Starting a Business in Switzerland: Costs for Beauty & Wellness

Thinking about starting a beauty or wellness business in Switzerland but unsure about the costs? Your startup expenses depend largely on your profession, legal structure, and how you choose to begin. This article provides a realistic overview of all costs involved, specifically for the beauty and wellness industry.

Legal Structure: Sole Proprietorship vs. LLC

Most people start as a sole proprietorship (Einzelfirma), and it's by far the cheapest option. Registration with the commercial register is voluntary (recommended from CHF 120 annual revenue, mandatory from CHF 100,000), and registering with the AHV social insurance office is free. This means you essentially need zero capital just for the registration itself.

A GmbH (LLC) is more involved: you need minimum share capital of CHF 20,000, plus notary and registration fees of CHF 3,000 to 5,000. For most beauty and wellness professionals, a sole proprietorship is the better starting point.

Equipment and Setup

Your biggest investment will typically be equipment. Costs vary significantly by profession:

Massage: Massage table, oils, towels, accessories: approx. CHF 500 – 2,000
Cosmetics/Aesthetics: Treatment bed, steamer, devices, products: approx. CHF 3,000 – 8,000
Nail Studio: Work desk, UV lamp, nail drill, materials: approx. CHF 1,500 – 4,000
Hairdresser: Salon chair, wash station, mirrors, tools, products: approx. CHF 5,000 – 15,000

Tip: Start with only what you truly need. You can often find quality second-hand equipment on platforms like Tutti or Ricardo.

Space: Home Practice vs. Rented Studio

Working from home saves you rent, though you may need a permit from your local municipality to run a home-based practice. The fees for this are generally minimal.

Renting your own space or a chair in an existing studio typically costs between CHF 500 and 2,000 per month, depending on location. Urban areas are more expensive, while rural locations are significantly cheaper. Don't forget utilities and any renovation costs.

Insurance

Two types of insurance are especially important:

Professional liability insurance: Protects you if a client is harmed during treatment. Cost: approx. CHF 150 – 500 per year, depending on profession and coverage.
Business insurance: Covers damage to your equipment and materials. Often available as an add-on to your liability policy.

As a self-employed person, you'll also need to pay AHV/IV/EO social insurance contributions yourself and manage your own pension planning (Pillar 3a). Be sure to budget for these ongoing costs.

Marketing and Online Presence

Even with a small budget, you can build visibility today:

Google Business Profile: Free, and one of the most important tools for local visibility.
Your own website: From CHF 0 (website builder) to CHF 2,000+ (professionally designed).
Business cards and flyers: Approx. CHF 100 – 300.
Social media: Free, but requires time investment.

Budget roughly CHF 500 – 3,000 for your initial marketing setup.

Total Costs: What Do You Really Need?

Here's a realistic estimate:

Minimal start (e.g., home-based massage): CHF 2,000 – 5,000
Full setup (e.g., cosmetics studio with rented space): CHF 10,000 – 30,000

The good news: you don't have to invest everything at once. Many professionals start part-time and grow their business step by step.

Your Next Step

Want to know exactly what you need for your specific profession? Our free guides cover everything, from registration and equipment to finding your first clients:

Our free guides cover every profession: massage, cosmetics, nail studio, and hairdressing, from registration and equipment to finding your first clients.