Residency in Geneva in 2026: How It Works for Swiss Citizens and Cross-Border Workers
Are you starting a business and looking for a business address in Geneva without renting an office? A registered address is often the simplest solution. However, the rules vary depending on whether you live in Switzerland or neighboring France, and on the type of business you have.
This guide explains what a registered address is, what it allows (and does not allow), and the steps to follow in each case: Sàrl, SA, sole proprietorship, Swiss resident, or cross-border worker.
What exactly is a registered address?
Every company listed in the Commercial Register must have a registered office (such as the city of Geneva) and a legal address in that city, where it can be contacted.
If you do not have your own business premises, a third party can provide you with an address: this is known as a registered agent. Your address is then written with the abbreviation “c/o” (care of), for example:
Your Company Sàrl
c/o FOOUND Sàrl
2 Rue Jean-Gutenberg
1201 Geneva
The registered agent is listed in the Commercial Register along with your company (Art. 117, para. 3 of the Commercial Register Ordinance). The registered agent provides you with a certificate of domicile to include with your registration application and handles your mail.
The Benefits of a Registered Address
- A business address in Geneva, with no commercial lease or security deposit.
- Separating your home address from your business address.
- Confirmation of receipt of your mail, and—depending on the service—a notification or a scan.
- Complete flexibility: no long-term commitment, short notice.
What it doesn't replace
A registered address is an address, not a place of work. For certain procedures, the Geneva authorities require proof of actual business activity in the canton. This is especially true for sole proprietorships and self-employed cross-border workers (see below).
Case #1: You live in Switzerland
You are setting up an Sàrl or an SA
This is the simplest case. A company can establish its registered office in Geneva using a "c/o" address.
- You set up a direct debit and request the certificate.
- You should include the c/o address in the articles of incorporation and the application for registration (prepared with your notary or fiduciary).
- The Commercial Registry registers your company and lists the registered agent.
You are a self-employed individual operating as a sole proprietor
You need to be careful here. A sole proprietorship must be registered at its place of business—that is, where the business is actually conducted—and not necessarily where you receive your mail.
The Geneva courts have already upheld refusals to register companies where the only connection to Geneva was a registered address with a trust company. Depending on your business activity, the Registry may also require you to provide a lease for suitable premises.
Note: Registration of a sole proprietorship is mandatory once annual revenue reaches 100,000 francs. Below that threshold, registration is optional.
Our advice: If you actually work in Geneva, combine your registered address with a workspace (co-working space or permanent office). This way, you’ll be able to demonstrate a real place of business, in addition to the address.
Case No. 2: You are a cross-border worker
You are an employee of a Geneva-based company
You do not need a registered address: your employer is the one who applies for your G permit. If you start a side business, the following scenario applies.
You're starting your own business in Geneva
An EU or EFTA national residing in France may work as a self-employed professional in Geneva with a G permit. The requirements published by the Canton of Geneva are as follows:
- Be a resident of an EU or EFTA country and return there at least once a week.
- Have your company's headquarters in Switzerland.
- Submit your application to the OCPM before starting your business.
- Provide evidence of your business: a presentation package or business plan (nature of the business, organizational structure, financial projections).
The OCPM reviews the legitimacy and viability of the business. A simple mailing address may be deemed insufficient. An application that demonstrates a physical workspace in Geneva (such as a coworking space membership or office) is significantly stronger.
You are setting up an Sàrl or an SA while living in France
This is possible, subject to one important requirement under Swiss law: at least one person authorized to represent the company must be domiciled in Switzerland (a managing partner for a Sàrl, or a director or executive for an SA). If all the partners live in France, a representative residing in Switzerland must therefore be appointed.
Also be mindful of tax implications: if the company is effectively managed from France, the French tax authorities may consider it to have its place of effective management or a permanent establishment there. Have your structure reviewed by a tax advisor before moving forward.
What about remote work for cross-border workers?
The 40% telework threshold for employees in France, effective as of January 1, 2026, applies to employees. The social security agreement does not apply to self-employed individuals. If you are self-employed, talk to your payroll service provider.
