Setting up a road transport company in Switzerland is a major opportunity, but it also means entering one of Europe’s most tightly regulated sectors. As soon as the activity becomes professional and the vehicles exceed certain weight thresholds, the transport licence issued by the Swiss Federal Office of Transport (OFT/FOT) becomes mandatory.
With the entry into force of the new rules on 1 May 2025, the requirements relating to good repute, financial capacity, professional competence and a real registered office in Switzerland have been reinforced. Companies must now demonstrate a robust structure and qualified supervision to access the profession on a sustainable basis.
This complete guide – based on official OFT documents – explains, in a clear and operational way, everything you need to know to understand whether your activity requires a licence, meet the access conditions and set up your transport company in Switzerland.
Do I need an OFT transport licence? Summary
The OFT uses a clear decision-making flowchart to determine whether a transport activity is subject to licensing. In practice, the assessment focuses primarily on the type of transport, vehicle weight and whether the activity is carried out on a professional basis.
The licence is mandatory if:
- you use vehicles with a gross vehicle weight exceeding 2.5 tonnes for international transport of goods;
- you use vehicles with a gross vehicle weight exceeding 3.5 tonnes for professional transport in Switzerland;
- you transport goods or passengers on a professional basis, even occasionally.
No licence in certain cases:
According to the OFT information sheet on transport activities that can be carried out without a licence, the following are exempt:
- own-account transport (subject to cumulative legal conditions),
- waste transport by a municipality for its own account,
- snow clearance,
- towing / transport of broken-down vehicles,
- urgent medical transports, etc.
The distinction between professional transport (subject to licensing) and an ancillary or technical activity (exempt) is decisive. The following sections detail the legal basis, the conditions to be met and the procedure for obtaining an OFT transport licence.
What is an OFT transport licence?
The OFT licence is the official authorisation that allows a company to carry out professional road transport of goods or passengers. It derives from:
- the Federal Act on Road Transport Undertakings (LEnTR);
- the OTVM / OEnTR Ordinance, revised and applicable as from May 2025.
It is:
- valid for 5 years,
- personal and non-transferable,
- mandatory for any professional transport activity once certain weight thresholds are exceeded.
To be admitted to the profession, a company must meet four requirements:
- Good repute
- Financial capacity
- Professional competence
- Real registered office in Switzerland
These requirements are strictly defined and monitored by the OFT.
The 4 mandatory conditions to obtain the OFT licence
Good repute
The transport manager must provide a VOSTRA criminal record extract less than 3 months old and must not have been convicted for:
- criminal offences;
- serious infringements of transport regulations;
- repeated breaches of driving and rest time rules;
- infringements of road safety rules.
The OFT documentation also indicates that the person must reside or work in Switzerland, ensuring effective supervision.
Financial capacity
Financial capacity ensures the company has sufficient capital to operate. The required amounts depend on the type and number of vehicles.
According to the OFT — proof of financial capacity:
For goods transport:
- CHF 9,000 for the first vehicle > 3.5 t
- CHF 5,000 for each additional vehicle > 3.5 t
- CHF 900 per international vehicle from 2.5 t to 3.5 t
- Company using only vehicles from 2.5 t to 3.5 t → CHF 1,800 for the first vehicle, CHF 900 for each additional one
For passenger transport:
- CHF 9,000 for the first vehicle
- CHF 5,000 for each additional vehicle
If the company does not have these funds?
You may provide a bank guarantee, valid for the entire duration of the licence (5 years).
Professional competence
The company must appoint a competent transport manager, who may be an internal employee or an external mandatary.
The OFT documentation includes the official specimen of the professional competence certificate for goods or passenger transport.
Several qualifications are accepted (under the OEnTR), including:
- Swiss certificate of professional competence
- EU certificate of professional competence
- Federal brevet as road transport / logistics specialist
- Federal diploma as transport and logistics manager
- Federal brevet as coach guide and driver
If the person does not hold one of the recognised qualifications, they must pass the official examination organised by ASTAG – UTP – LRS.
