From the bit I know, there's 3 legal areas you need to look at:

1. Work permit for yourself (and your staff).
Depending on your nationality and your plans, this could be a no-issue, or a big issue. Let me know if you need a good Permit lawyer.  

2. Personal License to run a resto (and to sell alcohol).
I think that in GVA, you need to go throgh some sort of training to get a licence to run a resto, and an even touger training (and some minor background check) if you also want to seel alcohol. Members Dinkle & Glen & Heaven own restos / pubs, and may be able to help with more info.

3. License for the place itself.
The location itself needs to be approved by the authorities, to ensure it complies with safety / Hygiene regulations. If you buy a working place, it's most likely this is already done.

Hope this helps, and pls invite us to the opening!

Nir

 
Nir Ofek, Jun 9, 2008 @ 14:37

CDNSarah:  I thought Heaven closed for renovations or something of that sort  -- not true?

For a restaurant you will need a what is called a "patent" or work with someone who has one.  It is the license.  I agree with the others that restaurants are a very tough business here -- there has been an explosion of restaurants and cafés in the past several years, at least in Geneva.  You would need an investment of about 200,000 -300,000 chf money to invest, besides money to keep yourself alive.  (That is information from a friend of mine in the foo business here for many, many years.)  A food stand is different -- but then you have to fight for a space all the same. 

The canton of Geneva has a service to assist entrepreneurs with everything from the business plan to finding financing.   Check at www.geneve.ch.  If you need help with the french, give a shout....

If you search the site, I think you will find that there is a small business group that meets somewhat regularly.  You might also do some networking with people at Geneva Women in Trade.  Good luck  :)
Translator, Jun 9, 2008 @ 17:32

Here is a link to an ex-pat group that provide various trainings in English including starting your own business in switzerland. I attended the start your own business course a year or so ago. The information was highly useful....how much money you need to have, what permits, all the in's & out's etc....maybe they have details on the site below or they could give you the contact name of the guy that gave the course......

http://www.mybluesky.ch/

Good luck in what ever you choose to do
Tammyshanker, Jun 9, 2008 @ 17:48

If you need more detail infor on the subject can get in touch with me. I have both the Vaud and Geneva licenses to operate a resto to a hotel.  

Cheers,

Mike.
JackieChen, Jun 10, 2008 @ 14:30

Hi Nir

I just read your post and wondered if you know of anyone who can translate my business plan into French? It would be good to have someone who is not just a translator but someone who has submitted a BP themselves.

Also, would be good to connect with someone who has successfully submitted their business plan to check if I have got  my facts/ steps right from the website.

Sorry, here is another 'also'!:)  It seems that you have to show in your BP that you have an established client base and that you are already gaining an income, is this right?

Any thoughts or suggestions would be very welcome.

Tania

 

Tarn, Jul 22, 2012 @ 19:58