Establishing a Company and Obtaining a Residence Permit in Switzerland

Establishing a Company and Obtaining a Residence Permit in Switzerland (Unternehmensgründung und Aufenthaltserlaubnis in der Schweiz) is a strategic step for investors seeking to create business opportunities in one of Europe’s most stable and secure economies. With its strong legal system and thriving sectors such as finance, technology, pharmaceuticals, logistics, manufacturing, and innovation, Switzerland attracts thousands of international entrepreneurs every year.

Why Establish a Company in Switzerland?

Switzerland is one of the most attractive business hubs globally due to its powerful banking structure, low tax regime, international trade dynamics, and high level of economic freedom. Key advantages for Turkish investors include:

• Low tax rates and investment incentives
• A strong economy with excellent credit ratings
• High-level confidentiality principles and intellectual property protection
• Direct access to international finance and trade networks
• Possibility of obtaining residence permits for foreign investors

Its central location enhances competitive advantages by providing immediate access to both the European Union and global markets.

Most Preferred Company Types in Switzerland

Popular business structures for Turkish investors include the following:

GmbH (Limited Company)

The most preferred model thanks to reasonable capital requirements and limited liability advantages. It enhances corporate reputation in international trade.

AG (Joint Stock Company)

Ideal for large-scale investments and wider shareholder structures, offering a high level of trust and prestige.

Branch Office

Enables businesses with an existing company in Türkiye to enter the Swiss market quickly.

Company Formation and Residence Permit Connection

Establishing a company in Switzerland constitutes an important legal basis for applying for a residence permit. However, investors must demonstrate the economic contribution of their business. This includes:

• Financial capability
• Employment generation potential
• Contribution to regional economy
• Sustainability of the business plan

Managing the application process with expert legal support significantly increases the chances of approval.

Bank Account, Taxation, and Compliance Processes in Switzerland

Every company must open a Swiss bank account to ensure financial transparency during the establishment phase. Tax obligations vary from canton to canton; therefore, competent legal guidance is crucial. Switzerland is one of the top global preferences for investors due to its confidentiality, data security measures, and commercial protection systems.

Professional Legal Consultancy in Switzerland with Turkius Law

The process of establishing a business and obtaining a residence permit in Switzerland involves complex legal procedures. Under the leadership of Istanbul Bar Association-registered attorney Fatma Karakülah, the Turkius Law & Mediation & IP Services team provides reliable, fast, and effective consulting for Turkish investors.

Through our strong international legal network and local partners in Zurich, St. Gallen, and Fribourg, we support investors every step of the way — from company formation to residence permit applications.

Our Services

• Company establishment and legal structuring
• Commercial registry and tax registration procedures
• Legal guidance for opening a bank account
• Preparation of shareholder and partnership agreements
• Residence permit applications under Swiss immigration law
• Trademark and intellectual property protection
• Data protection and compliance consultancy

Secure Investment at the Heart of Europe

Receiving professional legal assistance while starting a new business in Switzerland is essential for minimizing risks and saving both time and costs. At Turkius Law, we are committed to helping you build a strong presence and achieve a successful residence permit process in Switzerland.

Attorney Law Fatma Karakülah is registered with the Istanbul Bar Association and personally provides legal services limited to matters governed by Turkish law. In disputes subject to foreign law, she offers legal services in cooperation with attorneys of the relevant jurisdiction who are members of the international network to which she belongs. The terms 'Rechtsanwältin Fatma Karakülah' in German or 'Lawyer Fatma Karakülah' in English are used to indicate that Fatma Karakülah is a licensed attorney in Turkey.

Services

Turkius Law & Mediation & IP Services, based in Istanbul, provides highly qualified, solution-oriented legal consultancy, advocacy, mediation, and intellectual property services across more than 70 countries, leveraging its membership in international legal networks and collaboration with trusted, specialized partners. In today’s globalized business environment, commercial and individual activities spanning multiple countries require effective management of legal risks and complex regulations. Turkius Law & Mediation & IP Services addresses these needs with a comprehensive service approach, ensuring that clients receive secure, transparent, and strategically guided legal support for all their requirements.

