{"id":12216,"date":"2025-09-21T06:43:02","date_gmt":"2025-09-21T04:43:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/info.1doc.ch\/bien-se-lancer-en-tant-que-therapeute-independant\/"},"modified":"2026-01-06T15:53:08","modified_gmt":"2026-01-06T13:53:08","slug":"get-started-self-employed-therapist","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/info.onedoc.ch\/en\/blog\/therapists\/get-started-self-employed-therapist\/","title":{"rendered":"8-step checklist to get started as a self-employed therapist"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row gap=”10″ kd_background_image_position=”vc_row-bg-position-top”][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]Are you finishing your therapist training or moving from employment to self-employment?<\/p>\n

Choosing self-employed status means gaining autonomy<\/strong> in running your practice, setting your own hours<\/strong>, and building a direct relationship of trust<\/strong> 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!<\/p>\n

Here are the 8 key steps to set yourself up smoothly as a complementary therapist<\/a> in Switzerland. Whether you are an osteopath, reflexologist, massage therapist, naturopath, psychologist or other, this article is for you![\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1758283019122{margin-top: 50px !important;margin-bottom: 50px !important;}”]<\/p>\n

\u2705 Discover our all-in-one software for therapists<\/a><\/p>\n

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The 8 steps to become a self-employed therapist in Switzerland<\/h2><\/header>

Step 1: Check your self-employed status<\/h3><\/header>[vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1758288086878{margin-bottom: 50px !important;}”]In Switzerland, you are recognised as self-employed if you work on your own account<\/strong> with your own infrastructure<\/strong>, assume the economic risk<\/strong> of your activity, and have several clients<\/strong>. This recognition is formalised by your compensation fund (see step 3).[\/vc_column_text]

Step 2: Obtain the required cantonal authorisations<\/h3><\/header>[vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1758288923808{margin-bottom: 50px !important;}”]In Switzerland, authorisation to practise is handled by the cantons. Depending on your canton and specialty, an authorisation may be required.<\/p>\n

Procedure to obtain a cantonal authorisation:<\/h4>\n
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  1. Submit your application<\/strong> to your canton\u2019s health authority (cantonal physician\/health office).<\/li>\n
  2. Complete the standard file<\/strong>: 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.<\/li>\n
  3. Timelines<\/strong>: from a few weeks to a few months depending on the canton and your file.<\/li>\n
  4. Receipt of the decision<\/strong>: you will receive an authorisation decision<\/em> 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).<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Foreign diploma: MEBEKO recognition<\/h4>\n

    If you have a foreign diploma and want to set up in Switzerland, you must request recognition from the Medical Professions Commission (MEBEKO).[\/vc_column_text]

    Step 3: Register with the compensation fund (AVS\/AI\/APG \u2013 AHV\/IV\/EO)<\/h3><\/header>[vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1758286056395{margin-bottom: 50px !important;}”]When you start your self-employed therapy activity, you must register as soon as you begin invoicing or have clients<\/strong>. This helps you avoid penalties, late-payment interest, or retroactive debts.[\/vc_column_text]

    How to register with the compensation fund?<\/h4><\/header>[vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1758286787496{margin-bottom: 50px !important;}” el_class=”btf-a”]<\/p>\n