Starting a Business in the Canton of St. Gallen
Starting a business in Canton St. Gallen: the path to your own business.
Starting a Business in the Canton of St. Gallen
In the Canton of St. Gallen, renowned for its prestigious university and robust economy, starting a Public Limited Company (PLC) has many advantages. The St. Gallen Commercial Registry ensures efficient business registration. The region is known for its capacity for innovation, especially in the mechanical engineering, textile industry and healthcare sectors. St. Gallen has excellent infrastructure and a central location, facilitating access to national and international markets. The University of St. Gallen and the University of Applied Sciences offer valuable networking opportunities and support for start-ups. In addition, the high quality of life makes St. Gallen an attractive destination for entrepreneurs.
Start a Public Limited Company (PLC) in Canton St. Gallen: 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
- Home to the University of St. Gallen (HSG) — one of Europe’s top business schools, creating a rich talent and networking ecosystem
- Strong tradition in mechanical engineering, textiles, and healthcare sectors
- Excellent transport links connecting Eastern Switzerland to Zurich, Austria, and Germany
- Diverse economy spanning industry, services, and education reducing sector-specific risk
- Competitive commercial rents relative to Zurich while maintaining good urban amenities
- Supportive cantonal economic development programs for SMEs
Starting a Public Limited Company in Switzerland: Disadvantages
- Complex bureaucracy and regulatory requirements can be costly to navigate for new businesses
- Higher operating costs compared to more rural Eastern Swiss cantons
- Significant competition from established companies in manufacturing and services sectors
- Access to venture capital and startup funding is limited compared to Zurich
- Building the right professional network takes sustained time and effort
What should I consider if I want to start a Public Limited Company (PLC) in Canton St. Gallen?
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 St. Gallen
- Share capital: CHF 100,000 minimum (at least CHF 50,000 paid in at founding)
- Registration: St. Gallen Commercial Registry (Handelsregisteramt)
- Corporate tax rate: approx. 14.5% (cantonal + federal combined)
- Key sectors: Mechanical engineering, healthcare, textiles, education, professional services
- Language: German
How to Start a Business in St. Gallen: 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 St. Gallen notary.
- Register with the St. Gallen 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 St. Gallen.
- 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!