Founding a Public Limited Company (PLC) in Valais
Founding a Public Limited Company (PLC) in Canton Valais: the path to your own company.
Founding a Public Limited Company (PLC) in the canton of Valais
The Canton of Valais, known for its breathtaking alpine landscapes and tourism, offers unique opportunities for founding a Public Limited Company (PLC) in the leisure, restaurant and outdoor activities sectors. The Valais Commercial Registry ensures quick and easy company registration. The region attracts many tourists every year, offering great potential for innovative business ideas. In addition, Valais is an important center for wine and food production. The multicultural population and proximity to France and Italy open additional markets. The regional economic promotion program supports entrepreneurs with advice and financial incentives.
Founding a Public Limited Company (PLC) in Canton Valais: 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 rate: Effective corporate rate ~17% — moderate, offset by very low operating costs.
- Alpine tourism market: Zermatt, Verbier, and Saas-Fee — established premium destinations with year-round visitor demand.
- Renewable energy: Switzerland's leading hydropower canton — strong opportunities in energy production, storage, and related tech.
- Bilingual region: French and German spoken in different areas — access to both linguistic markets.
- Low real estate costs: Outside resort areas, commercial and residential property is very affordable.
- Agriculture and food: Premium Valais wine, dried meat (Walliser Trockenfleisch), and dairy production — niche agri-food branding opportunities.
Founding a PLC: Disadvantages
- Seasonal revenue risk: Heavy reliance on winter and summer tourism creates significant revenue cyclicality.
- Alpine geography: Logistics and supply chains are more costly and complex than in lowland cantons.
- Distance from major economic centers: ~2h from Zurich or Geneva by road; limits easy access to national business networks.
- Minimum capital requirement: CHF 100,000 (min. CHF 50,000 paid in).
- Limited talent pool: Specialized knowledge workers are scarce; recruitment often requires relocation incentives.
What do I need to consider when forming a Public Limited Company (PLC) in Canton Valais?
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 Valais
- Canton: Valais/Wallis (VS) — southwestern Switzerland, alpine tourism and hydropower
- Register: Registre du commerce du Valais / Handelsregister des Kantons Wallis
- 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: ~17% effective
- Key sectors: Tourism, hospitality, hydropower, agri-food, real estate
- Typical founding timeline: 1–3 weeks
Steps to Found a PLC in Valais
- Check name availability on Zefix
- Draft articles of association with a notary
- Deposit share capital at a Swiss bank
- Notarize founding deed in Canton Valais
- Register with Valais 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!