Starting a Business (LLC) in the Canton of Basel City
Starting a business (LLC) in the Canton of Basel CIty: the path to your own company.
Starting a limited liability company in the canton of Basel CIty
Basel-City is renowned for its strong pharmaceutical and chemical industries, offering significant advantages for establishing companies in these sectors. Starting a limited liability company in this city is particularly attractive for those involved in international trade or research. Basel's central location at the crossroads of three countries facilitates access to markets in Germany and France. The Basel-City Trade Registry ensures quick and easy business registration. The University of Basel and several specialized schools offer important opportunities for collaboration. In addition, Basel's vibrant cultural scene increases the city's attractiveness for entrepreneurs.
Start a limited liability company in Basel City Canton: here's how to do it!
Calculate a non-binding offer1
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 incorporation of the company.
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 company 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.
Starting an LLC: Advantages
- Global pharma and life sciences hub (Novartis, Roche)
- Excellent international connectivity: airport, rail, Rhine port
- Access to top-tier R&D institutions and universities
- Strong VC and institutional investor ecosystem
- Large skilled international workforce
- Proximity to Germany and France — ideal for EU-facing AGs
- Prestigious AG address with international recognition
Starting an LLC: Disadvantages
- High commercial rents and operating costs
- Higher cantonal tax burden than low-tax cantons
- Competitive job market — high salary expectations
- Higher compliance requirements for listed or large AGs
- Swiss residency required for at least one board member
What do I need to consider if I want to start a limited liability company in Basel-Stadt Canton?
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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.
Your LLC is subject to value added tax only if its turnover exceeds CHF 100,000. However, you can also voluntarily apply VAT to a lower turnover.
What you need to know about the LLC!
AG Incorporation Requirements in Basel City
- Minimum share capital: CHF 100,000 (at least CHF 50,000 paid up)
- At least one board member domiciled in Switzerland
- Notarial deed required for articles of association
- Registration with the Basel City Commercial Register
- Company name must include "AG" / "SA" and be distinctive
Key Legal Facts
- Shareholder liability limited to share capital contribution
- Annual financial statements and board report mandatory
- Statutory audit required (ordinary or limited depending on size)
- VAT registration required above CHF 100,000 annual turnover
Canton-Specific Notes
- Ideal for life sciences, chemicals, fintech and trading corporations
- Basel's trinational location (CH/DE/FR) enables EU market access
- BaselArea.swiss supports fast-growing AG companies with setup and growth programs