Starting a business (LLC) in the Canton of Valais
Starting a business (LLC) in Canton Valais: the path to your own company.
Starting a limited liability company in the canton of Valais
The canton of Valais, famous for its spectacular alpine landscapes and tourism, offers unique opportunities to start a limited liability company in the leisure, restaurant and outdoor activities sectors. The Valais Trade Registry ensures quick and easy business registration. Every year, the region attracts a large number of tourists, creating enormous potential for innovative business ideas. In addition, Valais is a relevant center for wine and food production. The multicultural population and proximity to France and Italy open additional markets. The regional economic promotion program provides support for entrepreneurs with advice and financial incentives.
Start a limited liability company in Canton Valais: 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 details of the limited liability company (LLC)
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 in Switzerland: Advantages
- Bilingual (French/German) — access to both major Swiss language markets
- Strong tourism, hospitality, wine and agriculture sectors
- Lower operating costs than Geneva or Zurich
- Good transport links (A9 motorway, rail to Geneva and Bern)
- Large canton with diverse economic landscape
- Active cantonal economic promotion (Valais/Wallis Promotion)
Starting an LLC in Switzerland: Disadvantages
- Geographic spread — distances between major towns are significant
- Seasonal economy in mountain and ski resort areas
- Limited tech and innovation clusters
- Swiss residency required for managing directors
What should I consider if I want to start a limited liability company in Canton Valais?
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.
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!
Business Formation Requirements in Valais
- Choose your legal structure and register with the Valais Commercial Register (Sion)
- Obtain any sector-specific permits or licenses (especially for tourism/food)
- Register for AHV social insurance
- VAT registration required above CHF 100,000 annual turnover
- Deposit share capital in a Swiss bank account (for GmbH/AG)
Key Legal Facts
- Ideal for tourism, energy, food, wine and agriculture-related businesses
- Bilingual setup offers flexibility for French and German-speaking markets
- Audit exemption available for qualifying small companies
Canton-Specific Notes
- Valais/Wallis Promotion offers free advisory for new businesses
- Canton is a leader in renewable energy (hydropower) — relevant for energy startups
Download the Checklist
Download the checklist for preparing for self-employment with a LLC in PDF format now!