Founding a Consulting Company in Switzerland

The consulting industry in Switzerland has experienced significant growth over the recent decade, driven by an increase in digitization and an influx of new startups in the country looking for consulting services. In this article, we explore the top reasons for establishing a consulting company in Switzerland today and discuss ten important factors to consider when getting started. We also reveal the various ways that Nexova AG can support your consulting company on the road to success.

Why start a consulting company in Switzerland?

With its world-class infrastructure, increasing client demand, and deep pool of qualified professionals, there has never been a better time or place to start a consulting company than right now in Switzerland.

Here are some of the top reasons why it makes sense to do so:

1. Reputation for expertise and excellence

Switzerland has a strong reputation for excellence and innovation across various industries. This aligns perfectly with the consulting industry, which always seeks to offer expertise and continuous development. Clients are likely to turn to a consulting company based in a country with a reputation for providing reliable, high-quality advice.

2. Access to talent

The most valuable resource for a consulting company is its team of talented and qualified consultants. Switzerland has one of the most highly educated and skilled workforces in the world, thanks to its emphasis on quality education and research. This ensures that your consulting company will always have plenty of qualified professionals to choose from, irrespective of the field in which you plan to operate.

3. Diverse industries

Switzerland has a diverse economy spanning finance, technology, logistics, insurance, healthcare, production, and much more. This provides a wide range of sectors to specialise in as a consulting company in Switzerland.

4. Optimum location

Switzerland’s strategic location in the centre of Europe provides easy access to markets across the continent. Consulting companies in Switzerland frequently provide their services to clients throughout Europe and the rest of the world and are therefore not confined to Switzerland alone.

5. Stable business environment

Switzerland is renowned for its political and economic stability, world-class infrastructure, and corporate-friendly regulations. This creates a supportive environment for entrepreneurs looking to establish and grow their consulting company.

10 important aspects of establishing a consulting company in Switzerland

Establishing a consulting company in Switzerland can certainly be a rewarding and profitable business idea, but there are many factors to consider to ensure that your consulting company is a success. Here, we outline ten important aspects of founding a consulting company in Switzerland:

1. What type of consulting services should you offer?

The primary decision when starting a consulting company in Switzerland is, of course, the type of consulting services you will provide. In most cases, if you are considering starting a consulting company, it means you probably have an existing professional skillset and are looking to utilise those skills in the consulting industry.

Whether you are a qualified doctor, lawyer, or accountant, Switzerland’s diverse economy makes it easy to find clients in your respective niche to offer your consulting services to. Just make sure you conduct thorough market research before you begin.

2. Market research: Competition and target audience

Once you know the type of consulting company you would like to start in Switzerland, you need to conduct in-depth market research to identify your target market’s needs and preferences, and analyse the existing competition. These insights will shape your business strategy and allow you to position yourself to offer unique and useful solutions. It will also inform many of the decisions you need to make, such as the choice of location, talent acquisition, and effective marketing.

3. Choice of legal structure

The choice of legal structure for your consulting company is a critical decision, as it impacts everything from liability and taxes to operational flexibility and governance structure. The most common legal forms for companies in Switzerland include sole proprietorship, limited liability company (GmbH), and join-stock corporation (AG). Each structure comes with distinct advantages and requirements.

For a more detailed description of each of these legal forms and how to choose the right one for your business, refer to our comprehensive comparison of legal forms in Switzerland.  Nexova AG can guide you through the process of choosing a legal form and registering your company, ensuring compliance with Swiss regulations and a solid legal foundation.

4. Licenses and permits

You may require specific licences or permits to operate legally as a consulting firm in certain niches. Common examples include consulting in the areas of healthcare, insurance, and other financial areas. So, before getting your consulting firm started, it is important to find out what kind of additional authorisations you need, if any. Nexova AG’s expertise in regulatory matters can help ensure you navigate any licencing requirements seamlessly and stay compliant at all times.

5. Choice of location and office space

Within Switzerland, the specific location you choose can have a significant impact on your company’s success. Each canton offers a different business environment, and sets its own cantonal tax rates and incentives.

Switzerland’s major cities, such as Zurich, Geneva, and Basel, offer diverse business opportunities and vibrant networking environments. The canton of Zug is a favourite choice for tech and financial startups in Switzerland due to its low corporate taxes and favourable regulations, which means there are also many opportunities for consulting firms specialising in these niches. Nexova AG can help you choose a canton that aligns with your company’s requirements and aims.

As a professional consulting firm, it is also vital to find a suitable office space that suits your approach and projected growth. Choices include a traditional office space, a co-working space, or a completely virtual office.

6. Forming the right team

In the world of consulting, your success relies primarily on the expertise and skills of your team. Switzerland’s well-qualified and multilingual workforce is a valuable resource for assembling a capable and diverse team. Regardless of what niche you operate in, you will be able to find the right people for the job in Switzerland.

7. Networking and building partnerships

Networking is critical for success in the consulting industry. Switzerland offers excellent opportunities for networking and building relationships with potential clients, partners, and industry peers. Attend industry events such as seminars, workshops, and conferences to establish your presence and learn about the latest developments in your field. Building a strong professional network can enhance your reputation and open doors to new business opportunities and collaborations.

8. Marketing and branding

The consulting industry is competitive, so distinguishing yourself with a strong brand presence is a must if you want to attract clients and remain ahead of your competitors. Develop a professional website and generate engaging content to showcase your expertise. Social media platforms such as LinkedIn can be an excellent way to market yourself and attract a loyal client base. Remember, in the end, there is no substitute for offering high-quality services that clients appreciate. Positive client references and word-of-mouth can then do the rest for you.

9. Taxation

Switzerland has a favourable corporate tax system which attracts many new businesses every year. However, navigating the complexities of tax compliance can be difficult, especially for foreign business-owners. It is therefore essential to consult with tax professionals you can trust, who can help ensure your company is compliant and guide you on ways to optimise your tax position. Learn more about how Nexova AG’s comprehensive fiscal representation services can help you stay on top of your tax situation while operating in Switzerland.

10. Data protection and confidentiality

As a consulting company, expect to handle sensitive and private information for your clients. As such, data protection and confidentiality are paramount concerns. This has become all the more important with the onset of the digital age and cloud data storage. Ensure that your business complies with Swiss data protection laws and has additional safeguards in place to protect your clients’ confidential information. This builds trust with your clients and maintains your company’s integrity and reputation.