Founding an LLC in the Canton of Fribourg
Founding a limited liability company (LLC) in Canton Fribourg: the path to your own company.
Founding a limited liability company (LLC) in the canton of Fribourg
Establishing a limited liability company (LLC) in Canton Fribourg offers many advantages due to favorable local economic conditions. Fribourg, strategically located between German and French-speaking Switzerland, benefits from a cultural mix that fosters business and innovation. The city of Freiburg, with its renowned university, is a hub of talent and innovative ideas. To start a limited liability company (LLC), you must register with the Registry of Commerce and obtain the necessary licenses depending on your business sector. Moderate taxes and support from local institutions make Fribourg an ideal place for entrepreneurs. In addition, the canton offers various networking and collaboration opportunities, thanks to numerous events and business associations. With a strong sense of community and modern infrastructure, Fribourg is the perfect place to start and grow a limited liability company (LLC).
Found a limited liability company (LLC) in Canton Fribourg: here's how to do it!
Calculate a non-binding offer
Enter your start-up project conveniently online and benefit from cost sharing from our partners. In just a few steps you can compose your customized start-up package.
Enter the LLC's data
After calculating the non-binding offer, enter your company details. At this point you can order the formation of the limited liability company (LLC).
Get in touch
Our attorneys will contact you within the specified time (often less than 24 hours). You will receive all incorporation documents, discuss any uncertainties, and schedule a personal consultation.
Check the documents
You can consult, print and sign all the constituent documents at your convenience at home.
Authenticate signature
At this point you must obtain official certification of the signature (e.g., from the local authority). This confirms that the signature is indeed yours.
Entry in the commercial register
We submit all incorporation documents to the commercial register and ensure that your company is successfully registered in the commercial register. In the case of corporations, the paid-up capital is transferred to a business account after publication and is available to your company.
Celebrate
Congratulations on the successful founding of your company. Your limited liability company (LLC) is now active and can operate.
Definition of the LLC in Switzerland
We believe that personalized advice is the key to best understanding our clients' individual needs and challenges and offering tailored solutions.
Founding an LLC: Advantages
- Officially bilingual (German/French) — access to both Swiss language markets
- Lower costs than Zurich, Geneva or Bern
- University of Fribourg and HES-SO provide skilled graduates
- Good motorway connections (A1/A12)
- Growing tech and food industry presence
- Competitive cantonal tax rates
- Active cantonal economic promotion (Promotion économique FR)
Founding an LLC: Disadvantages
- Smaller economic ecosystem than major urban cantons
- Less international visibility
- Public transport outside the city is limited
- Double taxation on corporate profits and dividends
- Swiss residency required for at least one managing director
What do I need to consider when forming a limited liability company (LLC) in Canton Fribourg?
A minimum of CHF 20,000 (fully released) is required to establish a LLC. Info: The founder of an PLC or LLC cannot draw money from the pension fund because he is employed in his own company on the basis of an employment contract. He is therefore not considered self-employed under OASI law.
The LLC requires at least one partner and one managing director, which can be the same person. A managing director with signature authority must also be a resident of Switzerland.
The audit is mandatory for 10 or more employees. Under Article 727 CO, an LLC is subject to ordinary audit if it exceeds two of the following thresholds in two consecutive fiscal years: Balance sheet total: 20 million francs - Turnover: 40 million francs - Full-time employees: 250.
La vostra Sagl è soggetta all'imposta sul valore aggiunto solo se il suo fatturato supera i CHF 100'000.-. Tuttavia, è anche possibile applicare volontariamente l'IVA a un fatturato inferiore.
What you need to know about the LLC!
LLC Formation Requirements in Fribourg
- Minimum share capital: CHF 20,000 (fully paid up)
- At least one managing director domiciled in Switzerland
- Notarial deed required for articles of association
- Registration with the Fribourg Commercial Register
- Unique company name including "GmbH" / "LLC"
Key Legal Facts
- Partners liable only up to their share capital contribution
- Annual accounts mandatory; small LLCs may opt out of audit
- VAT applies above CHF 100,000 annual turnover
Canton-Specific Notes
- Bilingual environment ideal for national-facing businesses
- Food, agriculture, and medtech sectors especially active
- Lower operating costs than Lausanne or Bern
Download the Checklist
Download the checklist for preparing for self-employment with a LLC in PDF format now!