How To Launch A Startup In Zurich

If you’re considering starting a business in Europe, Zurich may just be the perfect place. Switzerland’s capital consistently ranks as one of the best places in the world to live and with its beauty, who could resist? The snow-capped mountains, charming towns and Lake Zurich will easily draw you in.

But beyond its tourist attractions, Zurich is quickly gaining popularity as a startup hotspot. The city welcomes entrepreneurship and innovation with open arms so if this Swiss city is sparking your curiosity, then read on.

Why Start A Business In Zurich?

Yes, the chocolate and alpine views are certainly enough to convince anyone to visit Zurich but when it comes to starting a business, here’s why it stands out.

Stable economy: Switzerland is a country with one of the most stable economies in the world, offering peace of mind for foreign entrepreneurs.

Ideal location: Found in the heart of Europe, Zurich has easy access to other capital cities like Milan and Munich for trade.

Quality of life: This is probably the biggest advantage to living and working in Zurich. The excellent public transport, healthcare and clean streets are hard to beat.

Educated workforce: Zurich is home to world-class educational institutions like ETH Zurich where you will find standout talent in engineering and science.

Industries With High-Growth Potential

If you have an eye on Zurich for a startup, considering which industry to work in is the natural next step. These ones in particular have seen strong growth in recent years, showing no signs of slowing down.

AI and robotics: ETH Zurich has top research labs where innovations in AI and machine learning are thriving.

Blockchain: The area from Zug to Zurich has been nicknamed the “Crypto Valley” of Switzerland where blockchain companies have their headquarters.

Fintech: The city has a strong financial sector with room to grow for fintech startups.

Sustainability: Switzerland is committed to green energy and recycling initiatives, so startups in this space are set to explode.

Accelerator And Incubator Programmes

Joining an accelerator or incubator programme early on in your startup’s development can go a long way in setting you up for success. These programmes usually offer mentorship, networking and even financial resources to help get your business going. Here are a few of the popular ones in Zurich.

Entrepreneurship Programs by ETH Zurich: Run by the university, this programme assists deep-tech startups right after graduation.

F10: This is a fintech-focused accelerator to help startups in the finance industry.

Venturelab: Multiple programmes are available for tech startups which also includes the Venture Kick grant competition.

Impact Hub Zurich: This is an incubator space that fosters collaboration for sustainable ventures.

Funding Opportunities For Startups

For startups looking to secure funding in Zurich, there are multiple public and private funding options to consider for your business.

Angel investors: The Swiss ICT Investor Club helps to connect new startups with angel investors.

Venture capital: Some of the top Swiss VC firms include Redalpine and Wingman Ventures.

Startup competitions: There are events such as Swiss Startup Challenge and Venture Kick that can give new businesses exposure as well as financial support.

Visa Requirements For Foreign Entrepreneurs

EU nationals will be able to live and work in Zurich relatively easier and with minimal paperwork. All you would need to do is notify the local authorities within the first two weeks of your arrival.

If you are a non-EU resident or not from Switzerland then a residence permit will be required to start a business. For self-employment, you will need to apply for a B permit and will need to supply a business plan in addition to funds to support yourself.

Keep in mind that if you are part of an accelerator and have funding, this can dramatically improve your chances of approval.

How To Start A Business In Zurich

If you are ready to take the leap and launch a startup in Zurich, here is a step-by-step guide on how you can get the process started.

Select A Legal Structure

In Zurich, most startups tend to choose a Limited Liability Company or a Public Limited Company. You will need a minimum capital amount of CHF 20,000 for an LLC.

Register The Company

The next step is to submit all relevant documentation to the Zurich Commercial Registry. This will include your Articles of Association, passport copies of all founders, a bank statement to indicate proof of capital and a registered office address.

Open A Business Bank Account

You can then open a corporate bank account with a Swiss bank to deposit your share capital into. This will need to be done before your registration can be completed.

Obtain A UID And Register For VAT

When the business is registered, you will get a Business Identification Number from the Federal Statistical Office. It’s important to note that if you earn more than CHF 100,000 per annum, you will be required to register for VAT.

Should You Launch A Startup In Zurich?

Zurich offers the stability, quality of life and resources needed to turn a business idea into a successful venture. Whether you’re ready to burst onto the tech scene or innovate in green energy, this bustling capital has all of the ingredients you need to scale a startup.

If you’ve got your business idea, the Alps are waiting!