Founding a Public Limited Company (PLC) in Ticino.
Founding a Public Limited Company (PLC) in Canton Ticino: the path to your own company.
Founding a Public Limited Company (PLC) in Ticino.
Canton Ticino, on the border with Italy, offers a unique combination of Swiss precision and Mediterranean lifestyle. Establishing a Public Limited Company (PLC) in Ticino can be particularly advantageous for businesses in the trade, tourism and restaurant sectors. The Ticino Trade Registry ensures simple and efficient registration. The region benefits from its bilingual population and proximity to important markets in Italy. In addition, Ticino offers a high quality of life and a pleasant climate, making it an attractive location for entrepreneurs. The local network and support of economic promotion programs contribute to success.
Founding a Public Limited Company (PLC) in Ticino Canton: 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
- Italian-speaking market access: Unique gateway to Italian business culture, language, and markets within Switzerland.
- Proximity to Milan: ~1h by train to Milan — relevant for cross-border trade, luxury goods, fashion, and finance.
- Mediterranean lifestyle: High quality of life attracts talent and international entrepreneurs.
- Competitive taxes: Effective corporate rate ~15% — reasonable and lower than many Italian regions.
- Financial services heritage: Lugano is an established private banking and asset management center.
- Tourism economy: Lakes Lugano and Maggiore draw high-spending visitors; opportunities in hospitality and real estate.
Founding a PLC: Disadvantages
- Higher cost base than surrounding regions: Lugano commercial rents are among the highest in the canton.
- Partially separated from German-speaking Switzerland: Language barrier can limit access to Zurich-centered markets and talent pools.
- Minimum capital requirement: CHF 100,000 (min. CHF 50,000 paid in).
- Smaller local market: ~360,000 inhabitants — limited purely domestic demand.
- Cross-border competition: Italian and Liechtenstein financial services compete for similar business segments.
What do I need to consider when forming a Public Limited Company (PLC) in Ticino Canton?
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 Ticino
- Canton: Ticino (TI) — southern Switzerland, Italian-speaking, Lugano financial hub
- Register: Ufficio del Registro di Commercio del Canton Ticino
- 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% effective
- Key sectors: Private banking, asset management, luxury goods, tourism, real estate, cross-border trade
- Typical founding timeline: 1–3 weeks
Steps to Found a PLC in Ticino
- Check name availability on Zefix
- Draft articles of association with a notary
- Deposit share capital at a Swiss bank
- Notarize founding deed in Canton Ticino
- Register with Ticino 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!