Establishing a Public Limited Company (PLC) in the Canton of Appenzell Ausserrhoden

Establishing a Public Limited Company (PLC) in Canton Appenzell Ausserrhoden: the path to your own company.

Establishing a Public Limited Company (PLC) in the Canton of Appenzell Ausserrhoden

The Canton of Appenzell Ausserrhoden, with its diverse economy and strategic location, offers excellent opportunities to start a Public Limited Company (PLC), particularly in the manufacturing, service and handicraft sectors. The Appenzell Ausserrhoden Trade Registry ensures a fast and efficient registration process. The region is known for its strong entrepreneurial tradition and support for new businesses. In addition, Appenzell Ausserrhoden enjoys good transportation links to major Swiss cities, facilitating access to markets. The high quality of life and natural environment contribute to the region's attractiveness to entrepreneurs.

PROCESS

Establish a Public Limited Company (PLC) in the Canton of Appenzell Ausserrhoden: here's how to do it!

1

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 formation of the Public Limited Company (PLC).

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 Public Limited Company (PLC) is now active and can operate.

The Public Limited Company in Switzerland

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Forming a PLC: advantages

  • Strong tradition of precision manufacturing and textile craftsmanship supporting related industries
  • Good transport links to St. Gallen and eastern Switzerland’s broader economic network
  • Supportive local business community with a welcoming attitude towards new ventures
  • Lower commercial rents and operating costs compared to urban Swiss cantons
  • High quality of life in a scenic pre-alpine setting
  • Accessible cantonal administration with responsive business registration process

Forming a PLC: disadvantages

  • Rural location limits direct access to major Swiss markets and international clients
  • Smaller talent pool makes recruiting specialised professionals more challenging
  • Limited startup ecosystem and minimal venture capital presence
  • Local regulations can require specialist legal guidance to navigate efficiently
  • Strong competition from more established regional manufacturers in craft and industrial sectors

What should I consider if I want to establish a Public Limited Company (PLC) in Appenzell Ausserrhoden Canton?

Capital needed

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.

Number of members

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.

Auditing

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.

Subjection to VAT

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.

Useful information about the Public Limited Company

Key Facts: Establishing a PLC in Appenzell Ausserrhoden

  • Share capital: CHF 100,000 minimum (at least CHF 50,000 paid in at founding)
  • Registration: Appenzell Ausserrhoden Commercial Registry (Handelsregisteramt)
  • Corporate tax rate: approx. 14.2% (cantonal + federal combined)
  • Key sectors: Precision manufacturing, textiles, crafts, rural tourism, services
  • Language: German

How to Establish a PLC in Appenzell Ausserrhoden: Step by Step

  1. Define your business plan — Outline your company’s purpose, structure, and capital plan before starting the legal process.
  2. Appoint founders and draft articles of association — At least one founder is required. The articles must specify share capital, purpose, and governance.
  3. Open a capital deposit account — Deposit the required share capital (minimum CHF 50,000) in a Swiss bank in the company’s name.
  4. Notarise the founding documents — Have the articles of association and founding declaration authenticated before an Appenzell Ausserrhoden notary.
  5. Register with the Appenzell Ausserrhoden Commercial Registry — Submit notarised documents, proof of capital deposit, and details of the board of directors.
  6. Obtain required licences and permits — Register for VAT if applicable and secure any sector-specific permits required in Appenzell Ausserrhoden.
  7. 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!