Founding a Public Limited Company (PLC) in the canton of Zug
Founding a Public Limited Company (PLC) in Canton Zug: the path to your own company.
Founding a Public Limited Company (PLC) in the canton of Zug
The Canton of Zug is known for its attractive tax conditions and high quality of life, making it a preferred location for founding a Public Limited Company (PLC). The Zug Commercial Registry supports entrepreneurs with an efficient registration process. The region offers a strong economic infrastructure, particularly in finance, trade and IT. Zug is also home to many international companies, offering a strong network and numerous business opportunities. The central location and well-developed communication routes contribute to the attractiveness. In addition, Zug offers numerous co-working spaces and start-up centers that support young companies.
Founding a Public Limited Company (PLC) in Canton Zug: 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
- Lowest corporate taxes in Switzerland: Effective rate of ~11.8% — the primary reason multinationals and holding companies choose Zug.
- Crypto Valley: Global hub for blockchain, crypto, and Web3 companies — with Ethereum Foundation, Cardano, and hundreds of others headquartered here.
- Holding company advantages: Participation exemption significantly reduces tax on dividends and capital gains from subsidiaries.
- International business hub: High concentration of commodity traders, fintech firms, and global HQs.
- Excellent infrastructure: 25 min to Zurich by train; Zurich Airport accessible within 40 min.
- Startup support: Crypto Valley Association, Zug startup ecosystem, and co-working spaces.
Founding a PLC: Disadvantages
- High cost of living: Rents for offices and apartments are among the highest in Switzerland.
- Intense competition for talent: Many international companies compete for the same skilled workforce.
- Minimum capital requirement: CHF 100,000 (min. CHF 50,000 paid in).
- Regulatory scrutiny: High-profile location attracts closer FINMA and AML attention for financial/crypto businesses.
- Small local market: ~130,000 inhabitants — most businesses operate regionally or internationally, not locally.
What do I need to consider when forming a Public Limited Company (PLC) in Canton Zug?
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 Zug
- Canton: Zug (ZG) — Switzerland's premier low-tax, international business canton
- Register: Handelsregisteramt des Kantons Zug
- Minimum share capital: CHF 100,000 (min. CHF 50,000 paid in)
- Min. shareholders: 1
- Required bodies: Board of Directors (min. 1 Swiss-domiciled member), General Assembly, Auditor (if applicable)
- Corporate tax rate: ~11.8% effective — lowest in Switzerland
- Key sectors: Crypto/blockchain, commodity trading, fintech, holding structures, international HQs
- Typical founding timeline: 1–2 weeks
Steps to Found a PLC in Zug
- Check name availability on Zefix
- Draft articles of association with a notary
- Deposit share capital at a Swiss bank
- Notarize founding deed in Canton Zug
- Register with Zug 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!