Open a Catering Business in Switzerland

The catering industry in Switzerland is a developed field of activity, which represents an important sector of the Swiss economy. Investors interested in company formation in Switzerland in this field must know that at the level of 2015, the activities of the catering industry generated a VAT taxable income of CHF 28.4 billion. The catering industry is represented by numerous types of activities, most of the companies operating as fast-food units or restaurants. According to the data provided by latest census performed by the Federal Statistical Office on the tourism industry (2013), Switzerland has a total number of 28,806 hotels and restaurants units. In order to perform business activities in these fields, the investors will need business permits, on which our team of company formation representatives in Switzerland can offer more details. 

 

 

A catering business in Switzerland is registered following the same legal procedures applicable to any other type of commercial legal entity. 

 

In order to open a company in Switzerland as a catering business, the investors will first need to register with the Commercial Registry and to establish a corporate bank account. 

 

Depending on the legal entity chosen for incorporation, the investors will have to deposit in the corporate bank account the minimum share capital, as prescribed by the applicable regulations. 

 

The company’s business form will be established in front of a public notary in Switzerland, by drafting the company’s statutory documents. As a general rule, most of the businesses in Switzerland, including catering businesses, are registered as limited liability companies, in which case the investors will need to draft the articles of association and the memorandum. Our team of company formation agents in Switzerland can offer more details on this subject, including the fees that are to be paid during this procedure. 

 

 

Companies operating as catering providers will need to receive special permits and licenses for their specific activities. 

 

The procedure of company registration in Switzerland in this field stipulates that, if the catering business will serve alcoholic beverages, the legal entity will need a permit issued by the Swiss Alcohol Board, following the regulations of the Ordinance of Alcohol. The catering business will also need to respect the applicable legislation for the activities carried out by the company’s employees, as well as the measures on safety and hygiene. 

 

Businessmen are invited to contact our team of company registration agents in Switzerland for more details on the incorporation of a catering business.