Davos, located in the Swiss canton of Graubünden, is well-known for its global prominence in tourism, especially as the home of the World Economic Forum. However, it also offers a fertile ground for entrepreneurs across various industries. To successfully launch a business in Davos, you must navigate a series of legal requirements, including obtaining the necessary licenses and permits at the municipal, cantonal, and federal levels. This comprehensive guide will walk you through each of the steps needed, the associated costs, and the expected timelines to help you start your business smoothly.
The Business Environment in Davos
Davos offers a thriving business environment, particularly in sectors like hospitality, retail, tourism, and services. However, like every municipality in Switzerland, businesses in Davos must comply with Swiss regulations. This guide will cover the legal processes for obtaining business permits and licenses, ensuring your business complies with all necessary local, cantonal, and federal laws.
Municipal Licenses and Permits in Davos
1. Trade License (Gewerbebewilligung)
A trade license is a fundamental requirement for businesses operating in Davos. It is issued by the municipal government and ensures that your business complies with local trade and zoning laws.
- Application Process: Submit an application to the Davos municipal office, which must include your business plan, proof of identification, and detailed information about your business activities.
- Cost: The cost for a trade license typically ranges from CHF 100 to CHF 300, depending on the nature and size of your business.
- Timeline: Approval generally takes between 1-2 weeks.
2. Zoning Permit (Baupolizeiliche Bewilligung)
If your business requires any new construction or modifications to an existing building, a zoning permit is mandatory. This permit ensures that the building or modifications comply with local zoning and land-use regulations.
- Application Process: Submit detailed architectural plans and the nature of the modifications to the municipal building authority. Larger projects may require an environmental impact assessment.
- Cost: Zoning permits typically cost between CHF 500 and CHF 2500, depending on the project’s scale and complexity.
- Timeline: Approvals usually take between 4-8 weeks.
3. Signage Permit (Bewilligung für Werbeanlagen)
Businesses intending to display outdoor signage must apply for a signage permit. This permit ensures that your signs comply with local aesthetic, safety, and zoning regulations.
- Application Process: Submit the design, dimensions, and proposed location of the signage to the municipal authority.
- Cost: Signage permits generally cost between CHF 200 and CHF 600.
- Timeline: Signage permits are typically approved within 1-2 weeks.
Cantonal (Graubünden) Licenses and Permits
1. Business Registration (Handelsregister)
All businesses in Graubünden, including those in Davos, must be registered with the Cantonal Commercial Registry (Handelsregister). This registration provides your business with legal standing and is required for all business structures, including sole proprietorships, partnerships, and corporations.
- Application Process: You can register your business online through the Graubünden Commercial Registry portal. You will need to submit the business name, legal structure, ownership details, and address.
- Cost: The registration fee varies depending on the business structure, typically ranging from CHF 200 to CHF 800.
- Timeline: Registration is generally completed within 1-3 weeks.
2. Cantonal Tax Registration (Steueranmeldung)
All businesses operating in Davos must register for tax purposes with the Graubünden cantonal tax office. This registration includes income tax, corporate tax, and VAT (if applicable).
- Application Process: Register online through the Graubünden tax office portal. You will need to provide information about your business structure, projected revenue, and ownership.
- Cost: Tax registration is free, but businesses may need to make provisional tax payments based on estimated revenue.
- Timeline: Tax registration typically takes 1-2 weeks.
3. Health and Safety Permits
Certain businesses, particularly those in the hospitality, food, and healthcare industries, must apply for health and safety permits from the Canton of Graubünden. These permits ensure compliance with local health regulations and occupational safety standards.
- Application Process: Submit an application to the Cantonal Health Department. You may need to provide details about your operations, health and safety plans, and facility compliance.
- Cost: Fees typically range from CHF 500 to CHF 3000, depending on the type of business.
- Timeline: Health and safety permits generally take 4-8 weeks for approval.
Federal Licenses and Permits
1. VAT Registration (Mehrwertsteuer)
Businesses that generate over CHF 100,000 in annual revenue must register for VAT with the Swiss Federal Tax Administration (SFTA). VAT registration is mandatory for most businesses exceeding this revenue threshold.
- Application Process: Register online through the SFTA portal or by submitting a paper form. You will need to provide business registration details and expected revenue.
- Cost: VAT registration itself is free, but businesses will need to file regular VAT returns and manage VAT payments based on revenue.
- Timeline: VAT registration approval typically takes 2-3 weeks.
2. Industry-Specific Federal Licenses
Certain industries, such as banking, healthcare, and food services, require additional federal licenses to operate. Businesses in these sectors must adhere to industry-specific federal regulations.
- Application Process: Depending on your industry, apply to the relevant federal agency, such as the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA) for financial businesses or the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) for healthcare services.
- Cost: Fees for federal licenses range from CHF 500 to CHF 5000, depending on the type of business and the scope of operations.
- Timeline: Approval timelines for federal licenses can range between 4-12 weeks, depending on the complexity of the application.
Steps to Obtain Business Licenses and Permits
Starting a business in Davos involves several steps to ensure compliance with all legal requirements. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process of obtaining the necessary licenses and permits:
- Research Requirements: Identify which licenses and permits are applicable to your business based on its industry, size, and location.
- Prepare Documentation: Gather all required documents, including business plans, proof of identity, architectural plans (for construction), and any industry-specific certifications.
- Submit Applications: Apply for each permit and license through the relevant municipal, cantonal, or federal portals. Ensure that you attach all necessary documents to avoid delays.
- Follow-Up: Track the status of your applications and be prepared to provide additional information or attend inspections if required. The timeline for approval varies for different permits.
- Obtain and Maintain Permits: Once you have received approval, ensure you keep all permits and licenses up-to-date. Some permits may require periodic renewal.
Costs and Timelines Summary
The costs and timelines for obtaining business licenses and permits in Davos vary depending on the nature of your business and the complexity of the required approvals. Below is a summary of the estimated costs and timelines:
- Trade License: CHF 100 – CHF 300, 1-2 weeks
- Zoning Permit: CHF 500 – CHF 2500, 4-8 weeks
- Signage Permit: CHF 200 – CHF 600, 1-2 weeks
- Business Registration: CHF 200 – CHF 800, 1-3 weeks
- Tax Registration: Free, 1-2 weeks
- VAT Registration: Free, 2-3 weeks
- Health and Safety Permits: CHF 500 – CHF 3000, 4-8 weeks
- Industry-Specific Federal Licenses: CHF 500 – CHF 5000, 4-12 weeks
Conclusion
Starting a business in Davos, Graubünden, involves several key steps to ensure that your operations comply with local, cantonal, and federal regulations. By following the guidelines outlined in this guide, you can navigate the process of obtaining business licenses and permits smoothly, ensuring that your business is legally established and ready for success. Early preparation and staying organized during the application process will help you avoid delays and set your business on the right path in this renowned Swiss town.
