows your potential from VAT, health insurance and trade tax. In Switzerland, German compulsory costs such as IHK/HWK, company broadcasting fees and BG levies often fall away — Overhead comparison → · Tax →
Germany plans a pension duty⁴
Learn more
New self-employed in DE: planned statutory pension duty. In CH: mandatory contributions per leaflet 2.02 — ab 5,371 %, maximal 10 % from CHF 60,500 (not “pension-free”). Read the guide →
Live calculator
Your savings potential
Categories one after another — including DE/CH pension comparison.Adjust the sliders — a non-binding model. The “pension” block is based on a plan in Germany, not on current law.
– von 6 · Choose a category
Live calculator
Adjust savings potential
Tap a topic · adjust the sliders · the result on the right updates live
1 VAT up to CHF 100,000² Switzerland often 0% · Germany 19% on turnover +0 CHF
VAT savings²
0 CHF
per year
2 Trade tax (none in Switzerland) Profit & municipal rate · no trade tax in Switzerland +0 €
Trade-tax savings
0 €
per year (none in CH)
3 Cross-border health insurance¹ Your German premium vs typical Swiss cross-border premium +0 CHF
Health insurance (cross-border)¹
0 CHF
per year
4 Pension DE/CH⁴ DE 18.6% planned · Switzerland max. 10% —
Pension contribution DE vs Switzerland⁴
—
Difference per year
DE planned 18.6%
—
Swiss AHV 5,371–10 %
—
Savings
—
5 Swiss tax federal · canton · municipality Orientation — not a savings line —
Swiss tax burden
Federal · canton · municipality — based on the same profit as above.
—
per year · —
Direct federal tax—
Cantonal tax—
Municipal tax—
Total per year—
Effective rate—
Sole proprietorship: income tax (federal + canton + municipality) on net profit. Excluding church and wealth tax.
Double taxation DE–CH:
What is taxable in Switzerland is subject to the double-tax treaty.
Bei Wohnsitz und wirtschaftlicher Zugehörigkeit in der CH wird dieses Einkommen in der Regel dort besteuert;
eine parallele volle DE-Einkommensteuer auf denselben Gewinn ist typischerweise nicht das Zielbild.
Einzelfall (Wohnsitz, Betriebsstätte, Ausschüttungen) kann abweichen — keine Steuerberatung.
6 Trades & Meisterpflicht³ Optional · only if relevant for you optional
Your annual savings
0 CHF
incl. VAT, health insurance & trade tax
Simplified model calculation
VAT advantage only up to CHF 100,000 turnover (CH: VAT-exempt)².
KV-Vergleich: Cross-border health insurance¹.
DE pension = planning figure (18.6%, not yet law, up to €101,400)⁴;
CH AHV-Satz maximal 10 % aufs ganze Einkommen.
Meisterkosten & Opportunitätskosten nur bei „Yes, trades“ (25 €/h DE · 50 CHF/h CH).
Swiss taxes = Näherung (Bund/Canton/Gemeinde).
Individuelle Steuer- und Versicherungssituation kann abweichen.
All notes ¹²³⁴
Your result — details
Your savings at a glance
Recurring annual tax savings
0
CHF
Total year-one savings minus master-exam and opportunity costs — the amount that repeats each following year.
EUR ≈ CHF · non-binding model
VATEnter turnover
+ 0 CHF
Trade tax
+ 0 €
Health insurance
+ 0 CHF
Pension DE/CHDE 18.6% · Switzerland max. 10%
+ —
Swiss tax load (orientation, not a savings line)
Sole proprietorship · Schwyz
—
Federal · canton · municipality
ONE-OFF (AT FORMATION)
Master training saved
0 €
Opportunity cost (time value)
0 €
+ 0 CHF
+ 0 CHF
Estimated total savings in year one
0 CHF
Your savings are ready — let’s review the figures together or compare legal forms first.
Book a consultation Compare legal formsDecide well informed
In the first meeting we clarify benefits and options — and focus on Your savings ein. Typically you start with a sole proprietorship; the GmbH follows when the next step is due.
Compare legal forms
High-speed fibre
International community
24/7 access possible
Basel location
Quality of life you will feel.
Switzerland is among Europe’s most business-friendly and liveable regions. Short distances, excellent infrastructure, an entrepreneurial climate and a high level of safety and stability.
The big advantage: you keep your current place of residence and still benefit from Switzerland’s reputation — higher earnings, lower taxes and the other advantages of a Swiss base.
ICE from Freiburg: 45 min.
Alps in < 2 hrs.
Legal forms & prices
Which legal form?
One choice — package on the left, when each form makes sense on the right. Prices net in euro.
1 Sole proprietorship 1.290 € netto
EINZELFIRMA
1.290
€ netto
one-off · incl. chosen organisational support / introductions
Ideal for solo self-employed people and craftspeople preparing to enter Switzerland.
