Starting a limited liability company (LLC) in the canton of Basel City
Starting a limited liability company (LLC) in the Canton of Basel CIty: the path to your own company.
Starting a limited liability company (LLC) in the canton of Basel City
Basel-City is renowned for its strong pharmaceutical and chemical industries, offering significant advantages for setting up companies in these sectors. Starting a limited liability company (LLC) in this city is particularly attractive for those 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 (LLC) in Basel City Canton: 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 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
- High commercial rents — among the most expensive in Switzerland
- Higher cantonal tax burden than low-tax cantons like Zug or Nidwalden
- Competitive job market — higher salary expectations
- Double taxation on profits and dividends
- Swiss residency required for at least one managing director
Starting an LLC: Disadvantages
- Global pharma and life sciences hub (Novartis, Roche headquarters)
- Excellent international connectivity: airport, rail, Rhine port
- Access to top-tier R&D institutions and universities
- Strong VC and innovation ecosystem
- Large skilled international workforce
- Proximity to Germany and France — ideal for cross-border operations
- Prestigious business address with international recognition
What do I need to consider if I want to start a limited liability company (LLC) in Basel City Canton?
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!
LLC Formation Requirements in Basel City
- 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 Basel City Commercial Register
- Company name must include "GmbH" / "LLC" and be distinctive
Key Legal Facts
- Limited partner liability — personal assets protected beyond share capital
- Annual financial statements required
- Audit exemption available for small LLCs
- VAT mandatory above CHF 100,000 annual turnover
Canton-Specific Notes
- Ideal for life sciences, chemicals, fintech and trading companies
- Basel's trinational location (CH/DE/FR) enables EU market access
- Innovation-friendly environment with access to BaselArea.swiss support
Download the Checklist
Download the checklist for preparing for self-employment with a LLC in PDF format now!