Founding a Public Limited Company (PLC) in the canton of Fribourg
Founding a Public Limited Company (PLC) in Canton Fribourg: the path to your own company.
Founding a Public Limited Company (PLC) in the canton of Fribourg
Founding a Public Limited Company (PLC) in Canton Fribourg offers many advantages due to favorable local economic conditions. Fribourg, strategically located between German and French-speaking Switzerland, benefits from a cultural mix that fosters business and innovation. The city of Freiburg, with its renowned university, is a hub of talent and innovative ideas. To start a Public Limited Company (PLC), you must register with the Trade Registry and obtain the necessary licenses depending on your business sector. Moderate taxes and support from local institutions make Fribourg an ideal place for entrepreneurs. In addition, the canton offers various networking and collaboration opportunities, thanks to numerous events and business associations. With a strong sense of community and modern infrastructure, Fribourg is the perfect place to start and grow a Public Limited Company (PLC).
Found a Public Limited Company (PLC) in Canton Fribourg: 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
- Bilingual location: Strategically positioned between German and French-speaking Switzerland — ideal for companies targeting both markets.
- University city: University of Fribourg and HES-SO provide access to multilingual talent and research.
- Competitive taxes: Effective corporate rate around 13.7% — below the Swiss average.
- Lower costs than Geneva/Zurich: More affordable office space while maintaining proximity to both regions.
- Strong food & agriculture sector: Gruyère region; ideal for food production, agri-business, and luxury food brands.
- Growing tech scene: Active Fribourg Economic Promotion (FriUp) supporting startups.
Founding a PLC: Disadvantages
- Bilingual complexity: Operating in both languages requires additional resources for communication and HR.
- Smaller market: ~330,000 inhabitants — limited local demand compared to major urban cantons.
- Minimum capital requirement: CHF 100,000 (min. CHF 50,000 paid in).
- Less established startup ecosystem: Fewer accelerators and VC firms compared to Zurich or Geneva.
What do I need to consider when forming a Public Limited Company (PLC) in Canton Fribourg?
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 Fribourg
- Canton: Fribourg (FR) — bilingual canton, western Switzerland
- Register: Registre du commerce du canton de Fribourg
- 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: ~13.7% effective
- Key sectors: Food production, agri-business, IT, education, consulting
- Typical founding timeline: 1–3 weeks
Steps to Found a PLC in Fribourg
- Check name availability on Zefix
- Draft articles of association with a notary
- Deposit share capital at a Swiss bank
- Notarize founding deed in Canton Fribourg
- Register with Fribourg 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!