Founding a Public Limited Company (PLC) in Canton Obwalden
Founding a Public Limited Company (PLC) in Canton Obwalden: the path to your own company.
Founding a Public Limited Company (PLC) in Canton Obwalden
The canton of Obwalden, located in the heart of Switzerland, offers a quiet and favorable environment for the establishment of a Public Limited Company (PLC), especially in the tourism, agriculture and small craft business sectors. The Obwalden Trade Registry ensures a simple and efficient registration process. The region is known for its beautiful alpine landscapes, which attract many tourists each year, offering excellent opportunities for tourism-related activities such as hotels, restaurants, and outdoor activities. In addition, the community atmosphere and the support of local authorities make Obwalden a welcoming place for new entrepreneurs. Proximity to major transportation arteries and good accessibility make Obwalden a strategic location to operate nationally as well. The high quality of life, combined with the region's natural beauty, helps make Canton Obwalden an excellent choice for those wishing to start a Public Limited Company (PLC).
Founding a Public Limited Company (PLC) in Canton Obwalden: 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
- Flat-rate tax: Obwalden introduced a 6% flat tax on retained earnings — one of Switzerland's most attractive corporate tax regimes.
- Low cost base: Very affordable office rents and operating costs.
- Simple administration: Compact canton, direct access to authorities, fast processes.
- Tourism economy: Engelberg and Melchsee-Frutt offer opportunities in hospitality, outdoor sports, and wellness.
- High quality of life: Surrounded by alpine nature, low-stress environment appealing to entrepreneurs and employees alike.
Founding a PLC: Disadvantages
- Very small local market: ~38,000 inhabitants — not suitable for businesses relying on local consumer volume.
- Limited infrastructure: Fewer specialized professional services (legal, financial advisory) compared to larger cantons.
- Remote from economic centers: ~1.5h from Zurich — limits networking and talent recruitment.
- Minimum capital requirement: CHF 100,000 (min. CHF 50,000 paid in).
What do I need to consider when forming a Public Limited Company (PLC) in Obwalden?
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 Obwalden
- Canton: Obwalden (OW) — central Switzerland, alpine region
- Register: Handelsregisteramt des Kantons Obwalden
- 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: ~12% effective (flat-rate on retained earnings)
- Key sectors: Tourism, agriculture, light industry, real estate holding
- Typical founding timeline: 1–3 weeks
Steps to Found a PLC in Obwalden
- Check name availability on Zefix
- Draft articles of association with a notary
- Deposit share capital at a Swiss bank
- Notarize founding deed in Canton Obwalden
- Register with Obwalden 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!