Starting a business in the Canton of Geneva
Starting a business in Canton Geneva: the path to your own business.
Starting a business in the Canton of Geneva
Starting a Public Limited Company (PLC) in Geneva offers unique advantages due to its role as an international center for diplomacy and trade. Geneva is an important hub, especially in the financial services, trade and NGO sectors. The Geneva Trade Registry provides comprehensive information and a clear registration process. The city is home to many international organizations and multinational companies, offering a strong network and numerous business opportunities. In addition, Geneva has excellent infrastructure, a multilingual workforce and a high quality of life, elements that can effectively support entrepreneurial efforts.
Start a Public Limited Company (PLC) in Canton Geneva: 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
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.
Starting a PLC: Advantages
- Global hub for diplomacy, international trade, and finance — home to 40+ international organisations including the UN and WTO
- Exceptional international business network with dense connections to multinationals and NGOs
- Highly multilingual workforce (French, English, German, and more) enabling global client engagement
- World-class infrastructure including Geneva Airport with direct connections to major global hubs
- Strong private banking and financial services ecosystem supporting capital-intensive ventures
- High-prestige business address — Geneva incorporation carries significant international brand value
Starting a PLC: Disadvantages
- Among the highest office rents and operating costs in Switzerland — a major burden for early-stage businesses
- Complex and multilingual bureaucratic processes require specialist legal support
- Intense competition from well-funded multinationals and established NGOs for talent and visibility
- High cost of living makes recruiting and retaining staff significantly more expensive than other cantons
- Relatively high cantonal tax rate compared to Zug or Nidwalden
What should I consider if I want to start a Public Limited Company (PLC) in Canton Geneva?
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!
Key Facts: Incorporating a PLC in Geneva
- Share capital: CHF 100,000 minimum (at least CHF 50,000 paid in at founding)
- Registration: Geneva Commercial Registry (Registre du commerce)
- Corporate tax rate: approx. 13.99% (cantonal + federal combined)
- Key sectors: Finance, trading, diplomacy-adjacent services, NGOs, luxury goods, watchmaking
- Language: French
How to Incorporate a PLC in Geneva: Step by Step
- Define your business plan — Outline your company's purpose, structure, and capital plan before starting the legal process.
- Appoint founders and draft articles of association — At least one founder is required. The articles must specify share capital, purpose, and governance.
- Open a capital deposit account — Deposit the required share capital (minimum CHF 50,000) in a Swiss bank in the company's name.
- Notarise the founding documents — Have the articles of association and founding declaration authenticated before a Geneva notary.
- Register with the Geneva Commercial Registry — Submit notarised documents, proof of capital deposit, and details of the board of directors.
- Obtain required licences and permits — Register for VAT if applicable, and obtain any financial sector or industry-specific authorisations required in Geneva.
- 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!