Check that a sole proprietorship suits you
We discuss your activity, clients, place of work and personal circumstances. If an LLC would protect your project better, we tell you before any applications are filed.
Sole proprietorship formation in Geneva
Set up a sole proprietorship in Geneva with the right support from day one.
You want to become self-employed and grow your activity. Karpeo prepares your OASI affiliation, organises Commercial Register entry where useful and remains available for what comes next.
Swiss certified accountants · EXPERTsuisse members · Founders of Entreprendre.ch
A personal project, a professional application
You remain in control of your activity. We secure everything around it.
Starting out already demands considerable energy. Social insurance and administrative applications still require accurate information, consistent evidence and proper follow-up. Karpeo explains each decision clearly and without jargon.
Our support
Guidance from the first discussion through recognition of your status.
No two applications are identical. Your work, first clients, address and residence status determine the steps that are actually required.
Tell us about my activityPrepare your OASI affiliation application
The compensation office assesses whether the activity is genuinely self-employed. We prepare a coherent file with the available evidence and follow up on any additional requests.
Organise the name, address and registration
We check the business name, Swiss address and whether Commercial Register entry is useful. When registration is required or appropriate, we prepare the application.
Plan for VAT, invoicing and accounting
You leave with a clear view of your first deadlines. Karpeo can then maintain your accounts and support you as your business develops.
A clear scope before we begin
You know what we handle, what you need to provide and what it will cost.
After an initial discussion, we confirm the scope and fee in writing. No additional applications are made without your approval.
- Assessment of your activity and circumstances
- Preparation of the OASI affiliation application
- Follow-up with the compensation office
- Commercial Register and permits according to your needs
The decisive point
OASI must be able to recognise a genuinely self-employed activity.
Opening a business name is not enough. The compensation office examines how you work, your engagements, investments and the economic risk you bear. The decision belongs to the office; our role is to present the activity accurately and answer its questions.
Free resources for self-employed professionals
Would you prefer to submit the application yourself?
We are preparing a free course on OASI affiliation. It will explain the assessment criteria, the supporting documents and how to submit a structured application.
Prepare an OASI affiliation application
A step-by-step course designed for people starting an activity in Switzerland.
Coming soonOur videos for self-employed professionals
Romain answers common questions about OASI, evidence, tax and starting an activity.
Watch on YouTubeAn accounting firm close to self-employed professionals
Named people who are available when a question arises.
Karpeo was founded by the creators of Entreprendre.ch. We understand the practical questions people face when launching: status, contributions, first invoices, VAT and the real time required for each application.
“Smooth management, efficiency and responsiveness characterise Romain Prieur and his Karpeo team. I recommend them.”Claire Thiercelin · Google review
Need a professional address?
Domiciliation remains separate from formation.
A sole proprietorship needs an address in Switzerland. If you do not wish to use your home, Karpeo can assess domiciliation in Geneva and mail handling.
Explore business domiciliation in GenevaAfter formation
The same team can remain at your side once the activity starts.
Accounting and taxation
We organise your records, maintain the accounts and prepare year-end closing.
View accounting servicesVAT
We assess liability, prepare registration and handle periodic returns.
View VAT managementYour first employee
When you hire, we set up social insurance, payroll and declarations.
View payroll managementFrequently asked questions
What to know before setting up your sole proprietorship.
General answers cannot replace an assessment of your activity.
How do you set up a sole proprietorship in Geneva?
You first need to begin a genuinely self-employed activity, gather supporting evidence, apply to a compensation office for OASI affiliation and, where the conditions are met, register the business in the Commercial Register. Karpeo frames the project, prepares the applications and follows each step with you.
What evidence is needed for OASI self-employed status?
The compensation office considers the overall situation. It may request quotations, contracts, invoices, prospecting evidence, investments or other proof that you work in your own name, for several clients where possible, and bear the economic risk of the activity.
Must the activity have already started?
Yes. Recognition as self-employed is based on real activity and concrete evidence. In Geneva, registering a sole proprietorship in the Commercial Register also assumes that the activity has begun. We help you put the steps in the right order.
Is Commercial Register entry compulsory?
It becomes compulsory for a commercially operated sole proprietorship once annual turnover reaches CHF 100,000. Below that threshold, voluntary registration may still be useful depending on the activity and counterparties.
How much capital is required?
There is no statutory minimum capital. You should nevertheless plan enough cash for insurance, equipment, tools and the first months of activity. The proprietor is personally liable for the business.
How should I choose the business name?
The official name must include your surname. You may add wording related to your activity provided it is not misleading and the name is available. We check this when preparing the file.
Can a cross-border commuter become self-employed in Geneva?
It is possible in certain circumstances, but the permit, place of activity, business address and social insurance must be assessed together. We review your situation before confirming the required steps.
Sole proprietorship or LLC: how should I choose?
A sole proprietorship requires no minimum capital and often suits a person working alone. An LLC is a separate legal entity, requires CHF 20,000 in capital and may better suit particular risks, partners or growth plans. The right choice depends on the activity, not only the formation cost.
Can Karpeo handle my accounting after formation?
Yes. The same firm can manage your bookkeeping, VAT returns, tax obligations and, if you hire staff, payroll. You do not need to explain your activity again to a new provider.
Your activity can begin here
Tell us about your self-employed project.
A few details are enough for an initial assessment and a clear scope of support.