Establish a Public Limited Company (PLC) in the Canton of Bern
Establishing a Public Limited Company (PLC) in Canton Bern: the path to your own company.
Establish a Public Limited Company (PLC) in the Canton of Bern
In Bern, the federal city, establishing a Public Limited Company (PLC) is facilitated by stable political conditions and a well-organized administration. The city offers an excellent environment for activities in the service sector due to the presence of numerous federal offices and international organizations. It is possible to register a sole proprietorship quickly and easily with the Bern Trade Registry. In addition, entrepreneurs can benefit from a strong network within the region. Proximity to key decision makers is an added advantage. Local networks and start-up centers, such as the Impact Hub Bern, offer support and advice for start-ups. The city also hosts numerous international events and conferences, providing additional networking opportunities. With its high quality of life and rich cultural heritage, Bern provides an exciting environment to establish and develop a Public Limited Company (PLC).
Establish a Public Limited Company (PLC) in Canton Bern: here's how to do it!
Calculate a non-binding offer
Enter your start-up project conveniently online and benefit from cost sharing from our partners. In just a few steps you can compose your customized start-up package.
Enter the details of the Public Limited Company (PLC)
After calculating the non-binding offer, enter your company details. At this point you can order the formation of the Public Limited Company (PLC).
Get in touch
Our attorneys will contact you within the specified time (often less than 24 hours). You will receive all incorporation documents, discuss any uncertainties, and schedule a personal consultation.
Check the documents
You can consult, print and sign all the constituent documents at your convenience at home.
Authenticate the signature
At this point you must obtain official certification of the signature (e.g., from the local authority). This confirms that the signature is indeed yours.
Entry in the commercial register
We submit all incorporation documents to the commercial register and ensure that your company is successfully registered in the commercial register. In the case of corporations, the paid-up capital is transferred to a business account after publication and is available to your company.
Celebrate
Congratulations on the successful founding of your company. Your Public Limited Company (PLC) is now active and can operate.
The Public Limited Company in Switzerland
We believe that personalized advice is the key to best understanding our clients' individual needs and challenges and offering tailored solutions.
Forming a PLC: advantages
- Switzerland's federal capital with direct access to government institutions and decision-makers
- Stable political environment and well-organised public administration
- Strong service sector driven by federal offices, NGOs, and international organisations
- Presence of Impact Hub Bern and other startup support networks
- Central location with excellent connections across German and French-speaking Switzerland
- High quality of life with competitive commercial rents compared to Zurich
Forming a PLC: disadvantages
- Bureaucracy can be slow and complex, particularly for non-Swiss founders
- Relatively high operating costs including rent and labour
- Smaller private-sector economy compared to Zurich or Basel
- Access to private investment is more limited than in Switzerland's financial hubs
- Strong competition in the service and consulting sectors
What should I consider if I want to establish a Public Limited Company (PLC) in Canton Bern?
A minimum share capital of CHF 100,000 is required for the establishment of a PLC, of which at least CHF 50,000 must be paid up.
Info: The founder of a PLC or LLC cannot draw on pension fund money because he is employed in his own company on the basis of an employment contract. He is therefore not considered self-employed under OASI law.
PLC requires at least one shareholder and one managing director, which can be the same person. A managing director with signature authority must also be a resident of Switzerland.
The audit is mandatory for 10 or more employees. Under Article 727 CO, a PLC is subject to ordinary audit if it exceeds two of the following thresholds in two consecutive fiscal years: Balance sheet total: 20 million francs - Turnover: 40 million francs - Full-time employees: 250.
Your PLC is subject to value added tax only if its turnover exceeds CHF 100,000. However, you can also voluntarily apply VAT to a lower turnover.
Useful information about the Public Limited Company
Key Facts: Establishing a PLC in Bern
- Share capital: CHF 100,000 minimum (at least CHF 50,000 paid in at founding)
- Registration: Bern Commercial Registry (Handelsregisteramt)
- Corporate tax rate: approx. 21.1% (cantonal + federal combined)
- Key sectors: Public administration, ICT, healthcare, consulting, education
- Language: German (bilingual city with French)
How to Establish a PLC in Bern: Step by Step
- Define your business plan — Outline your company's purpose, structure, and capital plan before starting the legal process.
- Appoint founders and draft articles of association — At least one founder is required. The articles must specify share capital, purpose, and governance.
- Open a capital deposit account — Deposit the required share capital (minimum CHF 50,000) in a Swiss bank in the company's name.
- Notarise the founding documents — Have the articles of association and founding declaration authenticated before a Bern notary.
- Register with the Bern Commercial Registry — Submit notarised documents, proof of capital deposit, and details of the board of directors.
- Obtain required licences and permits — Register for VAT if applicable and secure any sector-specific permits required in Bern.
- Set up operations — Open a business bank account, register employees with social insurance, and establish your accounting processes.
Download the Checklist
Download the checklist for preparing for self-employment with a PLC in PDF format now!