Starting a business in Canton Schwyz
Starting a business in Canton Schwyz: the path to your own business.
Starting a business in Canton Schwyz
Starting a Public Limited Company (PLC) in Canton Schwyz, known for its history and importance as a political center, offers excellent conditions, especially in the service, trade and crafts sectors. The Schwyz Trade Registry ensures quick and easy registration. With its central location and excellent transportation links, the region facilitates access to national and international markets. Schwyz offers a strong business community and numerous support programs for new businesses. The high quality of life and natural environment make Schwyz an attractive place to establish a Public Limited Company (PLC).
Start a Public Limited Company (PLC) in Canton Schwyz: 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 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 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 Public Limited Company in Switzerland: Advantages
- Historically and politically significant — one of Switzerland’s founding cantons, conveying prestige and stability
- Excellent transport links via the A4 motorway and rail connections to Zurich and Central Switzerland
- Competitive corporate tax rates attracting businesses seeking cost-efficient Swiss bases
- Active business community with strong craft and services traditions
- High quality of life with access to lakes, mountains, and proximity to major Swiss cities
- Supportive cantonal administration and SME-friendly economic environment
Starting a Public Limited Company in Switzerland: Disadvantages
- Complex regulations and bureaucracy can be time-consuming without local legal expertise
- Competition in service and craft sectors is intense among established regional businesses
- Operating costs including commercial rents can be relatively high
- Limited startup ecosystem and minimal venture capital compared to major hubs
- Building a strong business network requires sustained local engagement
What should I consider if I want to start a Public Limited Company (PLC) in Canton Schwyz?
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: Starting a Business in Schwyz
- Share capital: CHF 100,000 minimum (at least CHF 50,000 paid in at founding)
- Registration: Schwyz Commercial Registry (Handelsregisteramt)
- Corporate tax rate: approx. 15.2% (cantonal + federal combined)
- Key sectors: Services, trade, crafts, tourism, financial services
- Language: German
How to Start a Business in Schwyz: 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 Schwyz notary.
- Register with the Schwyz 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 Schwyz.
- 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!