The transport manager may supervise only:
- a maximum of 4 companies
- a maximum of 50 vehicles in total
(see the OFT standard agreement for mandated managers).
This rule prevents the abusive use of “nominal” or “fictitious” transport managers.
Real registered office in Switzerland
The company must demonstrate that it is:
- effectively established in Switzerland,
- accessible to the public,
- capable of managing its fleet from its registered office.
A mere virtual office is not sufficient if the real management of transport operations cannot be demonstrated.
How to obtain a transport licence in Switzerland (OFT steps)
The application is submitted online via the OFT portal.
Documents to be provided
Documents to be provided:
- Official OFT application form
- Agreement with the transport manager
- Swiss criminal record + foreign criminal record (if applicable)
- Annual financial statements or opening balance sheet
- Proof of professional competence
- Proof of financial capacity
- Commercial Register extract (if the company already exists)
According to the OFT guide, each application is reviewed in depth before a five-year approval is granted.
Timeframe (2 to 6 weeks)
On average:
- 2 to 6 weeks, if the file is complete and compliant.
An incomplete file significantly extends processing times (missing criminal record, non-compliant transport manager, insufficient accounting evidence, etc.).
Official OFT fees
OFT fees:
- Granting / withdrawal / revocation: CHF 500
- Amendment / renewal: CHF 300
- Change of name / address: CHF 50
Common reasons for refusal
Common reasons for refusal:
- no real registered office in Switzerland,
- transport manager without recognised professional competence,
- transport manager without effective presence in the company,
- insufficient financial capacity,
- incomplete or non-compliant documentation,
- criminal record not compatible with the good repute requirement.
It is essential to prepare a complete and consistent file from the outset to avoid delays or a refusal.
Which transports require an OFT licence?
The OFT uses a clear decision-making flowchart to determine whether an activity requires a licence.
The licence is mandatory if:
- you use vehicles with a gross vehicle weight exceeding 2.5 tonnes (international transport);
- or more than 3.5 tonnes for professional transport within Switzerland;
- or you transport goods or passengers on a professional basis, even occasionally.
Transport is deemed professional when the carrier obtains a gain. Gain includes the acceptance of money, benefits in kind or any other commercial advantage.
Which transports can be carried out without a licence?
(Key exceptions useful for businesses)
According to the OFT explanatory notice:
Without a licence:
- transports linked to the universal postal service,
- transport of broken-down vehicles,
- vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes, but please note:
- in Switzerland = possible,
- for international transport = licence required,
- own-account transport if all conditions A–E are met,
- snow clearance,
- urgent transport of medicines,
- certain municipal transports.
This list is particularly useful to avoid misinterpretation. The distinction between own-account transport, ancillary activities and commercial transport is central.
Typical costs to set up a transport company in Switzerland
Official fees:
- OFT: CHF 500
- Notary / Commercial Register fees for incorporation: approx. CHF 1,800
- Possible bank guarantee: variable
Transport manager fees (if external):
- CHF 400 – 900 per month depending on fleet size
Other costs:
- accounting
- insurance
- drivers’ salaries
- road charges (LSVA)
How to open a transport company in Switzerland: 2025/2026 guide
Setting up a road transport company in Switzerland is an exceptional opportunity to enter one of Europe’s most regulated, reliable and attractive markets. But this opportunity comes with a strict legal framework: to carry out any professional transport activity, obtaining the OFT licence is mandatory.
With the entry into force of the new rules on 1 May 2025, access conditions have become even stricter: professional competence, financial capacity, good repute, real registered office in Switzerland… Companies must demonstrate a solid structure and impeccable governance.
