Have you founded a company abroad?

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In my work, I focus on topics that are relevant to Swiss citizens abroad – from political developments in Switzerland and their impact on the diaspora to social, economic, and cultural issues. Before joining SWI swissinfo.ch, I worked as a local journalist for the Aargauer Zeitung. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Multilingual Communication and, as is typically Swiss, completed an apprenticeship as a commercial employee.

Deutsch

Haben Sie Ihr eigenes Unternehmen im Ausland gegründet? Original
Français

Avez-vous créé votre propre entreprise à l’étranger?

Tell us about your path to self-employment abroad.

More and more Swiss are setting up their own businesses abroad – driven by opportunity, conviction or a desire for adventure. Some set up a business because they see greater opportunities in other markets.

For an upcoming series, Swissinfo focusing on Swiss entrepreneurs outside Switzerland.

We are interested in your personal journey: How does being Swiss shape your experience in an international environment? Your insights could inspire – and help – other Swiss Abroad considering a similar path.

Share your experiences in this debate.

stevehuguenin 2026-02-28 12:06

I am a Swiss abroad, and I am setting up a company in Ireland while residing in France. I decided to incorporate the company abroad because I need a legal entity for the fundraiser, and the amount of capital required in Switzerland and the expenses related to a registered office agent make Ireland the most attractive country in the EU to set up a limited company by shares.____The Swiss Office for Work didn't help me. They are useless for anything outside of Switzerland.

DWM 2026-02-27 15:24

As a Swiss native now leading businesses in the United States, my path to self-employment abroad was shaped by both global corporate experience and a deep conviction that founders deserve better outcomes.____After executive roles with Novartis and Nestlé, including leading a $2.5B divestiture, I chose to focus on enterprise value acceleration for privately held companies. Today, as Managing Director of Exit Factor Twin Cities West and a Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA®), I help founders build scalable, transferable, and exit-ready businesses — increasing EBITDA, reducing owner dependency, and strengthening governance.____Being Swiss profoundly shapes how I operate internationally. Precision, long-term thinking, neutrality in conflict, financial discipline, and respect for systems are deeply ingrained in our culture. In the U.S. market, that translates into structured execution, measured risk-taking, and trust-based relationships. Swiss credibility opens doors — but disciplined delivery sustains them.____Entrepreneurship abroad is not about abandoning Switzerland; it is about extending its values globally. For Swiss considering this path: your heritage is an asset. Pair Swiss rigor with local market opportunity, and you can build something both economically meaningful and culturally grounded.

KUNZ Otto 2026-02-24 18:07

The following contribution has been automatically translated from FR.

I have not established any companies abroad. Throughout my entire professional career, I have worked in Switzerland.

Je n'ai pas créé une entreprise à l'étranger. Pendant toute mon activité de travail j'ai travaillé en Suisse __.

mxcb 2026-02-20 15:59

The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.

We founded the company in Germany and built it up there. Funnily enough, we are now expanding back into Switzerland ;)

Wir haben in Deutschland gegründet und da die Company aufgebaut. Expandierne nun lustigerweise wieder in die Schweiz;)

Have you founded a company abroad?

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