Establishing a Public Limited Company (PLC) in the Canton of Valais
Establishing a Public Limited Company (PLC) in Canton Valais: the path to your own company.
Establishing a Public Limited Company (PLC) in the Canton of Valais
The Canton of Valais, famous for its spectacular alpine landscapes and tourism, offers unique opportunities to start a Public Limited Company (PLC) in the leisure, restaurant and outdoor activities sectors. The Valais Trade Registry ensures quick and easy business registration. Every year, the region attracts a large number of tourists, creating enormous potential for innovative business ideas. In addition, Valais is a relevant center for wine and food production. The multicultural population and proximity to France and Italy open additional markets. The regional economic promotion program provides support for entrepreneurs with advice and financial incentives.
Establish a Public Limited Company (PLC) in Canton Valais: 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
- Premier alpine tourism destination with world-famous ski resorts (Zermatt, Verbier, Saas-Fee) driving strong hospitality demand
- Leading Swiss wine region offering established export channels and food industry opportunities
- Growing renewable energy sector leveraging abundant hydropower resources
- Strategic position at the crossroads of Swiss, French, and Italian markets
- Competitive tax environment and active cantonal support for new businesses
- High quality of life with spectacular mountain scenery and a warm community atmosphere
Forming a PLC: disadvantages
- Geographic isolation increases logistics costs and limits access to major Swiss economic centres
- Strong seasonality in tourism-driven businesses creates revenue instability outside peak seasons
- Smaller permanent population limits local talent pool for specialised positions
- Bilingual (French/German) administrative environment can add complexity for business setup
- Limited venture capital presence and startup ecosystem relative to urban Swiss cantons
What should I consider if I want to establish a Public Limited Company (PLC) in Canton Valais?
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 Valais
- Share capital: CHF 100,000 minimum (at least CHF 50,000 paid in at founding)
- Registration: Valais Commercial Registry (Registre du commerce / Handelsregister)
- Corporate tax rate: approx. 12.8% (cantonal + federal combined)
- Key sectors: Tourism, hospitality, wine, agriculture, hydropower, energy
- Languages: French (majority) and German
How to Establish a PLC in Valais: 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 Valais notary.
- Register with the Valais 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 obtain any hospitality, food, or sector-specific permits required in Valais.
- 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!