Buying a Swiss Business (SARL/GMBH) from Abroad

Hello all - firstly what a fantastic forum here. I just joined it and so a first-time poster. I hope to participate more, even if I don't live in Switzerland (yet!).

But I wanted to pop in this forum and catch some insights from Swiss-based business operators. An opportunity has popped up to buy a Swiss based business and while I'm currently negotiating, I hope to make a transaction soon. It is up to date in its accounting and no outstanding liabilities. The purchase would be for both the assets and shares and it could be largely run online. It's a business that has been neglected in recent years and essentially with a bit of investment it could be brought back to life.

I am a French citizen and tax-resident in France. I understand that non-residents cannot be the administrator of a Swiss company and therefore I would need a 'nominee director'. I've been making enquiries with various fiduciaires and am being quoted upwards of 5000 CHF/year for such a service. Given the nature of the business and low income projections for the first few years, I find this a rather high amount. But I have no idea what the market rate is in Switzerland.

I wanted to see with the forummers here if anyone has experience in using a local director and if so a ballpark estimate of annual fees.

Any advice or feedback would be appreciated. Thanks in advance!

For a director and domicilation, Chf 5'000.-- is about right

Or get a friend in ch to do it for you? I’m on a couple of boards for friends.

Thanks for the tip. I don't know too many people in CH, but that said, the negotiations are getting a bit complicated and it does not look likely that I'll be able to make a deal and buy the GMBH. But if a new opportunity pops up, I'll definitely keep this in mind

I've just moved from Canada (Toronto) to Switzerland (Bern) and looking for opportunities to start/do something as I've moved here for my spouse's employment. Glad to have a conversation if I could of any in the future if anything else comes up.

Pardon, If i could be of any help* in the future