Swiss law guarantees the freedom of trade. Everyone has the right to trade, to establish a company, to buy a company, or to participate in a company for these purposes. Foreign nationals do not usually need a permit.

Foreign nationals may be subject to some restrictions with regard to work and residence permits.

Some business sectors need special authorisation known as patent or concession. The  authorisation sometimes requires appropriate credentials or proof of Swiss citizenship.

	Bank  Investment enterprises
	Insurance companies
	Hotels and restaurants
	Real estate broker
	Casinos and lottery
	Professional practices (e.g., doctors, dentists, lawyers, engineers, pharmacist, ...)
	Weapons production
	Distributors ( e.g., wine or alcohol)
	Energy (atomic or hydro-electric power plants)