Establish your general
partnership in Switzerland
with Nexova
- Free initial consultation
- Fully digital service
- Attractive prices
Prices for general partnerships
Our all-inclusive launch packages
General Partnership Basic
What is included
- Personal legal advice
- Defining business purpose
- Defining business purpose
- Business name check
- Commercial register entry
General Partnership Plus
What is included
- All in Basic, and:
- VAT registration
General Partnership Extra
What is included
- All in Plus, and:
- Registration with the AHV
- Preparation of the partnership agreement
popular
package
Additional costs (excluding)
| Signature certification (per signature) | CHF 20 |
|---|---|
| Commercial register fee | CHF 200 to 300 |
What is a general partnership?
A cooperative approach to business
Is a general partnership the right choice for you?
Simple structure with shared responsibility
Why establish a general partnership in Switzerland?
A general partnership in Switzerland offers unique benefits
Fiduciary
Service
Simple setup
Only a partnership agreement and registration in the commercial register are required, which saves time and costs.
No required capital
Unlike corporations or limited liability companies, partnerships do not require initial capital, making them attractive for founders with limited capital.
Shared expertise
Partners can benefit from complementary skills, networks, and resources, which strengthens the business as a whole.
Agile decision-making
Business decisions can be made quickly and unbureaucratically, if there is good mutual understanding between partners.
Tax transparency
Income and profits are taxed at the individual partner level, simplifying the tax structure.
Personal collaboration
Close collaboration fosters innovation and commitment, with each partner directly benefiting from the shared success.
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with our experts.
General partnership or LLC:
Which is the better choice?
Why an LLC is often the preferred business structure
A general partnership offers simplicity and flexibility, but it also has some disadvantages that often make it less attractive than an LLC. In general, we recommend that our clients consider establishing an LLC instead. An LLC provides limited liability protection, greater structural stability, and more credibility, while still offering a flexible framework for small businesses.
The disadvantages of a general partnership include:
Unlimited personal liability
Each partner is personally liable with their private assets for the obligations of the partnership, including those of their partners.
Dependence
Success and stability heavily rely on the cooperation of the partners.
Partnership complexity
Shared responsibility can lead to potential complications in decision-making and cause conflicts between partners.
Succession planning
Transferring business shares and succession planning are challenging without a separate legal entity, as there may be tax implications.
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with our experts.
The legal forms in Switzerland at a glance
In the initial consultation, we provide free advice on the optimal legal form
Ideal for small business ventures with low investment needs. The cost-effective start for freelancers.
Suitable for SMEs that want to limit liability and start with manageable share capital.
Optimal for companies that want to raise capital and limit liability to the company’s assets.
Recommended for partners who want to run a business together and share responsibility and risk.
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with our experts.
What is false self-employment, and how can I avoid it?
How to set up your self-employment properly and lawfully
You have multiple clients and are not reliant on just one.
You have the freedom to set your own working hours and locations.
You have your own business infrastructure (e.g., office, tools, website).
You issue invoices for your services and bear the risk of payment defaults.
Book a free initial consultation
with our experts.
How can Nexova help you establish your partnership?
Nexova ensures a smooth and legally compliant setup
Strategy
Receive tailored advice on choosing the right business structure, adapting your business to Swiss regulations, and understanding tax and liability obligations. Our experts customize their advice to your goals and business model.
Execution
Nexova handles all administrative aspects and frees you from tedious bureaucracy. From creating documents and providing VAT advice to registration in the commercial register, we ensure that every step is carried out correctly, saving you time and avoiding stress.
Ongoing support
Nexova is there for you even after registration. We assist with VAT registration, social security contributions, and all other ongoing administrative requirements, ensuring that your business remains compliant with the law and well-organized.
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with our experts.
What makes Nexova stand out?
Choosing the right partner for your business formation is key to success.
Broad experience
Nexova’s deep knowledge of Swiss regulations minimizes risk and maximizes efficiency for new businesses.
