Bern at a glance
Tax and registration facts for Bern
Official sources and key registration links for operating a business in Bern.
Bern compliance gotchas
Four things that catch Bern-based SMEs and foreign founders off guard. Know these before you hire or incorporate.
Key compliance obligations in Bern
Federal rules apply everywhere, Bern adds its own layer on tax, employment, and registration.
Employment
Active enforcement. Public sector hiring rules are extensive. Federal procurement opportunities via simap.ch.
AHV / IV
Federal rate. Register with AHV Ausgleichskasse Bern.
Annual Obligations
High rate makes tax optimisation (timing of income, deductions) valuable in Bern.
Company Formation
Bilingual filings. Choose one official language for statutes and stick to it.
VAT / MWST
Federal rules apply identically.
Data Protection
FADP applies. Public-sector partners require careful processing records.
Explore by topic or business type
Bern compliance applies across all topics and business structures. Navigate to what is most relevant for your situation.
Bern compliance guides
All articles tagged Bern or Countrywide, applicable to any business in this canton.
Self Employed Bern: AHV Registration Guide
Self employed Bern: how to gain AHV recognition, what contributions you owe, and the steps to register as a freelancer with the Bern compensation office.
GmbH Formation Bern: Cost, Steps and Capital Guide
GmbH formation Bern explained: minimum capital, notary and registry costs, the founding steps, and the compliance duties every new Bern GmbH faces.
Hiring Employees Bern: Employer Compliance Guide
Hiring employees Bern: register with the compensation office, set up payroll, social security and contracts, and meet every employer duty in canton Bern.
GmbH Annual Obligations Switzerland: Year-End Guide
GmbH annual obligations in Switzerland: Jahresabschluss, audit thresholds, AGM, cantonal corporate tax return, and the year-end calendar.
Self Employed Switzerland: AHV Contributions Guide
Self-employed in Switzerland: AHV contribution rates, registration with your cantonal Ausgleichskasse, the 10.0% rate, and minimum payments.
How to Become Self Employed in Switzerland
How to become self employed in Switzerland: gain AHV recognition, register with a compensation office, and meet the contribution and admin duties.
VAT Registration Number Switzerland: Complete Guide
VAT registration number Switzerland: how to obtain it via ESTV, MWST registration thresholds, compliance steps, and rules for foreign businesses.
Hiring First Employee Switzerland: Compliance Checklist
Hiring your first employee in Switzerland: AHV employer registration, UVG insurance, BVG from CHF 22,680, source tax, year-end Lohnausweis.
FADP Compliance Checklist for Swiss Businesses
FADP compliance checklist: the records, privacy notice, security and data-transfer steps every Swiss SME needs under the revised data protection act.