Restaurant licence in Switzerland: step by step
Opening a restaurant, café, takeaway or bar in Switzerland requires a hospitality licence from the municipality – traditionally called the Wirtepatent. The requirements are set by each canton and differ considerably. We check what applies at your location and handle the application from CHF 550.
How it works
Check what your canton requires
Some cantons still require a certificate of competence or a hospitality course; others have dropped that duty and only assess the premises and the operator. We confirm what your specific location demands before you spend money on a course.
Assess the premises, not just the person
The licence is tied to the property: zoning, fire safety, escape routes, ventilation, toilet facilities and accessibility all have to be in order. Converting a shop into a food outlet also needs a building permit.
File the application with the municipality
You normally submit personal details, criminal-record and debt-enforcement extracts, the lease or land-register extract, an operating concept with opening hours, and floor plans of the premises.
Register with food safety control
Before opening, the business is registered with the cantonal food inspectorate. You need a self-monitoring concept covering temperature checks, a cleaning schedule and traceability of goods.
Settle alcohol service and opening hours
Serving spirits requires a separate authorisation and carries youth-protection obligations. Opening hours, outdoor seating and noise limits are set either in the same licence or in a separate permit.
Register the company, AHV and VAT
In parallel: legal form and commercial register, AHV compensation fund, accident insurance, occupational pension, and – above CHF 100’000 turnover – VAT. The hospitality industry’s collective agreement (L-GAV) applies from your first employee.
Answered in short
Do I need a Wirtepatent in every canton?
No. Several cantons have abolished the certificate of competence and only require an operating licence from the municipality. Others still insist on the certificate or a course. We check your location before you book anything.
How long does the process take?
Expect four to twelve weeks from a complete application. If a change of use triggers a building permit, the timeline stretches significantly – plan your lease start accordingly.
What does Planet charge for the hospitality licence?
We handle the application for a flat fee of CHF 550. Cantonal and municipal fees, and any course costs, are charged separately.