Start-ups FAQ
www.technologieforumzug.ch/a) Setting up a company
How do I set up and register my company?
Precise information concerning the foundation procedure of corporations (corporations limited by shares, Aktiengesellschaft or limited liability companies, Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung) is given in the brochure "Zug : doing business".
Which legal status should I choose for my company?
Information concerning a partnership is contained in the brochure, "Start-Up Information" (in German). For information concerning corporations, please consult the brochure "Zug : doing business".
For further information, please contact the Economic Promotion Office, the Office of the Commercial Register, the Trustees' Association of Zug or the Bar Association of Canton Zug.
b) Self-employment
Do you organize courses or seminars on setting up a new company?
Many institutions in Canton Zug organize events with key topics such as setting up a business, leadership, business plan, working with ratios and more.
The brochure "Start-up information" (in German) provides you with more information.
Can you provide me with guidelines on setting up a business plan?
There are several suppliers of business plans listed in the brochure, "Start-Up Information" (in German).
For further information, please consult the homepages of the Businesspark Zug or Insitute for New Enterprises in St. Gallen.
c) Financing
What are the financial attractions of setting up a business in Canton Zug?
Canton Zug offers no direct financial backing. But new companies can apply for a guarantee or contact a venture capital company.
Does Canton Zug offer any other cash value incentives (for example, premiums)?
No - but don't forget our low levels of taxation. For more information, please contact the Economic Promotion Office.
How can I obtain start-up capital?
Start-up capital is available from venture capital companies, banks or private investors. To improve your chances of obtaining such capital we strongly recommend that you prepare a detailed business plan.
For further information, please consult the brochure, "Start-Up Information" (in German).
d) Work and residence permits
Who requires a work permit?
All foreign nationals may be employed only if in possession of a work permit.
How do I obtain a work permit?
In principle, permits are issued by the Department of Economic Affairs. Online forms are available.
I come from an EU/EFTA Member State and wish to settle in Canton Zug as a self-employed person. Do I qualify for a work permit?
In principle, the Bilateral Agreements between the European Union (EU) and Switzerland allow employment as a self-employed person. For more specific information, please contact the Economic Promotion Office or the Department of Economic Affairs. For further information concerning work and residence permits, please contact the Department of Economic Affairs and the Office for Migration.
e) Real estate
How can I find vacant residential property?
Consult Zuger Amtsblatt and Immomarkt Zug.
Can I find reasonably priced business premises in Canton Zug?
Together with private investors, Canton Zug has founded the Business Park Zug to help new companies find suitable premises.
As a foreign national, can I purchase real estate in Canton Zug?
In Canton Zug real estate can generally be acquired without special authorisation. However, it depends if the foreign national is a member of a EU/EFTA state and if the property was bought for living or professional purpose. For additional information please consult the brochure "zug : doing business."
As a foreign national, do I have to sell my apartment or house if I leave Switzerland?
If a foreign national changes domicile he or she doesn't have to sell his or her apartment or house. The property can still be used as a second apartment or as a holiday residence or it can be rented out to third persons. However, there are requirements when the property owner planned not to live in the apartment or house himself right from the beginning.
For further information concerning the availability of real estate, please contact Guido Bulgheroni of the Economic Promotion Office. If you require legal assistance concerning real estate, please contact either Peter Müllhaupt or Gianni Bomio.
f) Making contacts
How can I make local business contacts?
Every year the Economic Promotion Office organizes a Welcome Aperitif for representatives of companies which have settled in Canton Zug the previous year. Another excellent way of establishing contacts is to join one of Zug's business associations, Zug's service clubs or you can contact the Businesspark Zug.
g) Innovation awards
Are prizes awarded by Canton Zug or other institutions for special achievements in the fields of entrepreneurial innovation or strategy?
Every year in spring the canton awards the Start-up Entrepreneur Prize and in autum the Zug Innovation Prize. For further details, please consult pages 10 to 12 of the brochure, "Start-Up Information"(in German), published by the Economic Promotion Office.
Are similar prizes awarded in other parts of Switzerland?
Please consult the brochure, "Start-Up Information" (in German), published by the Economic Promotion Office.
For further information, please consult also the homepages of the Businesspark Zug or the Institute for New Enterprises in St. Gallen.