In international business and investment processes, geographical distances, differing regulations, and local procedural variations can pose significant challenges. To overcome these obstacles, Turkius Law & Mediation & IP Services works in close coordination with a broad network of legal experts across various specialties, delivering fast, effective, and locally adapted solutions. From company formation and contract management to investment and immigration consultancy and international commercial law processes, clients receive strategic guidance at every stage. Companies and individuals operating in Turkey benefit from legal services fully compliant with Turkish legislation while maintaining alignment with international standards.

Turkius Law & Mediation & IP Services focuses on the unique needs of each client. This approach extends beyond addressing immediate legal issues, encompassing the proactive identification of potential risks and ensuring long-term legal security. Advisory services in areas such as labor and social security law, administrative law, immigration law, intellectual property rights, investment law, and dispute resolution are structured to align with clients’ strategic goals. Consequently, legal processes not only provide short-term solutions but also guarantee long-term stability and protection.

For international and cross-border projects, Turkius Law & Mediation & IP Services coordinates with qualified attorneys in relevant jurisdictions through its legal network. This ensures that matters subject to foreign law are handled in full compliance with local regulations, minimizing operational risks. Critical processes such as company formation, contract drafting, and conducting business activities within a legally compliant framework are meticulously planned and monitored, enabling clients to manage their operations securely and seize investment opportunities with confidence.

Preventive legal counsel and risk management are key pillars of Turkius Law & Mediation & IP Services’ services. Clients are supported not only in resolving disputes but also in implementing strategies to prevent potential conflicts. This includes contract drafting, establishing internal control mechanisms, monitoring corporate compliance processes, and conducting regulatory analyses. By addressing potential legal challenges proactively, clients gain the ability to manage risks before they materialize.

Particularly in international trade, investment, and immigration matters, harmonizing local and international regulations is essential. Turkius Law & Mediation & IP Services customizes legal processes according to each client’s objectives, industry, and operational structure, ensuring optimal solutions. Legal consultancy thus transforms from a procedural formality into a strategic partnership. Services in advocacy, mediation, and intellectual property management empower clients to operate safely both locally and internationally.

The consultancy provided by Turkius Law & Mediation & IP Services is also designed to safeguard clients’ long-term goals. Legal risks are analyzed, strategic recommendations are offered, and compliance at each step is carefully verified. This approach ensures predictability in business and personal planning while making legal processes transparent and manageable. Clients have access to professional support whenever needed, minimizing legal uncertainty.

In conclusion, Turkius Law & Mediation & IP Services is a trusted partner for legal consultancy, advocacy, mediation, and intellectual property services in Turkey. Leveraging its international legal network and expert partners, the firm addresses all legal needs strategically, securely, and solution-focused. Services are designed to minimize risks, ensure predictable and transparent legal processes, and enable clients to achieve their objectives with confidence.

Contract Law

Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts in both English and Turkish.

Corporate Law and Commercial Transactions

Company formation, commercial contracts, transactions, and litigation.

International Law and Investment Advisory

Reliable legal support for cross-border transactions, contracts, litigation, and foreign investments.

Construction Law and Real Estate Transactions

Property sales, international turnkey construction projects, and execution of EPC contracts.

Intellectual Property Law and Trademark & Industrial Design Registration

Trademark, design, patent and utility model registration, monitoring, and litigation before the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office; IP-related contracts and disputes.

Information Technology and Telecommunications Law

Legal solutions in software, data protection, and electronic communications.

E-Commerce Law and Consumer Disputes

Compliance in e-commerce operations and resolution of consumer disputes.

Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Court Decisions

Legal representation for the recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments in Turkey.

Data Protection and Compliance

Compliance and legal advisory services under KVKK and GDPR for your data processing activities.

Lease Law

Resolution of rental-related disputes including eviction, rent determination, and collection.

Immigration and Foreigners Law

Legal assistance for residence permits, work permits, and citizenship applications.

Labor Law and Social Security Law

Advisory on employment contracts, termination, compensation, and employer-employee relations.

Administrative Law

Litigation concerning administrative acts, full remedy actions, and public procurement disputes.

Litigation and Enforcement Proceedings

Efficient legal management of litigation and enforcement processes.

Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution

Assistance in both mandatory and voluntary mediation procedures.

Investment and Skilled Immigration Advisory in Germany

Company formation, residence permit applications, and EU Blue Card consultancy.

Additional Legal Services

Thanks to our participation in an international legal network, we offer comprehensive legal services in cooperation with our partners in over 70 countries.