Founding a Public Limited Company (PLC) in the canton of Appenzell Schaffhausen
Founding a Public Limited Company (PLC) in Canton Schaffhausen: the path to your own company.
Founding a Public Limited Company (PLC) in the canton of Appenzell Schaffhausen
The Canton of Schaffhausen, with its location on the German border and strong local economy, offers excellent conditions for founding a Public Limited Company (PLC), especially in the trade, logistics and service sectors. The Schaffhausen Trade Registry ensures quick and easy registration. The region benefits from excellent transportation links and a strategic location for cross-border trade. Schaffhausen also offers a strong support network for new businesses, with numerous economic promotion and advisory programs. The high quality of life and natural environment contribute to the region's attractiveness to entrepreneurs.
Founding 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.
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
- Very low corporate tax: Effective rate around 11.5% — one of Switzerland's most competitive, actively promoted to attract businesses.
- Border location: Direct access to Germany (Baden-Württemberg) — advantageous for cross-border trade and logistics.
- Economic promotion: Canton Schaffhausen offers direct financial incentives and fast-track registration support.
- Rhine port: Inland waterway access for goods transport into central Europe.
- Low cost base: Affordable rents and operating costs compared to Zurich or Zug.
Founding a PLC: Disadvantages
- Small local market: ~85,000 inhabitants — limited domestic demand; businesses need regional or national reach.
- Peripheral location: Despite proximity to Germany, less well-connected to Bern and Geneva.
- Minimum capital requirement: CHF 100,000 (min. CHF 50,000 paid in).
- Limited startup ecosystem: Smaller network of accelerators and investors compared to Zurich or Zug.
What do I need to consider when forming 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.
What you need to know about the Public Limited Company (PLC)!
Key Facts: Founding a PLC in Schaffhausen
- Canton: Schaffhausen (SH) — northern Switzerland, German border
- Register: Handelsregisteramt des Kantons Schaffhausen
- 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: ~11.5% effective — one of the lowest in Switzerland
- Key sectors: Industrial production, logistics, cross-border trade, IWC watchmaking
- Typical founding timeline: 1–3 weeks
Steps to Found a PLC in Schaffhausen
- Check name availability on Zefix
- Draft articles of association with a notary
- Deposit share capital at a Swiss bank
- Notarize founding deed in Canton Schaffhausen
- Register with Schaffhausen 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!