- Straightforward formation – no statutory minimum capital, no notary
- Maximum simplicity – little bureaucracy, full control as a sole trader
- Personal organisational support – from orientation to coordinating the next steps
- Tax advisors Switzerland & Germany – recommended (cost not in the package price)
Partner offers
Support with authority filings
Notes on costs
Commercial-register filing separately: CHF 200.– bis CHF 300.– (partnership)
* Business address, bank account and health insurance: Vermittlung and organisational support in the package; contracts and ongoing costs arise with the respective partner and are not included in the package price. Overview: Ongoing costs →
Tax advice: We recommend involving a tax advisor in Switzerland and Germany (cross-border / double tax). Those costs are not in the package price included.
2 General partnership 1.390 € netto
KOLLEKTIVGESELLSCHAFT
1.390
€ netto
one-off · incl. chosen organisational support / introductions
For at least two partners who want to found and operate together — without a corporation.
- From two persons – joint firm without share capital
- No notary – partnership agreement and commercial-register filing, without GmbH formalities
- Personal organisational support – from orientation to coordinating the next steps
- Joint and several liability – partners are unlimitedly liable; tax advisors CH & DE recommended (not in the package price)
Partner offers
Support with authority filings
Notes on costs
Commercial-register filing separately: CHF 200.– bis CHF 300.– (partnership, registration mandatory)
* Business address, bank account and health insurance: Vermittlung and organisational support in the package; contracts and ongoing costs arise with the respective partner and are not included in the package price. Overview: Ongoing costs →
Tax advice: We recommend involving a tax advisor in Switzerland and Germany. Those costs are not in the package price included.
3 GmbH 1.590 € netto
BELIEBTESTE WAHL
GMBH
1.590
€ netto
one-off · incl. chosen organisational support / introductions
The common choice for entrepreneurs who want limited liability and a professional presence.
- Limited liability – private assets stay separate from business risk
- Strong standing – recognised by banks, partners and authorities
- Coordination of formation steps – organisational support e.g. notary and capital (no guaranteed outcome with authorities/notary)
- Ongoing trustee costs – statutory Swiss trustee/representation, not in the package price
- Tax advisors Switzerland & Germany – recommended (cost not in the package price)
Partner offers
Support with authority filings
Notes on costs
Commercial-register filing separately: CHF 600.– bis CHF 900.– (corporation)
* Business address, bank account and health insurance: Vermittlung and organisational support in the package; contracts and ongoing costs arise with the respective partner and are not included in the package price.
Swiss trustee: With a GmbH there are further ongoing costs through a statutory Swiss trustee / the legally required representation in Switzerland (e.g. if resident abroad). These ongoing costs are not in the package price included.
Tax advice: We recommend involving a tax advisor in Switzerland and Germany. Those costs are not in the package price included.
4 AG 1.950 € netto
AG
Company limited by shares
1.950
€ netto
one-off · incl. chosen organisational support / introductions
For entrepreneurs with growth plans, investors or the highest reputation needs.
- Maximum credibility – strongest reputation with investors & large clients
- Transferable shares – ideal for growth, succession & holdings
- Complete AG formation – articles, board & capital advice included
- Ongoing trustee costs – statutory Swiss trustee/representation, not in the package price
- Tax advisors Switzerland & Germany – recommended (cost not in the package price)
Partner offers
Support with authority filings
Notes on costs
Commercial-register filing separately: CHF 600.– bis CHF 900.– (corporation)
* Business address, bank account and health insurance: Vermittlung and organisational support in the package; contracts and ongoing costs arise with the respective partner and are not included in the package price.
Swiss trustee: With an AG there are further ongoing costs through a statutory Swiss trustee / the legally required representation in Switzerland (e.g. if resident abroad). These ongoing costs are not in the package price included.
Tax advice: We recommend involving a tax advisor in Switzerland and Germany. Those costs are not in the package price included.
Note on commercial-register filing: Wird separat in Rechnung gestellt und ist not in the package price included. Personengesellschaften (Sole proprietorship, General partnership): CHF 200.– bis CHF 300.– · Kapitalgesellschaften (GmbH, AG): CHF 600.– bis CHF 900.–
* Partner offers: Business address, bank account and health insurance: introductions and organisational support in the package; ongoing partner fees extra. Ongoing fees, contributions and external costs arise additionally with the respective partner and are not included in the package price. Details: Ongoing costs after formation →
GmbH & AG: For corporations with residence abroad there are additionally ongoing costs for Swiss representation (legally required).
All package prices are net in euro. Share capital for GmbH/AG is contributed separately. Partner and authority fees are payable there directly.
Ready for the next step?
We review your calculator figures together and recommend — you choose the legal form.
Book a consultation
A Swiss company in 5 steps
How it works
Open the steps one by one — from consultation to launch.
– von 5 · Choose a step
1 First meeting
First meeting
Clarify the legal form.
2 Business address & account
Business address & account
Registered office/address in CH and support with opening an account (introductions to banks).