Opening a company in Switzerland for transport therefore requires addressing several issues at the same time:
- the creation of the legal structure (e.g., LLC / Sàrl or Ltd / SA);
- the set-up of a real registered office in Switzerland;
- the obtention of the OFT licence;
- financial and operational compliance;
- the implementation of an internal organisation (transport manager, drivers, fleet, compliance monitoring).
Choosing the legal form (LLC / Sàrl or Ltd / SA)
Most professional transport operators choose a capital company structure such as an LLC / Sàrl or a Ltd / SA. The choice depends on the project, the number of partners/shareholders, the fleet size, investment levels and the development strategy.
Commercial Register registration and UID
Once the legal form is chosen, the company must be incorporated and registered with the Commercial Register. The business then receives a UID number, which is essential for dealings with authorities, VAT, invoicing and tax/administrative obligations.
Costs of incorporating a transport company
In practice, you should budget for:
- incorporation fees (notary, Commercial Register), approximately CHF 1,800 for a standard company;
- OFT licence fees (CHF 500 for granting, CHF 300 for renewal);
- a possible bank guarantee if equity is insufficient;
- investments in vehicles, premises/depot, equipment, insurance and internal organisation.
Staff, vehicles, safety and compliance requirements
A transport company must manage:
- the recruitment of drivers holding the required licences;
- fleet management and maintenance;
- compliance with safety rules and driving/rest times;
- the implementation of internal procedures ensuring traceability, trip monitoring, incident handling and inspection readiness.
These aspects are closely linked to the transport manager’s role and the OFT obligations.
The transport manager: duties, risks, limits
(Responsibilities, tasks, risks)
The OFT standard agreement (official document) defines the transport manager’s duties very clearly.
In particular, they must:
- supervise vehicle maintenance;
- check transport documents;
- allocate trips and plan drivers;
- ensure compliance with rest times;
- review contracts;
- ensure compliance with safety rules.
The transport manager must have a real and continuous influence over day-to-day operations.
The transport manager may supervise only:
- a maximum of 4 companies
- a maximum of 50 vehicles in total.
This limitation ensures that the transport manager effectively supervises operations and prevents the use of “fictitious” managers whose role would be purely formal.
For entrepreneurs who do not have a Swiss-resident director, it is possible to appoint a
Swiss-resident director or managing officer, in order to meet local governance and substance requirements imposed by the authorities.
Why work with a specialised corporate services provider (RISTER)?
Setting up a transport company in Switzerland involves:
- heavy administrative workload,
- strict regulatory requirements,
- potential criminal liability for the transport manager,
- regular OFT inspections.
For foreign entrepreneurs, access to the market generally requires:
- a transport manager domiciled in Switzerland,
- an operational registered office,
- compliant accounting,
- strong internal processes.
At RISTER – Corporate Services Provider in Geneva, support goes beyond advice. For many years, RISTER has assisted Swiss and international carriers with setting up their company, ensuring compliance with the LEnTR and OEnTR, and obtaining their OFT transport licence quickly and securely.
Thanks to in-depth regulatory expertise, a precise understanding of OFT requirements, and the ability to provide a qualified transport manager resident in Switzerland, RISTER offers a turnkey solution to access the Swiss road transport market.
RISTER – Corporate Services Provider in Geneva offers:
- full incorporation of the company,
- obtention of the OFT licence,
- provision of an approved transport manager,
- administrative and accounting support,
- full compliance with the LEnTR and OEnTR.
Conclusion: the OFT licence is a non-negotiable step in Switzerland
Obtaining the OFT licence is now a non-negotiable step for any company wishing to carry out professional road transport in Switzerland or Europe. With stricter requirements in force as from 2025, the sector is becoming more demanding, more regulated and more selective than ever. Only serious companies with a strong organisation and qualified supervision will be able to access the market sustainably.
This is precisely where RISTER – Corporate Services Provider in Geneva comes in.