Personalized advice
We prioritize your goals, tailoring guidance to fit your unique business needs.
Flexibility
Our services adapt to your budget and schedule – perfect for freelancers, SMEs, and global businesses alike.
Fully digital
Nexova’s digital process lets you manage everything remotely, no office visits or paperwork needed.
Highly efficient
We ensure a fast, smooth process, helping you start your business without delay.
Complete trust
Nexova values long-term relationships, providing confidential, transparent, and integrity-driven service.
Book a free initial consultation
with our experts.
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As an internationally active biotechnology company that stands for innovation and the highest quality, we work exclusively with partners who meet our high standards. Nexova consistently impresses us with exceptional service quality, robust processes, and an impressive pace. The professional, solution-oriented, and efficient collaboration allows us to fully focus on our core business. Additionally, we would like to highlight the remarkable cost savings of 35% compared to in-house accounting. We particularly appreciate how Nexova quickly understands, develops, and promptly implements complex requirements – both within Switzerland and at our international subsidiaries. We can wholeheartedly recommend the Nexova team.
Nexova AG offers highly professional accounting services that have significantly enhanced our financial management at Learning Lab. Their team is precise and reactive, always delivering accurate and timely reports while promptly addressing our queries. With Nexova AG’s support, we manage our clients’ accounts and finances more efficiently. We highly recommend Nexova AG for their exceptional accounting services.
For us as a new catering company, it is essential that our trustee understands our specific needs and responds flexibly to our requirements. In Nexova AG, we have found the ideal partner who supports us competently in all fiduciary matters and actively promotes our growth.
Uncomplicated or serious? Or is it and? A young, clever team is at work here, offering excellent services, highly uncomplicated and competent. Instead of a prestigious reception, expensive offices and chocolates, there are fast services and competent services. For me as a one-man company, this is exactly what I need.
Arvy AG has found an exceptional partner in Nexova AG. Their very high level of expertise in FINMA-regulated industries ensures that our financial transactions are in safe and competent hands. What sets Nexova apart is their flat-rate pricing structure, which has helped us greatly with budgeting and financial planning. As a company committed to long-term success and integrity in investments, we are very satisfied with the services provided by Nexova AG.
For us as an EdTech startup, it is very important that our trustee is as digital and agile as we are. With Nexova AG, we have found the perfect partner who can actively support us in our growth.
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Mr. Merz has a very broad knowledge and was able to help me with all my questions. The conversation was very pleasant and very informative for me. Thank you for your support.
Uncomplicated or serious? Both here. A young, smart team is at work here, offering excellent services, highly uncomplicated and competent. Instead of a prestigious reception area, expensive offices and a few small gifts, you offer fast and competent services. For me as a one-man company, this is exactly what I need.
I have been a Nexova customer for some time now and so far I am very satisfied! Thanks to the digital working methods and high responsiveness of the client managers, little time is lost in the daily process in particular. The prices are also very fair. Nexova handles the annual financial statements for me, including the tax balance sheet. The processes are standardized, which is a great advantage for audits (AHV and taxes). The two founders are two young, innovative guys and very serious.
The friendly and competent Nexova employee was able to answer my questions about company car taxation quickly and specifically. Thank you very much for this!
When I founded my company a year ago, I needed a reliable fiduciary partner. In addition to pure accounting, Nexova also offers me very good advice on all aspects of labor law. Thanks to the E-Post solution, I no longer even have to worry about my company mail and can focus purely on my service activities. My contacts at Nexova are always very friendly and pleasant to deal with. The complete package is simply TOP and I can only recommend Nexova!
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Professionally at a very high level. They are very good with Excel and could also support us with automation of processes.
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Very good service. Good and competent advice with friendly staff. I can definitely recommend
The Nexova team is very professional and I felt they always had my best interests at heart. I highly recommend Nexova and will continue to refer my clients to them and trust them with my business.