3 Formation
Formation
Notary, commercial register and tax number — we support organisationally (no guaranteed authority outcome). For GmbH and AG at least one authorised signatory resident in Switzerland (representation, ongoing costs extra).
4 Insurance
Insurance
We introduce health insurers (the contract is with the insurer).
5 Cross-border & start
Cross-border & start
Business-plan check, permit — then operations start.
Sample calculations
Typical savings potential
Fictional sample people for illustration — names are abbreviated, not real testimonials.
M. B.
Michael B.
IT consulting · Munich
VAT savings²
Bei 85.000 CHF Annual turnover in CH: in Germany about 16.150 € VAT (19%) — in Switzerland under the threshold: 0 CHF.
S. K.
Sandra K.
Freelancer, 45 · Stuttgart
Lower health-insurance contributions¹
German health insurance often 780 €/Monat — health-insurance contribution with DE residence often from 265 CHF. Savings: about 6.200 CHF per year.
T. W.
Thomas W.
Tiler · Karlsruhe
Entry often without a German master certificate³
In Germany no legal permanent operation without a master certificate (3–5 years, 8.000–16.000 €). With a Swiss sole proprietorship and a real CH establishment, entry is often possible — temporary assignments in Germany after the required notification. Commute from Karlsruhe about 45 min. to Basel.
CH company with substance → temporary DE assignments — often without a German master certificate (mind notification/requirements)³
Trades in Germany & a Swiss companyM. H.
Markus H.
Plasterer · Freiburg
Cross-border commuter
Residence stays in Germany, company in Switzerland. Commute to the three-country corner — cross-border permit and CH business address required.
A. L.
Anna L.
Painter & design · Ulm
Maximum VAT savings
Bei 95.000 CHF Turnover (just under the threshold): savings vs Germany about 18.050 CHF — close to the maximum of CHF 19,000.
P. R.
Peter R.
Electrical planning · Nuremberg
Total potential year 1
Bei 75.000 CHF Turnover and 820 € Health insurance in DE: VAT savings 14.250 CHF + health-insurance savings 6.480 CHF = 20.730 CHF in the first year.
Frequently asked questions
Tap — then open questions one by one
Frequently asked questions
Tap a question for the answer
How long does formation really take?
A sole proprietorship is usually in the commercial register in 7–14 days. A GmbH takes 3–5 weeks including notary and registration.
Do I have to live in Switzerland?
No, you do not have to live in Switzerland yourself. Many clients commute from Germany.
Es braucht eine Swiss business address (introduction possible) and the tax filing duties — ideally with CH/DE tax advice.
Bei GmbH and AG additionally: at least one authorised signatory resident in Switzerland.
Do I need someone resident in Switzerland for a GmbH or AG?
Yes. For GmbH and AG at least one authorised signatory must reside in Switzerland haben.
Anyone living in Germany usually needs a Swiss representative (trustee) — ongoing costs extra, not in the package price.
Die Sole proprietorship does not have this duty in the same way, but still needs a Swiss business address.
Do I need a tax representative in Switzerland?
From a turnover of around CHF 100'000 is usually a tax representative in Switzerland nötig.
Your tax advisor usually handles this — we coordinate the process so filing and representation duties run cleanly.
How does health insurance work?
Cross-border commuters resident in Germany use cross-border health insurance. The contribution is often between CHF 220 and 380 and may vary by canton.
What happens to my German social insurance?
You often move into the Swiss health-insurance system. Whether and how that applies is checked case by case by specialists or insurers — we support organisationally and make introductions.
Will I soon have to join German pension insurance as a self-employed person?
In DE a pension duty is planned for (especially neue) self-employed people — with
18.6% of income. Not yet a finished law.
In Switzerland the self-employed pay according to the official scale 5,371–10 % (not “pension-free”).
Guide DE vs CH
How high are ongoing costs in Switzerland?
The company address starts from CHF 100 per month.
Bei GmbH and AG with residence abroad there are extra ongoing costs for the
Swiss representative hinzu (gesetzlich erforderlich; Höhe je nach Anbieter und Leistungsumfang).
Weitere externe Kosten — z. B. für Bank account, Health insurance, Notar/Handelsregister sowie Handy, Telefon oder IT —
entstehen je nach Bedarf und Partner und werden dort direkt fällig.
Can I form a company in Switzerland without a German master certificate?
In many trades yes, but it depends on the craft and the rules. We clarify the requirements with you.
More info
Can I start in the trades without vocational training?
If you are skilled and deliver quality, in many cases nothing stands in the way.
More info
Can I also operate in Germany with my company?
Yes, in many cases. We explain the requirements and recommend specialists if needed — the decision sits with authorities and you.
More info
Contact · personal consultation
Your figures, our recommendation
You have seen the calculator and packages — now we clarify open questions and sketch the next organisational steps.
Send message
No-obligation enquiry — we will contact you personally.
Your estimated savings (year 1): —
Aeschengraben 29 · 4051 Basel · Our team