Founding a Public Limited Company (PLC) in Zurich
Founding a Public Limited Company (PLC) in Zurich: the path to your own company.
Founding a Public Limited Company (PLC) in Zurich
Founding a Public Limited Company (PLC) in Zurich offers many advantages due to the dynamic economy and high quality of life. Zurich is the economic center of Switzerland with many potential customers and business partners. The city offers excellent infrastructure and a well-developed transportation network. You can register your Public Limited Company (PLC) easily with the Zurich Commercial Registry. Pay attention to local regulations, especially regarding business licensing and tax obligations. The University of Zurich and the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETH) offer valuable networking opportunities for innovative business models. The many co-working spaces in the city are also a boon for start-ups.
Establish a Public Limited Company (PLC) in Zurich: 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
- Economic hub: Switzerland's largest financial and business center — ideal for finance, tech, consulting, and professional services.
- Investor access: Strong venture capital scene and proximity to major banks (UBS, Credit Suisse legacy, cantonal banks).
- Talent pool: ETH Zurich and University of Zurich supply highly qualified graduates across all sectors.
- Infrastructure: Zurich Airport, excellent rail connections, modern co-working and office spaces.
- International credibility: A Zurich-registered PLC signals stability and professionalism to global partners.
- Support ecosystem: Impact Hub, Digital Hub, Canton startup programs, and accelerators readily available.
Founding a PLC: Disadvantages
- High operating costs: Office rents and salaries are among the highest in Switzerland.
- Intense competition: Saturated market in finance, tech, and services — differentiation is essential.
- Shareholder liability: As with all Swiss PLCs, shareholders are only liable up to their share capital — personal assets are protected.
- Minimum capital requirement: CHF 100,000 share capital needed (at least CHF 50,000 paid in at founding).
- Reporting obligations: Annual financial statements, audit requirements (for larger companies), and AGM obligations add administrative overhead.
What do I need to consider when forming a Public Limited Company (PLC) in Zurich?
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 Zurich
- Canton: Zurich (ZH) — largest canton by population, Switzerland's economic center
- Register: Handelsregisteramt des Kantons Zürich
- Minimum share capital: CHF 100,000 (min. CHF 50,000 paid in at incorporation)
- Min. shareholders: 1 (natural or legal person)
- Required bodies: Board of Directors (min. 1 member domiciled in Switzerland), General Assembly, Auditor (if thresholds exceeded)
- Corporate tax rate: ~19% effective (cantonal + federal combined)
- Key sectors: Finance, fintech, insurtech, consulting, pharma, IT
- Typical founding timeline: 1–3 weeks with notarization and registry filing
Steps to Found a PLC in Zurich
- Choose company name and verify availability with Zefix (zefix.ch)
- Draft articles of association with a notary
- Deposit share capital at a Swiss bank (blocking confirmation required)
- Notarize founding deed in Canton Zurich
- Register with Zurich Commercial Registry (Handelsregisteramt)
- Register for VAT (if turnover exceeds CHF 100,000/year)
- Register with social insurance (AHV/IV/EO)
Download the Checklist
Download the checklist for preparing for self-employment with a PLC in PDF format now!