Starting a business in the canton of Ticino
Starting a business in Canton Vaud: the path to your own business.
Starting a Public Limited Company (PLC) in the Canton of Ticino.
The Canton of Ticino, located on the border with Italy, combines Swiss precision with the Mediterranean lifestyle. Starting a Public Limited Company (PLC) in Ticino is particularly advantageous for companies active in the trade, tourism and restaurant sectors. The Ticino Trade Registry ensures easy and efficient registration. The region benefits from its bilingual population and proximity to major Italian markets. In addition, Ticino offers a high quality of life and a pleasant climate, making it an attractive location for entrepreneurs. The local network and support provided by economic promotion programs contribute to the success of businesses.
Start a Public Limited Company (PLC) in Canton Ticino: 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
- Bilingual Italian-Swiss canton offering direct access to both Italian and Swiss markets
- Warm Mediterranean climate and quality of life attracting international entrepreneurs and talent
- Strong tourism, hospitality, and food & beverage sectors with year-round demand
- USI (Università della Svizzera italiana) supports innovation in digital and communication sectors
- Active economic promotion programs supporting business formation and investment
- Lower commercial rents in Bellinzona and rural areas compared to Zurich or Geneva
Starting a PLC: Disadvantages
- Alpine geography increases logistics and transport costs to other Swiss cantons
- Strong dependence on Italian cross-border market adds exposure to economic instability in Italy
- Competition from Italian businesses with lower operating costs can pressure margins
- Complex bilingual regulatory environment may require Italian and German-language legal expertise
- Limited venture capital and formal startup funding infrastructure
What should I consider if I want to start a Public Limited Company (PLC) in Ticino Canton?
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 Ticino
- Share capital: CHF 100,000 minimum (at least CHF 50,000 paid in at founding)
- Registration: Ticino Commercial Registry (Registro di commercio)
- Corporate tax rate: approx. 19.0% (cantonal + federal combined)
- Key sectors: Tourism, hospitality, food & beverage, financial services, trade
- Language: Italian
How to Incorporate a PLC in Ticino: 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 Ticino notary.
- Register with the Ticino 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 secure any sector-specific permits required in Ticino.
- 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!