The takeover of a medical practice is a major step in the career of a health professional. Whether you’re succeeding a colleague or taking your first steps as an independent practitioner, success in this transition depends on thorough preparation.
In this article, we offer you a complete guide to successfully taking over, financing and transferring a medical practice in Switzerland.
Why take over an existing medical practice?
Taking over an existing medical practice brings many advantages over starting one from scratch. You benefit from, in particular:
- An existing patient base, already loyal
- An operational infrastructure: equipment, software, premises
- An experienced team: medical assistants, reception staff
- Predictable income, based on past activity history
These assets let you reduce financial risk and save valuable time since you avoid the lengthy administrative and technical setup.
However, a practice takeover is not without risks. Some leases may be unfavourable, equipment outdated, or the patient base in decline. A thorough analysis of the situation is therefore essential before any contract is signed!
Finding the right medical practice to take over
Choosing the right practice greatly influences the success of your setup. We recommend regularly checking specialised platforms for the sale or takeover of medical practices, and activating your professional network. Medical associations and specialised intermediaries can also be very helpful. Here are the essential criteria to take into account:
Location
The location of the practice directly influences your patient base and profitability.
Evaluate:
- The accessibility (transport links, parking, visibility)
- The local medical density
- The demographic and socio‑economic potential of the region
- The urban‑planning projects (new residential areas, shopping centres, etc.)
Example: A practice in Lausanne, Geneva or Nyon offers a dense population catchment but also higher competition and rents. In contrast, setting up in Fribourg, Neuchâtel or in the Jura may offer a better balance between quality of life and medical demand.
Our solutions for modern management of your new practice:
Specialty and positioning
Choose a practice matching your specialty (general medicine, physiotherapy, gynecology, etc.) and your vision of the profession: solo practice, group practice, or multidisciplinary center.
Condition of the premises and equipment
Inspect the premises: compliance with accessibility standards, hygiene, and equipment (FOPH, SUVA). Request a full inventory of furniture, medical equipment and software used.
Profile of the patient base
A loyal patient base, balanced between new and older patients, ensures continuity of revenue. Analyze its size, average age and the proportion of regular consultations.
Financing and business plan for a medical‑practice takeover
Taking over a medical practice is a major investment which requires rigorous financial planning.
A solid business plan is essential: not only to structure your project, but also to convince banks and investors.
A key financial element is the acquisition value (or “purchase price”), i.e., the amount paid for the equipment, the patient base and the intangible assets.
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What is the average purchase price of a practice in Switzerland?
It depends heavily on the specialty, the location and the revenue potential.
On average, the purchase value lies between CHF 100,000 and CHF 500,000, but may be much higher in attractive areas. An expert valuation is therefore strongly recommended.
Choosing the right legal form for your practice
The choice of legal structure influences your taxation, liability and administrative workload.
| Legal structure | Advantages | Points to watch |
|---|---|---|
| Sole proprietorship (individual enterprise) | Easy to set up, direct taxation, ideal for starting out | Unlimited liability on your personal assets |
| Limited liability company (Sàrl) | Separation of private and professional assets, more professional image | Minimum capital of CHF 20,000, more formalities |
| Limited company | Ideal for large structures or group practices | High costs and more complex management |
Essential insurance for the takeover of a practice
In Switzerland, certain professional insurances are mandatory, and others are strongly recommended to protect your activity and income.
- Professional liability insurance (mandatory)
- Loss of earnings / daily indemnities insurance (strongly recommended)
- Insurance for the practice’s inventory and building (strongly recommended)
- Cyber‑security insurance (patient data protection) (strongly recommended)
- Occupational pension plan (2nd pillar, LPP) (mandatory if you employ staff; optional but strongly recommended if independent)
- Private pension savings (pillar 3a) (recommended)
Good to know: also make sure to check the coverage of your medical assistants (accidents, LAA, LPP) and consider transferring or renegotiating the existing insurance contracts when taking over the practice!
Authorisations and administrative requirements when taking over a medical practice
Before the takeover, certain official authorisations are essential to practice legally. You must in particular hold a licence to practise issued by the health directorate of your canton, as well as recognition of your independent practitioner status. In addition, an authorisation to practise and admission to bill under the basic health insurance (AOS/LAMal) are indispensable.
These procedures vary slightly from canton to canton. Don’t hesitate to consult the website of your cantonal health authority to learn about deadlines and required forms.
Should you keep or hire staff when taking over a medical practice?
In principle, you should retain the existing staff of the practice you are taking over. In a case of a medical‑practice takeover or succession, the employment contracts in force are automatically transferred to the new owner, according to article 333 of the Swiss Code of Obligations (CO). Staff, however, have the option to refuse the transfer if they believe the new conditions do not suit them.
This continuity is an advantage for you: the existing team brings its experience and its knowledge of the practice’s operations, which facilitates the transition.
If you plan to recruit new collaborators, we recommend organizing a team meeting as soon as the contract is signed. This will allow you to present your project, reassure the team and foster their buy‑in to this new phase.
Retaining the patient base and strengthening your visibility
The success of a medical‑practice takeover also depends on the relational continuity with the existing patient base. That’s why we advise you to:
- Communicate early about the takeover
- Introduce yourself personally (by letter, email or newsletter)
- Ensure continuity of care and the team
Frequently asked questions about taking over a medical practice
How does a medical‑practice takeover proceed?
You sign a transfer contract defining the price, the modalities of transfer of the lease, equipment, staff and patient base. A timetable fixes the official transmission date and the support conditions.
What is the average cost of a medical‑practice takeover?
Count on between CHF 150,000 and CHF 500,000, depending on the size of the practice, the specialty and location. The sale price depends on turnover, patient loyalty, location and equipment.
As a rule, it corresponds to one to two years’ profit. Again, a professional valuation is recommended.
Include in your budget the renovation works, insurance, communication and IT update costs.
What happens to staff during a medical‑practice takeover?
The contracts are fully transferred to the new holder (art. 333 CO), unless employees explicitly refuse.
In summary: meticulous preparation for a successful takeover
Taking over a medical practice is an important decision, but full of opportunity.
Analyse the financial, legal and human aspects. Surround yourself with competent partners and make sure to maintain the connection with your patients and collaborators. A well‑prepared succession is the key to a successful transition.
In summary: meticulous preparation for a successful takeover
Taking over a medical practice is an important decision, but full of opportunity.
Analyse the financial, legal and human aspects. Surround yourself with competent partners and make sure to maintain the connection with your patients and collaborators. A well‑prepared succession is the key to a successful transition.
