Founding a Public Limited Company (PLC) in Neuchâtel.
Founding a Public Limited Company (PLC) in Canton Neuchâtel: the path to your own company.
Founding a Public Limited Company (PLC) in the canton of Neuchâtel.
The Canton of Neuchâtel, located on the lake of the same name, offers excellent conditions for founding a Public Limited Company (PLC), especially in the fields of precision technology, watchmaking industry and research. The Neuchâtel Trade Registry ensures easy company registration. The region is known for its capacity for innovation and highly skilled workers. Its proximity to the University of Neuchâtel and other research institutions offers valuable networking opportunities.
Founding a Public Limited Company (PLC) in the Canton of Neuchâtel: 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
- Watchmaking and microtechnology hub: Global center for horology — home to Rolex, TAG Heuer, and hundreds of watch industry suppliers; ideal for precision tech companies.
- Research institutions: CSEM (Centre Suisse d’Électronique et de Microtechnique) and University of Neuchâtel — strong R&D partnerships available.
- Competitive tax rate: Effective rate ~15.6% — reasonable for a Romand canton.
- Sector cluster advantages: Microtechnology, robotics, and medtech companies benefit from local supplier networks and specialized talent.
- Bilingual proximity: Access to both French and German-speaking markets.
Founding a PLC: Disadvantages
- Small local market: ~176,000 inhabitants — limited local consumer demand; businesses must look nationally or internationally.
- Watchmaking dependency: Local economy is heavily concentrated in one sector; broader diversification is still limited.
- Minimum capital requirement: CHF 100,000 (min. CHF 50,000 paid in).
- Relatively higher tax than deutschschweiz: Less tax-attractive than Zug, Schaffhausen, or Obwalden.
What do I need to consider when forming a Public Limited Company (PLC) in the Canton of Neuchâtel?
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 Neuchâtel
- Canton: Neuchâtel (NE) — western Switzerland, watchmaking and microtechnology capital
- Register: Office du Registre du commerce du canton de Neuchâtel
- 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: ~15.6% effective
- Key sectors: Watchmaking, microtechnology, precision engineering, robotics, medtech
- Typical founding timeline: 1–3 weeks
Steps to Found a PLC in Neuchâtel
- Check name availability on Zefix
- Draft articles of association with a notary
- Deposit share capital at a Swiss bank
- Notarize founding deed in Canton Neuchâtel
- Register with Neuchâtel 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!