Open a Swiss Verein: Association Setup in Switzerland

The Swiss Verein, or association is a legal structure used by companies seeking to merge, while each entity remains independent and retains its business profits. If you find this type of enterprise to suit your plans, our law firm in Switzerland can help you open a Swiss Verein.

Quick Facts
Support in creating a Swiss Verein (YES/NO)	Yes, our Swiss law firm offers support in the creation of Vereins.
Applicable law	Swiss Civil Code.
Main characteristics	The Swiss Verein can be used as an association between more companies, each with its own rules and operations.
Uses	The Verein can be used for commercial, charity, and professional activities.
Forms	The Verein is a separate legal form under the Civil Code (Art. 60 ff.), distinct from companies and foundations; it is used for clubs, charities, professional networks, etc.
Registration document	Bylaws.
Setup steps	– drafting of written articles, – constitutive meeting and appointment of the committee, – registration (if applicable); no notarisation is required.
Registration requirements	If it conducts a commercial operation, is subject to an audit requirement, or primarily collects or distributes assets abroad for charitable, religious, cultural, educational or social purposes.
Minimum number of members	At least two members are required to set up a Verein in Switzerland.
Members’ liability	Members are not personally liable; the association is liable only with its own assets unless the articles provide otherwise.
Management requirements	Vereins must have a management board.
Share capital requirements (YES/NO)	No.
Registration timeframe (approx.)	A few weeks, when needed.
Taxation	Vereins are taxed in accordance with their legal forms and can benefit from various tax exemptions.
Advantages	– financial independence for each member, – limited liability in terms of losses, – possibility to engage in various activities.

What is the Swiss Verein?

The Verien or association is a legal structure recognized by the Swiss Civil Code, which is the equivalent of the American voluntary association.

Is a Swiss Verein a legal entity, and does it need to be registered with the Trade Register?

Yes, the Swiss Verein is a self-standing legal entity. It only needs to register with the Companies Register if it undertakes commercial operations.

What are the legal forms of the Verein?

A Swiss association can be set up for non-commercial or commercial purposes; as such, the legal form it will be registered under must be selected accordingly. For this reason:

the Verein itself must pursue a non-commercial (ideal) purpose and is distinct from a foundation;
if set up for commercial operations, a GmbH or AG must be used instead, although a Verein may run a commercial operation in pursuit of its objects (and must then register).

It is also possible for a Verein to carry out certain activities from which profits derive; however, this must be a secondary operation that enables it to fulfil its purpose.

How do I set up a Swiss Verein?

Setting up a Swiss Verein is quite simple, the only requirement being to draft the Articles of Association. There are no registration fees attached to the opening of such an association in Switzerland.

A Swiss Verein must also appoint two individuals who will be the representatives of the association. The officers must also appoint a management board of any other type of Swiss business structure. An external audit is required only if two of the thresholds of CHF 10 million total assets, CHF 20 million turnover or 50 full-time staff are exceeded in two successive years, or if a liable member requests a limited audit.

Below, you can discover our infographic on this subject:

Does the Swiss Verein need a certain share capital when established for commercial purposes?

No, the law does not require the members to contribute a minimum amount for the establishment of the association.

What is the liability of the members of a Verein?

The members are not liable for the Verein’s debts and obligations.

Is it possible for foreign investors to set up a Verein instead of a company in Switzerland?

Yes, foreign investors can opt for a Swiss Verein instead of a regular business form in 2026. However, this type of entity is suitable if they want to enter into a partnership with another Swiss enterprise.

Can I enter a Swiss Verein only if I have a local company?

No, you can also do that with a company incorporated in another jurisdiction. It is also useful to know that it does not matter if the enterprise is based in an EU or a non-EU country.

What happens when the Verein is an association between a Swiss and a foreign company?

The main aspect to know is that from a taxation point of view, each company will be liable for taxation and accounting requirements in accordance with the legislation of its country of origin.

Must I change the name of my company if I enter into a Verein?

No, each company retains and operates under its original name. So, if you want to open a company in Switzerland and enter an association at the same time, you can reserve and register the name that you want.

More details on how to open a Swiss Verein are available in the following presentation:

Can I also organize the management of my company independently from the Verein?

Yes, this is also possible. The fact that the company is part of an association does not interfere with the management and strategy of your business.

Is the Verein allowed to have its own assets, considering the independence of the parties?

Yes, the Verein itself can own various assets; however, such matters should be reflected in the constitutive document.

Can the Verein enter into contracts?

Yes, this is also possible.

Can a natural person create a Verein in Switzerland?

Yes, this is often the case when the association is established for non-commercial purposes. However, there needs to be at least 2 people to set it up.

How are Vereins taxed in Switzerland?

Swiss Vereins must pay taxes when they take corporate forms. However, they can also benefit from special exemptions, as follows:

at a federal level, all associations benefit from a CHF 5,000 tax allowance on their profits;
for non-profit Vereins, the tax exemption can reach CHF 20,000;
for profit associations must also pay the VAT if their revenue exceeds CHF 100,000;
non-profit associations benefit from a VAT exemption if their revenue does not surpass CHF 250,000.

What are the advantages of Swiss associations?

Considering a Verein functions as a Swiss branch office of an international organization, it will be held accountable within the limits of the country it is established without affecting the activities of the central organization. The Verein is also among the most employed vehicles when it comes to international mergers in Switzerland.

For information about other advantages of associations and assistance in opening a Swiss Verein in 2026, please contact our law firm in Switzerland.