Starting a physiotherapy practice in Switzerland: 7 success factors

Swiss healthcare is known for its high standards and good earnings. This offers excellent opportunities for entrepreneurial physiotherapists, but also involves specific challenges. In the years of experience with our own practice, we have experienced for ourselves what it takes to run a successful physiotherapy practice in Switzerland.

In addition, we have now learned a lot during the supervising physiotherapists to Switzerland and the supporting practices in finding qualified staff. Based on this expertise, we share the best tips today to make your physiotherapy practice a success as well. Here are 7 tips for getting off to a flying start as a physical entrepreneur.

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1. Make sure you have the right diplomas and permits

In Switzerland, good administrative preparation is crucial. Of course, you first need a recognized diploma. This is either a Swiss FH diploma or a foreign physiotherapy diploma recognized by the Schweizerisches Rotes Kreuz (SRK). You must then apply to the health department in your canton for a permit (Berufsausübungsbewilligung) to practice your profession.

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In order to pay with insurers, you also need a ZSR number. This is what you request from SASIS AG. This number is essential because it allows you to claim treatments with Compulsory Health Insurance (OKP) and other insurers. And also remember to become a member of our professional association Physioswiss to get access to the Tarifverträge: these determine what rates you can charge.

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Requesting these documents takes time, sometimes several months. So start collecting the correct papers and submitting your applications well in advance.

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2. Choose a location and legal form that suits you

The location for your practice has a huge influence on your success. In the city, you have more potential patients, but also more competition. In mountain areas, there is less direct competition, but a smaller permanent patient group — possibly supplemented by tourists who need specific care.

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The choice of your legal form is also important. As an individual therapist, an Einzelunternehmen (sole proprietorship) is often the simplest. For larger practices or collaborations, a GmbH (similar to BV) or AG (similar to NV) may work better. Your legal form determines not only your tax obligations, but also your personal liability and how to work with insurers.

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Our advice? Involve a local tax specialist and lawyer in these decisions. The rules vary by canton and can be quite complicated.

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3. Create a financial plan that works in Switzerland

In Switzerland, the rates for physical therapy are relatively high, but so are the costs! A good financial plan is therefore essential. Count on considerable start-up costs: a nice practice space, good equipment and possible renovations to meet the strict Swiss requirements.

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Your fixed costs include rent, insurance, salaries, taxes and social security contributions. Make sure your rates cover these costs, but keep in mind that you are bound to the rates in the Tarifverträge for basic insurance treatments.

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Count on a start-up period when you are not yet earning optimally and make sure you have a good financial buffer. In Switzerland, financial stability is highly valued — a well-founded financial plan also helps you get financing or negotiate a lease.

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4. Find (and retain) good therapists

One of the biggest challenges in Switzerland? Finding qualified staff! There is a permanent shortage of physiotherapists, which makes recruiting difficult. That's why it can be smart to look outside the country's borders.

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International recruitment offers opportunities, but it also requires extra effort. And get there we from takeoff in the picture! We specialize in finding and guiding enthusiastic, qualified physical therapists from across Europe to Swiss practices like yours.

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We take care of the entire process: from matching the right candidates for your practice to complete guidance with work permits, diploma recognition (SRK), housing and language courses. Our therapists are not only skilled, but also adventurous and motivated to build a new life in Switzerland.

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Once you've found good people via takeoff, we naturally want them to stay. That is why we not only support you at the start, but we stay involved to ensure smooth integration. And with excellent Swiss employment conditions, attractive salaries and a healthy work-life balance, you already have an advantage.

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Bonus tip: also invest in your team by offering development opportunities and creating a warm, inspiring work atmosphere.

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5. Set your practice apart from the rest

In the high-quality Swiss healthcare system, it's important to stand out. Develop a clear vision: do you want to specialize in sports, elderly care, rehabilitation after surgery, or another niche? Make sure your expertise matches what's needed in your region.

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Swiss patients attach great importance to quality and professionalism. So invest in a professional look, from your practice space to your website. Be clear about your specializations, experience and treatment methods. And in multilingual Switzerland, being able to work in different languages is a big plus.

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Networking is crucial: build good relationships with GPs, specialists, insurers and sports clubs in your neighborhood. They can become important referrers for your practice.

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6. Understand how Swiss insurance works

The Swiss health system revolves around compulsory basic insurances, supplemented with additional insurances. For a successful practice, you need to understand how the fees work and how to declare correctly.

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All residents of Switzerland must have a basic insurance (Grundversicherung), which covers physical therapy if prescribed by a doctor. In addition, many Swiss people have additional insurance that reimburses additional treatments or more sessions.

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To be able to declare, you not only need a ZSR number, but also knowledge of the correct procedures and codes. Carelessness in your administration can lead to late payments and cash flow problems. So invest in good practice software and make sure your team knows how to handle the administration correctly.

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7. Invest in quality and keep developing yourself

Swiss healthcare is known for its high standards and continuous innovation. As a practice owner, it's essential to keep investing in upskilling for yourself and your team. In our article about professional development for physical therapists in Switzerland you will find a comprehensive overview of the best training opportunities.

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The quality of your facilities and equipment also matters a lot. Swiss patients expect modern, clean and well-maintained spaces. Invest in good treatment tables, training equipment and therapy materials.

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Stay up to date with developments in your field and dare to apply new, proven effective treatment methods. In Switzerland, evidence-based work is highly valued, by patients as well as referrers and insurers.

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Ready for your own takeoff as practice owner?

Starting a physiotherapy practice in Switzerland requires good preparation and knowledge of the local rules and market. However, the high quality standards also offer plenty of opportunities for entrepreneurs who want to invest in them.

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One of the biggest challenges — finding qualified staff — can be tackled by recruiting internationally. As a takeoff, we help European physiotherapists come to Switzerland, with full support with administrative procedures, housing and integration. Take feel free to contact contact us if you want to know more about this!

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With the right preparation, a clear vision and focus on quality, you can build a successful practice in one of Europe's most stable and prosperous healthcare systems. An adventure that is extremely satisfying, not only professionally, but also personally!

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