Starting a business in the canton of Basel-Landschaft

Starting a business in the canton of Basel-Landschaft: the path to your own business.

Starting a business in the canton of Basel-Landschaft

In the Canton of Basel-Landschaft, due to its strategic location and strong economy, starting a Public Limited Company (PLC) is particularly advantageous in the trade, manufacturing and service sectors. The Basel-Landschaft Trade Registry ensures an efficient registration process. The proximity to the city of Basel provides the region with excellent networking opportunities and access to international markets. Basel-Landschaft also has a solid infrastructure and a welcoming business community. The high quality of life and economic development opportunities make Basel-Landschaft an ideal place to start a Public Limited Company (PLC).

Process

Start a Public Limited Company (PLC) in the Canton of Basel-Landschaft: here's how to do it!

1

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

After calculating the non-binding offer, enter your company details. At this point you can order the incorporation of the company.

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 company 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.

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Starting a PLC: Advantages

  • Strategic location adjacent to Basel-City, providing access to the pharma/life sciences cluster without city-centre costs
  • Excellent road and rail connections including proximity to Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg Airport
  • Lower commercial rents and operating costs than Basel-City
  • Strong support for SMEs from the cantonal economic promotion office
  • High quality of life with green spaces and a pleasant suburban environment
  • Access to a highly educated workforce from nearby universities and research institutions

Starting a PLC: Disadvantages

  • High costs driven by proximity to Basel-City — rents and wages are above the Swiss average
  • Intense competition in chemical and pharmaceutical sectors dominated by large multinationals
  • Limited brand visibility as a standalone business location versus Basel-City
  • Complex regulations in pharma and industrial sectors may require specialist advice
  • Personal assets not protected without proper corporate structure — PLC incorporation essential

What do I need to consider if I want to start a Public Limited Company (PLC) in the Canton of Basel-Landschaft?

Required capital

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.

Number of members

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.

Auditing

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.

Subjection to VAT

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!

Key Facts: Incorporating a PLC in Basel-Landschaft

  • Share capital: CHF 100,000 minimum (at least CHF 50,000 paid in at founding)
  • Registration: Basel-Landschaft Commercial Registry (Handelsregisteramt)
  • Corporate tax rate: approx. 13.5% (cantonal + federal combined)
  • Key sectors: Pharmaceuticals, chemicals, manufacturing, services, logistics
  • Language: German

How to Incorporate a PLC in Basel-Landschaft: Step by Step

  1. Define your business plan — Outline your company's purpose, structure, and capital plan before starting the legal process.
  2. Appoint founders and draft articles of association — At least one founder is required. The articles must specify share capital, purpose, and governance.
  3. Open a capital deposit account — Deposit the required share capital (minimum CHF 50,000) in a Swiss bank in the company's name.
  4. Notarise the founding documents — Have the articles of association and founding declaration authenticated before a Basel-Landschaft notary.
  5. Register with the Basel-Landschaft Commercial Registry — Submit notarised documents, proof of capital deposit, and details of the board of directors.
  6. Obtain required licences and permits — Register for VAT if applicable and secure any sector-specific permits required in Basel-Landschaft.
  7. Set up operations — Open a business bank account, register employees with social insurance, and establish your accounting processes.

Download the Checklist

Download the checklist for preparing for self-employment with a PLC in PDF format now!