Taking out a loan in Switzerland is not just about meeting an immediate need — it’s often a strategic decision, connected to a life stage, a professional opportunity, or a period of transition.
Self-employed professionals, entrepreneurs, and individuals from various fields use credit to stabilize their activity, invest in growth, or protect their cash flow without compromising financial security.
Here’s a comprehensive overview of key moments when a private or business loan becomes relevant — based on real situations commonly faced by self-employed individuals in Switzerland.
When to take out a loan as a self-employed professional
Self-employed workers form an essential part of the Swiss economy. Whether artisans, therapists, lawyers, designers, or doctors, they often face irregular business cycles.
A loan can serve as a tool for balance and foresight — not a sign of weakness.
1. During a temporary drop in income
A freelance photographer, hairdresser, or consultant may experience a quiet period (off-season, loss of a major client, or illness).
A short-term loan helps maintain essential expenses: office rent, social contributions, insurance, or employee salaries.
This type of financing protects business stability while waiting for activity to pick up again.
2. When opening a practice or workshop
A physiotherapist, lawyer, or craftsman starting a business often needs to invest in:
- professional equipment,
- a workspace or renovations,
- a website and marketing,
- or an initial stock of materials.
A start-up loan helps fund this critical phase without exhausting personal savings. It’s a launch investment that accelerates the start of operations.
3. To modernize or expand equipment
A dentist upgrading their dental chair, a baker buying a new oven, or an architect renewing their IT equipment can benefit from an investment loan.
This financing maintains quality, productivity, and competitiveness while preserving liquidity.
4. When changing status or profession
An employee becoming self-employed — for example, a fitness coach, driver, translator, or therapist — often needs start-up capital to create a sole proprietorship or limited company.
A loan helps cover:
- setup costs,
- a rental deposit,
- or initial operating expenses before income begins.
It’s a key support mechanism during professional transition.
5. To buy or transfer a business
A self-employed person may have the opportunity to acquire an existing business — a hair salon, medical practice, law office, garage, or agency.
A business acquisition loan finances this takeover, often with more favorable conditions than standard commercial credit.
It allows the buyer to take over an existing client base while spreading the investment over several years.
6. During rapid business growth
A restaurant doubling its capacity, a driver purchasing a second vehicle, or an e-commerce entrepreneur seeing sales surge — all face increased cash flow needs.
A loan can help:
- increase inventory,
- hire staff,
- or invest in more efficient production tools.
It’s a strategy for supporting growth rather than slowing it down.
7. When moving to new premises
A loan may also be needed when a professional relocates.
A physiotherapy practice, art gallery, or accounting office that moves must fund:
- renovation or fitting work,
- furniture,
- signage,
- and sometimes a rental deposit.
A transition loan ensures business continuity during the move.
8. For real estate investment abroad
Many Swiss self-employed individuals wish to buy a home in Portugal, Spain, or Italy.
An international property loan helps finance this personal or retirement project while maintaining financial stability in Switzerland.
It can be combined with a Swiss personal loan to supplement a local down payment, in line with each country’s regulations.
9. To consolidate multiple debts
Some self-employed professionals use several credit cards, a leasing agreement, and a business loan.
Debt consolidation merges them into a single monthly payment — often with a lower rate — simplifying accounting and reducing monthly financial pressure.
10. To handle unexpected personal or professional costs
A vehicle breakdown, an equipment invoice, a medical expense, or a late client payment — a quick loan can prevent a cash flow blockage.
The key is to see it as a temporary, strategic tool, not a management habit.
Practical examples by profession
- An electrician finances a new utility van to expand his service area.
- A naturopath equips her treatment room and builds her website.
- A lawyer takes out a personal loan to bridge a period of delayed payments.
- A musician invests in a recording studio.
- A photographer buys a new high-end camera before wedding season.
- A restaurateur renovates his terrace before summer.
- A consultant obtains a loan to cover costs during a long assignment abroad.
Key takeaway
For a self-employed person in Switzerland, taking out a loan isn’t about “borrowing out of need” — it’s about optimizing financial cycles.
It’s a tool for anticipation and stability that helps:
- invest without using up savings,
- overcome a slow period,
- finance expansion,
- or support a life project.
A well-managed loan becomes an accelerator of success — strengthening independence and growth for self-employed professionals across all sectors: craftsmanship, healthcare, law, consulting, trade, and creative industries.
An article by Munur Aslan, Director of Multicredit.
