Founding a Public Limited Company (PLC) in the canton of Appenzell Innerrhoden
Founding a Public Limited Company (PLC) in Appenzell Innerrhoden Canton: the path to your own company.
Founding a Public Limited Company (PLC) in the canton of Appenzell Innerrhoden
The Canton of Appenzell Innerrhoden, with its picturesque landscapes and strong cultural tradition, offers a unique environment for the establishment of a Public Limited Company (PLC), especially in the fields of handicrafts, tourism and agriculture. The Appenzell Inner Rhodes Trade Registry ensures a simple and efficient registration process. The region is known for its cohesive community and support for small businesses. Appenzell Inner Rhodes also offers a peaceful atmosphere and a high quality of life, making it an ideal place to start a Public Limited Company (PLC).
Found a Public Limited Company (PLC) in Appenzell Inner Rhodes Canton: 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.
Definition of a 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.
Founding a PLC: Advantages
- Lowest income tax in Switzerland: Appenzell Innerrhoden consistently ranks as one of the most tax-friendly cantons for individuals — attractive for owner-managed PLCs where the owner also lives locally.
- Minimal bureaucracy: Smallest canton by population — very direct and accessible cantonal administration.
- Low operating costs: Among the most affordable business locations in Switzerland.
- Craft and tourism tradition: Appenzell embroidery, dairy farming, and alpine tourism create niche business opportunities.
Founding a PLC: Disadvantages
- Extremely small market: ~16,000 inhabitants — the smallest canton in Switzerland by population.
- Very limited ecosystem: No accelerators, minimal professional services, few B2B partners locally.
- Remote from economic centers: ~1.5h from Zurich; talent recruitment and networking require significant travel.
- Minimum capital requirement: CHF 100,000 (min. CHF 50,000 paid in).
- Infrastructure constraints: Limited transport and digital infrastructure compared to urban cantons.
What do I need to consider when forming a Public Limited Company (PLC) in Appenzell Innerrhoden Canton?
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.
What you need to know about the Public Limited Company (PLC)!
Key Facts: Founding a PLC in Appenzell Innerrhoden
- Canton: Appenzell Innerrhoden (AI) — smallest canton, eastern Switzerland
- Register: Handelsregisteramt des Kantons Appenzell I.Rh.
- Minimum share capital: CHF 100,000 (min. CHF 50,000 paid in)
- Min. shareholders: 1
- Required bodies: Board of Directors, General Assembly, Auditor (if applicable)
- Corporate tax rate: ~13.5% effective
- Key sectors: Tourism, crafts, dairy/food production, healthcare
- Typical founding timeline: 1–3 weeks
Steps to Found a PLC in Appenzell Innerrhoden
- Check name availability on Zefix
- Draft articles of association with a notary
- Deposit share capital at a Swiss bank
- Notarize founding deed in Canton Appenzell Innerrhoden
- Register with the Commercial Registry
- Register for VAT if applicable
- Register with AHV social insurance
Download the Checklist
Download the checklist for preparing for self-employment with a PLC in PDF format now!