Founding a Public Limited Company (PLC) in St. Gallen
Founding a Public Limited Company (PLC) in Canton St. Gallen: the path to your own company.
Founding a Public Limited Company (PLC) in St. Gallen
In the Canton of St. Gallen, with its renowned university and strong economy, the establishment of a Public Limited Company (PLC) offers many advantages. The St. Gallen Commercial Registry ensures efficient company registration. The region is known for its capacity for innovation, particularly in the mechanical engineering, textile industry and healthcare sectors. St. Gallen offers excellent infrastructure and a central location, which facilitates access to national and international markets. The University of St. Gallen and the University of Applied Sciences offer valuable networking opportunities and support for start-ups. The high quality of life also makes St. Gallen an attractive location for entrepreneurs.
Founding a Public Limited Company (PLC) in Canton St. Gallen: 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
- Competitive tax environment: Effective corporate rate ~14% — reasonable within eastern Switzerland.
- University of St. Gallen (HSG): One of Europe's top business schools, providing talent, executive networks, and research partnerships.
- Strong industrial base: Textile, mechanical engineering, healthcare technology, and logistics clusters.
- Good transport links: St. Gallen main station with fast connections to Zurich and the Rhine Valley; proximity to Austria.
- Business-friendly city: Active startup support through HSG Startup Navigator and regional economic agencies.
- International reach: Proximity to Vorarlberg (Austria) and Liechtenstein opens cross-border business opportunities.
Founding a PLC: Disadvantages
- Distance from financial center: 75 min from Zurich — less attractive for businesses requiring daily access to Swiss financial markets.
- Moderate local market: ~520,000 inhabitants — decent size but less dense than Zurich or Geneva metro areas.
- Minimum capital requirement: CHF 100,000 (min. CHF 50,000 paid in).
- Industrial transition: Traditional sectors (textiles) are declining; new businesses should target growth industries.
What do I need to consider when forming a Public Limited Company (PLC) in Canton St. Gallen?
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 St. Gallen
- Canton: St. Gallen (SG) — eastern Switzerland, HSG business school hub
- Register: Handelsregisteramt des Kantons St. Gallen
- 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: ~14% effective
- Key sectors: Textiles, mechanical engineering, healthtech, logistics, education/consulting
- Typical founding timeline: 1–3 weeks
Steps to Found a PLC in St. Gallen
- Check name availability on Zefix
- Draft articles of association with a notary
- Deposit share capital at a Swiss bank
- Notarize founding deed in Canton St. Gallen
- Register with St. Gallen 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!