[Grow and structure](https://www.helvate.ch/en/insights/categorie/grow-and-structure)# Business conversion: changing your legal form as your company evolves A structure that suits the launch of a business is not necessarily the right one a few years later. Growth, new shareholders, the search for capital or the wish to better limit liability can all lead you to rethink your company's legal form. Published on 18 September 2026 Updated on 25 September 2026 3 min read [](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.helvate.ch%2Fen%2Finsights%2Fbusiness-conversion-changing-your-legal-form-as-your-company-evolves) [](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.helvate.ch%2Fen%2Finsights%2Fbusiness-conversion-changing-your-legal-form-as-your-company-evolves&text=Business+conversion%3A+changing+your+legal+form+as+your+company+evolves) [](mailto:?subject=Business%20conversion%3A%20changing%20your%20legal%20form%20as%20your%20company%20evolves&body=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.helvate.ch%2Fen%2Finsights%2Fbusiness-conversion-changing-your-legal-form-as-your-company-evolves) Contents Converting a business means changing its legal structure to adapt it to a new reality. Moving from a limited liability company (Sàrl) to a company limited by shares (SA) is a common example. For a sole proprietor, moving to a corporation in practice involves setting up a new SA or Sàrl and transferring the business, its assets and its liabilities to it. The procedure therefore always depends on the starting legal form and the one being considered. ## Choosing a legal form suited to the new situation The choice is not just a question of size. You need to look at the available capital, personal liability, the number of shareholders, governance, taxation, social insurance and financing needs. A sole proprietorship, for example, exposes its owner to unlimited personal liability, whereas a Sàrl or an SA has its own legal personality. The minimum capital required also differs depending on the structure chosen. ## Determining how the conversion can be carried out Some companies can change their legal form directly under the framework provided by the Swiss Merger Act. A Sàrl, for instance, can be converted into an SA without going through liquidation. In other situations, the process takes the form of setting up a new entity followed by a transfer of assets or of the business. You then need to determine precisely what the new structure takes over, including assets, liabilities, contracts and, where applicable, employment relationships. ## A conversion involves specific legal formalities Depending on the transaction, you will need to prepare the resolutions of the competent bodies, the new articles of association and the documents required by the Commercial Register. A notary may need to be involved, particularly when a resolution must be recorded as a public deed. The capital, representation and organisational requirements specific to the new legal form must also be met before registration. ## Assessing the tax, social security and administrative consequences Changing structure can alter the way the company and its manager are taxed, as well as their situation with regard to AVS, occupational pension provision and social insurance. A self-employed person who becomes an employee of their own SA or Sàrl, in particular, changes their social security status. VAT, insurance policies, bank accounts, permits and contracts must also be reviewed. Under certain conditions, a conversion may benefit from special tax treatment, which makes planning ahead essential. ## Preparing the conversion before launching it A successful conversion therefore starts with a comprehensive analysis of your business. [**Helvate**](#cta) can compare the possible structures, assess the tax and administrative consequences, prepare the necessary documents and coordinate the process with the notary, the Commercial Register and the other parties involved. The goal is to evolve your legal structure without losing sight of your company's day-to-day operations. 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