I am impressed with their outstanding service, especially in the field of accounting services, they demonstrate a professional approach and exceptional attention. As a lawyer, I have found Nexova to be a valuable partner in the financial world.
I had an excellent consultation with Nexova AG regarding withholding tax. Their expertise is remarkably extensive and their guidance was invaluable, I highly recommend their services. A first class experience.
The Nexova Team is an important partner to our startup, enabling us to pass all of our accounting, tax and payroll duties. We specially value their expertise with Startups and flexibility, which allows us to plan and manage our financials effectively and to focus on the bottom line of our operations.
We are very satisfied with Nexova as our trustee. Thanks to the Teams group chat, I can always count on very fast response times (of a few minutes). The Teams Chat group is great. With our old trustee, we had to write mails and always had to wait a long time for an answer and on top of that we were charged for every little question. Fortunately, this is not the case with Nexova.
Nexova solved my problem with a non-paying tenant quickly and efficiently. I was simply overwhelmed with the situation and glad for the competent legal advice. Nexova handled everything from the reminder with threat of termination, to representation in court, to the police eviction quickly, efficiently and also inexpensively. Many thanks for the valuable help.
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FAQ
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What are the basic requirements for establishing a general partnership (Kollektivgesellschaft) in Switzerland?
To establish a general partnership, the following requirements must be met:
- At least two partners: A general partnership can only be formed by two or more natural persons.
- Choosing a business name: The partners must choose a name that complies with legal guidelines. The name can reference individuals, business activities, or creative terms, provided it is truthful, not misleading, and does not violate public interests.
- Partnership agreement: While a written partnership agreement is not legally required, it is highly recommended to clearly define the rights and obligations of the partners, as well as profit distribution and responsibilities. This helps minimize disputes.
- Registration in the commercial register: Registration in the commercial register is mandatory for general partnerships in Switzerland (Art. 552 para. 2 OR). This step legally formalizes the existence of the partnership.
- Accounting requirements: For annual revenues below CHF 500,000, simple bookkeeping (e.g., cash basis) is sufficient. For revenues exceeding CHF 500,000, double-entry bookkeeping with a balance sheet, income statement, and notes is mandatory.
Is commercial register registration mandatory for general partnerships?
Yes, registration in the commercial register is mandatory for commercial general partnerships under Art. 552 para. 2 OR. This registration is declaratory because the partnership already exists upon concluding the partnership agreement, and registration simply formalizes it.
For non-commercial general partnerships, registration in the commercial register is constitutive, meaning the partnership legally comes into existence only upon registration (Art. 553 OR). Non-commercial partnerships are rare and typically apply to non-profit or small-scale activities not requiring commercial bookkeeping.
Are there any capital requirements for a general partnership?
Unlike an AG or GmbH, there is no minimum capital requirement for establishing a general partnership. However, partners are generally expected to make contributions in the form of capital, assets, or services. A partnership agreement is essential to clearly define contributions, rights, and obligations to avoid potential conflicts.
What are the liability rules for general partnership owners?
Partners in a general partnership are jointly and severally liable with their entire personal assets for the debts and obligations of the partnership. However, the partnership's assets are used first to settle debts. If the partnership's assets are insufficient, the partners' personal assets will be used to cover the liabilities.
What taxes does a general partnership have to pay?
The partnership itself is not subject to profit or income tax. Instead, the partners are taxed individually on:
- Their salaries,
- Their share of the profits,
- Interest on their capital contributions,
- Their personal assets.
Additionally, if the partnership's annual turnover exceeds CHF 100,000, it is required to register for VAT. In this case, the partnership must charge and remit VAT on its revenues. Nexova can assist in understanding and fulfilling your tax obligations accurately.
Can a general partnership hire employees?
Yes, a general partnership can hire employees. The partnership must register as an employer with the relevant Swiss social security authorities and manage payroll deductions for AHV/IV/EO, ALV, and BVG. Nexova can help you navigate these administrative requirements to ensure compliance.