Starting a business in the canton of Vaud
Starting a business in Canton Vaud: the path to your own business.
Starting a business in the canton of Vaud
In the Canton of Vaud, with Lausanne as its capital, there is a vibrant environment for starting a Public Limited Company (PLC). The region is renowned for its universities, such as EPFL and the University of Lausanne, which offer valuable networking opportunities and foster innovation. The Vaud Trade Registry facilitates smooth company registration. The canton's economy is diverse, ranging from agriculture to technology and services. Vaud is also a popular tourist destination, offering additional business opportunities. With a multilingual population and proximity to international institutions, entrepreneurs can take advantage of a global network.
Starting a business in Canton Vaud: 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 EPFL and University of Lausanne — among Europe’s strongest innovation and research ecosystems
- Thriving tech, biotech, and agri-innovation startup scene centred around Lausanne
- Multilingual population (French-dominant) supporting international business operations
- High international profile and quality of life attracting global entrepreneurs and investors
- Strong agribusiness and wine production sectors with significant export potential
- Active cantonal support programs including financial incentives for innovative startups
Starting a Public Limited Company in Switzerland: Disadvantages
- High commercial rents and operating costs, particularly in Lausanne
- Bureaucratic processes can be complex and time-consuming for new founders
- Intense competition in technology and agribusiness from well-funded incumbents
- Access to French-language legal and administrative expertise may be costly
- Networking in Vaud’s ecosystem often requires established local connections
What should I consider if I want to start a Public Limited Company (PLC) in Canton Vaud?
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 Vaud
- Share capital: CHF 100,000 minimum (at least CHF 50,000 paid in at founding)
- Registration: Vaud Commercial Registry (Registre du commerce)
- Corporate tax rate: approx. 13.8% (cantonal + federal combined)
- Key sectors: Technology, biotech, agribusiness, wine, financial services, education
- Language: French
How to Start a Business in Vaud: 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 Vaud notary.
- Register with the Vaud 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 Vaud.
- 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!