Are you finishing your therapist training or moving from employment to self-employment?
Choosing self-employed status means gaining autonomy in running your practice, setting your own hours, and building a direct relationship of trust with your patients. It also lets you build an activity that reflects who you are, using therapeutic methods that match your skills and your view of care. However, this freedom also comes with obligations!
Here are the 8 key steps to set yourself up smoothly as a complementary therapist in Switzerland. Whether you are an osteopath, reflexologist, massage therapist, naturopath, psychologist or other, this article is for you!
The 8 steps to become a self-employed therapist in Switzerland
Step 1: Check your self-employed status
In Switzerland, you are recognised as self-employed if you work on your own account with your own infrastructure, assume the economic risk of your activity, and have several clients. This recognition is formalised by your compensation fund (see step 3).
Step 2: Obtain the required cantonal authorisations
In Switzerland, authorisation to practise is handled by the cantons. Depending on your canton and specialty, an authorisation may be required.
Procedure to obtain a cantonal authorisation:
- Submit your application to your canton’s health authority (cantonal physician/health office).
- Complete the standard file: official cantonal form, CV, copy of diploma, criminal record extract, debt-collection register extract, and, where applicable, proof of professional liability insurance, health certificate, or evidence of suitable premises.
- Timelines: from a few weeks to a few months depending on the canton and your file.
- Receipt of the decision: you will receive an authorisation decision by post and/or via email/cantonal portal. Keep it; insurers or SASIS may request it for later applications (notably for the RCC number, see step 6).
Foreign diploma: MEBEKO recognition
If you have a foreign diploma and want to set up in Switzerland, you must request recognition from the Medical Professions Commission (MEBEKO).
Step 3: Register with the compensation fund (AVS/AI/APG – AHV/IV/EO)
When you start your self-employed therapy activity, you must register as soon as you begin invoicing or have clients. This helps you avoid penalties, late-payment interest, or retroactive debts.
How to register with the compensation fund?
- Complete the application form: fill in the self-employed affiliation form on the website of your chosen fund. You will be asked for personal data, the start date of your activity, the nature of your activity, the estimated net income, proof of invoices or client contracts, and possibly evidence of investments or premises.
- Timelines: apply as early as possible—once your first clients/invoices are there. Processing can take several weeks depending on the fund.
Good to know: even if your activity is “secondary” (for example if you are employed elsewhere), you must still apply if you have significant income (generally above CHF 30,000), and your income should be estimated accurately to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Which compensation fund should you choose as a self-employed therapist?
You can register either with the cantonal compensation fund of your canton of residence or with the compensation fund of your professional association if it offers one. The fund checks whether your activity qualifies as self-employment.
Step 4: Take out the right insurance as a self-employed person
Not all insurances are mandatory for the self-employed. Here are the main ones to consider:
- Professional liability insurance: strongly recommended to cover risks linked to therapeutic activity (damage to a patient, incident at the practice, etc.).
- Accident insurance (LAA/UVG): optional for the self-employed but strongly recommended.
- Daily sickness benefits insurance: also optional but recommended to protect against loss of income in case of illness.
- Pension provision (2nd and 3rd pillars): not compulsory for the self-employed. However, you can join voluntarily or contribute to pillar 3a to prepare for retirement and complement AVS/AHV.
- Note that unemployment insurance (AC/ALV) does not exist for the self-employed.
OneDoc supports your self-employed practice
Step 5: Choose your accreditations (ASCA / RME)
To facilitate reimbursement by supplementary insurers, it is common to obtain recognition from ASCA (Swiss foundation for complementary medicine) and/or RME (Empirical Medicine Register). These organisations are quality labels recognised by many supplementary insurers. Note that if you are ASCA-affiliated you can benefit from a 20% discount on your OneDoc subscription!
Step 6: Request your RCC/ZSR number to practise as a therapist
The RCC/ZSR number is issued by SASIS SA/AG (santésuisse). It identifies the provider when billing insurers, which is required to invoice the mandatory basic health insurance (LAMal/KVG) and obtain official recognition of your professional status. Depending on the case, a cantonal authorisation and/or method recognition (ASCA/RME) may be required.
Note that you will need an RCC/ZSR number to use OneDoc.
Step 7: Find billing software for Tariff 590) that fits your needs
Complementary therapy services are billed according to Tariff 590. To save time and reduce errors, adopt practice management software that meets your needs (integrated calendar, billing, sending invoices to insurers, payment tracking and reminders, …)
Step 8: Boost your visibility and attract patients
Choose channels that can increase your visibility (website, Google Business Profile, directories, social media). A clear online presence with your specialties, fees, cancellation policy and the option to book appointments online reassures patients!
Calculate your additional revenue thanks to increased visibility 
Try our revenue calculator and find out how much more you can earn each month with OneDoc.
Ready to get started as a self-employed therapist?
Becoming a self-employed therapist in Switzerland involves several steps: obtain the cantonal authorisations, register with the compensation fund, set up your insurance, obtain recognition (ASCA/RME), then request your RCC/ZSR number to bill under Tariff 590. With the right management tools and a clear online presence, you secure your start and save time to focus on what matters most: your patients.
In short, prepare your documents, choose your insurance, structure your billing and invest in visibility. This way, you maximise your chances of launching a solid, recognised independent activity. We wish you every success in your therapy practice!
Useful resources for self-employed therapists
- Swiss Confederation website: step-by-step guide to becoming self-employed in Switzerland
- SASIS SA/AG: request your RCC/ZSR number
- MEBEKO: recognition of foreign diplomas (FOPH)
- ASCA: Swiss foundation for complementary medicine
- RME: Empirical Medicine Register
