Establish a Public Limited Company (PLC) in the Canton of Schaffhausen
Establishing a Public Limited Company (PLC) in Canton Schaffhausen: the path to your own company.
Establish a Public Limited Company (PLC) in the Canton of Schaffhausen
The Canton of Schaffhausen, with its location on the German border and strong local economy, offers ideal conditions for starting a Public Limited Company (PLC), especially in the trade, logistics and service sectors. The Schaffhausen Trade Registry ensures a quick and easy registration process. The region enjoys excellent transportation links and a strategic location for cross-border trade. Schaffhausen also has a strong support network for new businesses, with numerous economic promotion programs and advisory services. The high quality of life and natural environment contribute to the region's attractiveness to entrepreneurs.
Establish a Public Limited Company (PLC) in Canton Schaffhausen: 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
- Direct border location with Germany offering seamless access to European markets
- Attractive corporate tax rates — one of the more competitive cantonal rates in Switzerland
- Strong logistics and trade infrastructure well-suited for cross-border businesses
- Supportive local business community with active economic promotion programs
- Lower commercial costs compared to Zurich, while retaining good market access
- High quality of life with a scenic Rhine riverside setting
Forming a PLC: disadvantages
- Small local market limits growth potential for businesses focused only on the canton
- Complex cross-border trade regulations require specialist legal and customs advice
- Limited startup ecosystem and venture capital availability compared to major Swiss hubs
- Dependence on cross-border commuters can make recruitment more challenging
- Some sectors face intense competition from lower-cost German providers just across the border
What should I consider if I want to establish a Public Limited Company (PLC) in Canton Schaffhausen?
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 Schaffhausen
- Share capital: CHF 100,000 minimum (at least CHF 50,000 paid in at founding)
- Registration: Schaffhausen Commercial Registry (Handelsregisteramt)
- Corporate tax rate: approx. 12.5% (cantonal + federal combined)
- Key sectors: Trade, logistics, manufacturing, services, cross-border commerce
- Language: German
How to Establish a PLC in Schaffhausen: 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 Schaffhausen notary.
- Register with the Schaffhausen 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; cross-border businesses may need additional customs or import/export permits.
- 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!