Published March 22, 2026 · 11 min read
You have completed your training in complementary medicine and wish to set up your own practice in Switzerland? This guide walks you through all the administrative, legal and practical steps — from registering with the trade register to issuing your first invoice.
It covers the procedures for naturopaths, osteopaths, acupuncturists, reflexologists, medical massage therapists, kinesiologists, sophrologists, and any other complementary medicine discipline recognised in Switzerland.
In Switzerland, the majority of independent therapists operate as a sole proprietorship (Einzelunternehmen / raison individuelle). It is the simplest and least expensive structure.
| Structure | Sole proprietorship | LLC (Sàrl) |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum capital | None | CHF 20'000 |
| Trade register | Required if revenue > 100k | Required |
| Liability | Unlimited personal | Limited to capital |
| Accounting | Simplified | Double-entry, with audit |
| Setup cost | ~CHF 0-200 | ~CHF 2'000-3'000 |
Our advice: start as a sole proprietorship. You can always switch to an LLC later if your revenue justifies it. Registration with the Trade Register (Zefix) is mandatory if your annual revenue exceeds CHF 100,000.
For your patients to be reimbursed by their supplementary health insurance, you must be recognised by at least one of the two main Swiss registries:
ASCA (Swiss Foundation for Complementary Medicine)
~130 recognised disciplines. Annual fee ~CHF 550-650. Requires min. 200h of specific training. More common in French-speaking Switzerland.
RME (Registry of Empirical Medicine)
~150 methods. Annual fee ~CHF 400-500. Training hours vary by method. More common in German-speaking Switzerland.
For a complete guide on choosing between ASCA and RME, read our article ASCA vs RME: which recognition to choose?
Three numbers are required to bill insurance companies:
1. RCC Number (Creditor Code Register)
Issued by SASIS SA. This is your «therapist number» with insurance companies. Format: letter + 6 digits + dot + 2 digits (e.g. K123456.12). Processing time: 2 to 6 weeks. Submit your application as soon as you have your ASCA/RME recognition.
2. GLN (Global Location Number)
A 13-digit number that identifies your practice. Obtain it from Refdata. Required for the mandatory DataMatrix on your Tarif 590 invoices.
3. AHV/AVS Number (for yourself)
Your personal AHV/AVS number (756.XXXX.XXXX.XX). You already have it — it's on your health insurance card. Required for social security contributions.
Professional liability insurance (RC pro)
Mandatory. Covers damages caused to a patient during treatment. Cost: ~CHF 300-600/year depending on the discipline. Required by ASCA and RME for registration.
AHV/AVS/AI/APG compensation fund
Mandatory for all self-employed persons in Switzerland. Register with your cantonal compensation fund within 90 days of starting your activity. Contributions: 5.4% to 10% of net income depending on the amount.
2nd pillar (BVG/LPP) — optional for self-employed
Self-employed individuals are not required to contribute to the 2nd pillar, but it is strongly recommended for your retirement. Alternative: 3rd pillar A (max CHF 36,500/year in 2026 for self-employed without 2nd pillar).
With Tarif 590, you bill in 5-minute periods. The price per period is freely set, but here are the typical ranges in French-speaking Switzerland (2026):
| Discipline | Price / 5 min | 60 min session |
|---|---|---|
| Medical massage | CHF 10-12 | CHF 120-144 |
| Naturopathy | CHF 12-15 | CHF 144-180 |
| Osteopathy | CHF 13-16 | CHF 156-192 |
| Acupuncture | CHF 12-15 | CHF 144-180 |
| Sophrology / Shiatsu | CHF 10-13 | CHF 120-156 |
VAT: if your annual revenue is below CHF 100,000, you are not subject to VAT. Complementary medicine services may be exempt under Art. 21 para. 2 no. 3 LTVA, but only if you hold the recognised qualifications (federal diploma or equivalent). Check with your cantonal tax administration.
For a complete billing guide, read our article Tarif 590: complete guide 2026.
Since 1 September 2023, the new Data Protection Act (nDPA/nLPD) classifies health data as sensitive data (Art. 5 let. c). As a therapist, you are required to:
In practice, use software that encrypts your data and is hosted in Switzerland. Avoid keeping patient records in unprotected Excel files, Google Sheets, or non-compliant tools.
The most effective channels for a therapist starting out in Switzerland:
Professional directories — your ASCA/RME registration gives you visibility on their online directories. This is often the first source of patients.
Google Business Profile — create your Google Maps listing with photos, hours, and reviews. Free and extremely effective for local visibility.
Word of mouth — inform your network, former training colleagues, and local doctors/pharmacists. A flyer in neighbourhood letterboxes remains very effective in Switzerland.
Online booking — offer a booking link on your profile. Patients under 50 increasingly book online rather than by phone.
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