We assist Swiss and international entrepreneurs with:
- the incorporation of their company (LLC / Sàrl or Ltd / SA);
- the preparation of the OFT application file;
- financial, administrative and operational compliance;
- the provision of an approved transport manager, domiciled in Switzerland;
- the accounting and tax management of the company;
- all communications with the OFT and the cantonal authorities.
Our objective: enable your company to start operating quickly, with full legal security and in strict compliance with federal requirements.
If you wish to set up a transport company in Switzerland or obtain your OFT licence under the best possible conditions, RISTER – Corporate Services Provider in Geneva provides premium, reliable and fully personalised support.
FAQ – OFT transport licence in Switzerland
The transport licence issued by the Swiss Federal Office of Transport (OFT/FOT) is a legal requirement for many companies operating in the road transport of goods or passengers in Switzerland. This FAQ answers the most common questions about the OFT licensing obligation, exemptions, financial requirements and the transport manager’s role, taking into account the Swiss legal framework applicable in 2025 and 2026.
Is the OFT licence mandatory for all transport operators in Switzerland?
No. The OFT licence is mandatory only for professional transport, i.e. an activity carried out for remuneration or repeatedly. It is required in particular for vehicles over 3.5 tonnes in domestic traffic, from 2.5 tonnes for international goods transport, and for passenger transport using vehicles designed for more than 8 passengers.
Which transports are exempt from the OFT licence?
Several activities are exempt under the OFT explanatory notice, including own-account transport (provided all legal conditions are met), municipal waste collection, snow clearance, towing / transport of broken-down vehicles, emergency medical transports, as well as certain internal or non-professional transports with vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes.
Who must apply for the OFT licence: the company or the transport manager?
The application is submitted by the company (LLC / Sàrl, Ltd / SA or branch). However, the company must appoint a transport manager, who must reside or work in Switzerland, be of good repute, hold recognised professional competence and exercise real and continuous influence over operations.
What are the transport manager’s responsibilities?
The transport manager supervises vehicle maintenance, checks transport documents, plans trips and drivers, ensures compliance with rest times and safety rules, and assumes day-to-day operational responsibility for transport activities.
Is an external transport manager allowed in Switzerland?
Yes, under strict conditions. An external manager may supervise a maximum of 4 companies and 50 vehicles in total. These limits are intended to guarantee effective supervision and prevent purely nominal managers.
How can the financial capacity required by the OFT be proven?
The company must demonstrate a minimum level of equity and reserves. For goods transport, this is CHF 9,000 for the first vehicle > 3.5 t and CHF 5,000 per additional vehicle. If the company does not have these funds, it may provide a bank guarantee valid for 5 years.
Which financial documents does the OFT accept?
The OFT generally accepts complete annual financial statements, an opening balance sheet for newly incorporated companies, or a tax assessment for sole proprietorships. Bank statements or simple estimates are not considered sufficient proof on their own.
How is the transport manager’s professional competence proven?
Professional competence is proven by a recognised certificate (Swiss or EU) or a recognised federal qualification in transport/logistics, or by passing the official ASTAG – UTP – LRS examination.
Is a registered office in Switzerland mandatory to obtain the OFT licence?
Yes. The company must have a real registered office in Switzerland with physical presence, actual activity and the ability to manage the fleet from that office. A purely virtual office is not sufficient.
What are the most common reasons for refusal of an OFT licence?
Refusals most often result from the absence of a real registered office, a non-compliant transport manager, insufficient financial capacity, incomplete documentation or a criminal record incompatible with the good repute requirement.
Can you operate before obtaining the OFT licence?
No. Carrying out professional transport activity before the licence is granted exposes the company to sanctions, a ban on operating and a risk of definitive refusal.
Why work with RISTER – Corporate Services Provider in Geneva?
RISTER provides a turnkey solution: incorporation of the Swiss entity, full preparation of the OFT file, provision of certified transport managers, accounting and tax support, and direct communication with the OFT. This approach ensures full compliance and optimised timeframes.
