Founding a limited liability company (LLC) in the canton of Vaud
Founding a limited liability company (LLC) in Canton Vaud: the path to your own company.
Founding a limited liability company (LLC) in the canton of Vaud
In the Canton of Vaud, with Lausanne as its capital, there is a dynamic environment for founding a limited liability company (LLC). The region is known for its universities such as EPFL and the University of Lausanne, which offer valuable opportunities for networking and promoting innovation. The Vaud Trade Registry helps register a limited liability company (LLC) smoothly. The canton's economy is diverse, from agriculture to technology to services. Vaud is also a popular tourist destination, which opens up additional business opportunities. With a multilingual population and proximity to international institutions, entrepreneurs benefit from a global network.
Establish a limited liability company (LLC) in Canton Vaud: 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
- Home to EPFL and UNIL — world-class innovation and research ecosystem
- Lausanne is a global hub for Olympic and sports organizations
- Strong startup scene (EPFL Innovation Park, Inartis Network)
- Multilingual environment (French primary, international workforce)
- Good train connections to Geneva (35 min) and Zurich (2h)
- Growing medtech, foodtech and ICT clusters
Founding an LLC: Disadvantages
- Higher cantonal tax rates than low-tax cantons
- High commercial rents in Lausanne
- Competitive job market with high salary benchmarks
- Double taxation on LLC 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 the Canton of Vaud?
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 Vaud
- Minimum share capital: CHF 20,000 (fully paid up)
- At least one managing director with Swiss domicile
- Notarial deed for articles of association
- Registration with the Vaud Commercial Register (Lausanne)
- Company name must include "Sàrl" / "GmbH" / "LLC"
Key Legal Facts
- Partner liability limited to share capital contribution
- Annual financial statements required
- Small LLCs can opt out of statutory audit
- VAT registration required above CHF 100,000 annual turnover
Canton-Specific Notes
- EPFL Innovation Park is Switzerland's leading deep tech incubator
- Ideal for tech, medtech, life sciences, and sports-related LLCs
- Swiss Olympic and international sports body presence benefits sports-sector companies
Download the Checklist
Download the checklist for preparing for self-employment with a LLC in PDF format now!