Bern
The capital city of Switzerland, Bern has a large population of tourists and locals alike. Located in a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site, the city offers businesses a unique and beautiful location to host a pop-up shop.
Spaces in Bern
Browse some of our unique spaces
Good to know
Legal insights
Yes. Subleasing is allowed, in general.
Yes, there are restrictions.
Subleasing is not possible without the landlord's consent.
No, they cannot.
No, extensions can not be excluded by contract.
Tenancy extension cannot be limited by contract, however commercial short-term leases might be excluded from this.
Tenancy extension cannot be limited by contract, however commercial short-term leases might be excluded from this.
No, liability insurance is not required by law.
Yes, landlords normally require liability insurance.
No, a permit is not required to operate a retail trading business. There may be permits required for construction and other work, though.
Normally, no special business permits are required as long as an individual has obtained the necessary work and residence permits. For certain shop categories, e.g. food, alcohol, tobacco, etc., special permit regulations nevertheless apply.
Registration of a business in the Commercial Register will automatically result in a general business licence (certificate) being issued. In some specific sectors including banking, insurance, transport, and employment services, a special licence is required.
Generally, shops have the following opening hours:
- From Monday to Friday from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- On Saturday from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. (also applies to days before public holidays).
Please note:
- Once a week (Monday to Friday) there may be an evening sale until 10 p.m.
- Two times a year all shops are allowed to open on public holidays.
- Extended opening hours apply to certain types of shops (e.g. petrol stations, kiosks, bakeries, flower shops).
A building construction may be necessary in some cases (for example a change in the interior of a building that affects fire safety).
Yes, a permit is required.