Establish a Public Limited Company (PLC) in Canton Obwalden
Establishing a Public Limited Company (PLC) in Canton Obwalden: the path to your own company.
Establish a Public Limited Company (PLC) in Canton Obwalden
Establishing a Public Limited Company (PLC) in the canton of Obwalden, located in the heart of Switzerland, offers a peaceful and favorable environment, especially in the tourism, agriculture and small craft business sectors. The Obwalden Trade Registry ensures a simple and efficient registration process. The region is renowned for its beautiful alpine landscapes, which attract many tourists each year, offering excellent opportunities for tourism-related activities such as hotels, restaurants and outdoor activities. In addition, the community atmosphere and support from local authorities make Obwalden a welcoming place for new entrepreneurs. Proximity to major transportation arteries and good accessibility make Obwalden a strategic location for operating nationwide. The high quality of life, combined with the natural beauty of the region, makes Canton Obwalden an excellent choice for those wishing to establish a Public Limited Company (PLC).
Establish a Public Limited Company (PLC) in Canton Obwalden: 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 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
We believe that personalized advice is the key to best understanding our clients' individual needs and challenges and offering tailored solutions.
Forming a PLC: advantages
- One of Switzerland’s most attractive cantonal tax rates, making it a cost-effective choice for holding and operating companies
- Peaceful alpine environment ideal for tourism, wellness, and outdoor recreation businesses
- Strong community support and welcoming attitude towards new entrepreneurs
- Lower commercial rents and operating costs than urban Swiss cantons
- Good road and transport connections to Lucerne and Central Switzerland
- Straightforward cantonal administration with accessible business registration processes
Forming a PLC: disadvantages
- Very small local market limits revenue potential for consumer-focused businesses
- Small talent pool makes it difficult to recruit specialised professionals locally
- Geographic remoteness increases logistics costs for businesses requiring regular deliveries or client visits
- Limited startup ecosystem with no significant venture capital presence
- Tourism and hospitality businesses face strong seasonality affecting year-round cash flow
What should I consider if I want to establish a Public Limited Company (PLC) in Canton Obwalden?
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.
Useful information about the Public Limited Company
Key Facts: Establishing a PLC in Obwalden
- Share capital: CHF 100,000 minimum (at least CHF 50,000 paid in at founding)
- Registration: Obwalden Commercial Registry (Handelsregisteramt)
- Corporate tax rate: approx. 12.1% (cantonal + federal combined) — one of Switzerland’s lowest
- Key sectors: Tourism, hospitality, agriculture, crafts, small-scale manufacturing
- Language: German
How to Establish a PLC in Obwalden: 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 an Obwalden notary.
- Register with the Obwalden 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 Obwalden.
- 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!