Starting a business in Geneva: the key steps and the role of the fiduciary

Starting a business in Geneva is very achievable — provided you follow the steps in the right order and pick the legal form that fits your project. Here is the roadmap, and where a fiduciary genuinely saves you time.

1. Choose the right legal form

The decision shapes everything that follows. A sole proprietorship is quick and cheap but offers no separation between personal and business assets. A Sàrl (minimum capital CHF 20,000) and an SA (minimum CHF 100,000, of which 50,000 paid in) protect your personal assets and project a more established image.

2. Lock down the business plan and financing

Before any formality, your figures need to hold up: projected turnover, break-even point, cash-flow needs. This is also what convinces a bank or investors.

3. Complete the formalities

• Open a capital deposit account (for a Sàrl or SA).
• Draw up the statutes and, where required, the notarised deed.
• Register with the Commercial Register.
• Affiliate with a compensation fund (AVS/AHV) and arrange social insurance.
• Register for VAT if you cross the threshold.

4. Set up your accounting from day one

Too many founders postpone this. Clean accounting from the start avoids painful catch-up, secures your VAT position and gives you real visibility on your margins.

Where a fiduciary helps

A fiduciary guides the choice of legal form, handles the formalities, sets up your accounting and payroll, and becomes your point of contact with the authorities. You focus on your business; the administrative backbone is handled. That is what Helvate offers founders in Geneva.

Planning to launch your project? Talk to Helvate to start on solid foundations.