In summary
| Your Situation | Registered Address Only | What We Recommend |
|---|---|---|
| Swiss resident, Sàrl, or SA | Yes, a c/o address is accepted in the RC | Proof of Address + Certificate |
| Swiss resident, sole proprietorship | Risk of rejection if this is the only connection in Geneva | Business Address + Coworking Space or Office |
| Cross-border employee | Not necessary | — |
| Self-employed cross-border worker (G permit) | Often deemed insufficient by the OCPM | Business Address + Coworking Space or Office |
| Cross-border company, Sàrl, or SA | Yes, for the seat | + a representative domiciled in Switzerland, and the opinion of a fiduciary |
How much does a registered address cost in Geneva?
Prices vary widely depending on the provider and the services included. Here are the price ranges observed in the Geneva market in 2026:
| Level | Monthly price | What's Usually Included |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level | 40 to 100 CHF | Address, Mail Receipt, On-Site Pickup |
| Intermediate | 80 to 150 CHF | + notification or scan of the letter |
| High-end | 250 to 500 CHF | + answering the phone, working in the office, and being in the office a few days a month |
Most entrepreneurs only need the first two tiers. The top tier is mainly worth it if you need someone to answer the phone for you.
Hidden Fees to Check Before Signing
A low introductory price may hide additional charges billed per unit. Always ask:
- Application fee upon opening the account.
- Scanning of mail: charged per item (1 to 3 CHF with some service providers).
- Mail Forwarding (5 to 10 CHF per item, plus postage).
- Recommended: Some charge 10 to 15 CHF to accept them.
- Employment: Annual contract or contract terminable on a monthly basis?
- Sales Tax: Is the listed price before tax?
The right approach: Compare the total cost over a year—including fees and surcharges—rather than just the advertised price.
Prices at FOOUND
At FOOUND, just a stone's throw from the Cornavin train station, with no application fees and a one-month notice period:
| Formula | Price | For whom |
|---|---|---|
| Base | 40.– / month | You can stop by to pick up your mail (Mon–Fri, 8:30 a.m.–7:00 p.m.) |
| Follow-up | 80.– / month | Weekly email notification |
| Scan | 110.– / month | Mail scanned weekly—perfect whether you're in France or abroad |
| Certificate for Civil Liability Insurance | 25.– | One time, for registration |
| Nomadic coworking | starting at 76.– per month | To prove a genuine place of business |
| Desk | 350.– per month | Your Job |
Net prices in CHF. FOOUND is not subject to VAT.
And because FOOUND is a physical space (co-working area, meeting rooms, café-restaurant), you can host your clients at your address. Members: 50% off meeting rooms.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Work with your tax advisor to choose your legal structure (sole proprietorship, LLC, corporation).
- Set up your direct debit online in just 5 minutes.
- Order the certificate of residence for the Commercial Registry.
- Self-employed cross-border workers: Submit your application for a G permit to the OCPM before you begin.
- Register with the Commercial Registry and an AVS fund.
- Please provide your new address to your customers and business partners.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I register a company in Geneva without having an office there?
Yes, for an Sàrl or an SA: a c/o address with a registered agent is accepted by the Commercial Registry, provided a certificate of domicile is submitted.
Can a cross-border worker start a business in Geneva?
Yes. An EU/EFTA national may obtain a G permit for self-employment, provided that the company’s registered office is in Switzerland and that the business activity is genuine. For a limited liability company (Sàrl) or a joint-stock company (SA), a person authorized to represent the company must be domiciled in Switzerland.
Is proof of residence sufficient to obtain an independent G license?
Not always. The OCPM verifies that the business is actually operating. A coworking membership or an office space in addition to a registered address strengthens your application.
How do I receive my mail if I live in France?
Choose a plan that includes scanning: your mail is scanned and sent to you by email every week.
Can I cancel easily?
At FOOUND, yes: give one month's notice through your member account. Be sure to update your address with the Commercial Registry.
Ready to set up your business in Geneva?
Sign up online or call us at 079 915 08 31 to discuss it.
This article provides general information current as of November 2026. It is not a substitute for the advice of a fiduciary, an attorney, or the relevant authorities (Geneva Commercial Registry, OCPM). Rules are subject to change: always verify your specific situation before taking any action.