Founding a Public Limited Company (PLC) in the Canton of Aargau
Founding a Public Limited Company (PLC) in Canton Aargau: the path to your own company.
Founding a Public Limited Company (PLC) in the Canton of Aargau
In the Canton of Aargau, known for its strong industry and central location, the founding of a Public Limited Company (PLC) is particularly attractive to technical and industrial companies. The Aargau Trade Registry allows for smooth registration. The proximity to the economic centers of Zurich, Basel and Bern offers excellent networking opportunities. Aargau has well-developed communication routes and a solid infrastructure. In the energy and environmental technology sectors, the canton also offers good conditions for new businesses. The high quality of life and strong regional economic promotion further support entrepreneurs in their projects.
Founding a Public Limited Company (PLC) in Canton Aargau: 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.
Definition of a 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.
Founding a PLC: Advantages
- Central location: Bordering Zurich, Basel, Bern, and Lucerne — ideal for businesses serving multiple Swiss regions.
- Competitive taxes: Effective corporate rate ~18% — moderate, offset by significantly lower rents and costs vs. Zurich.
- Strong industry base: Energy sector (nuclear and renewable), chemical, and manufacturing clusters.
- Large population: ~700,000 inhabitants — one of Switzerland's most populous cantons, substantial local market.
- University of Applied Sciences FHNW: Large applied research institution supporting tech and engineering companies.
- Infrastructure: Dense motorway network (A1, A3, A26) and rail connections make Aargau a logistics hub.
Founding a PLC: Disadvantages
- Higher tax rate than neighboring cantons: Less competitive than Zug, Lucerne, or Schaffhausen for tax-driven relocations.
- Less international recognition: Seen as a domestic/regional business location rather than an international hub.
- Minimum capital requirement: CHF 100,000 (min. CHF 50,000 paid in).
- Competition from Zurich: Talent and businesses frequently gravitate toward Zurich rather than staying in Aargau.
What do I need to consider when forming a Public Limited Company (PLC) in Canton Aargau?
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 (PLC)!
Key Facts: Founding a PLC in Aargau
- Canton: Aargau (AG) — northern Switzerland, Swiss Mittelland
- Register: Handelsregisteramt des Kantons Aargau
- Minimum share capital: CHF 100,000 (min. CHF 50,000 paid in)
- Min. shareholders: 1
- Required bodies: Board of Directors, General Assembly, Auditor (if applicable)
- Corporate tax rate: ~18% effective
- Key sectors: Energy, chemicals, manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, retail
- Typical founding timeline: 1–3 weeks
Steps to Found a PLC in Aargau
- Check name availability on Zefix
- Draft articles of association with a notary
- Deposit share capital at a Swiss bank
- Notarize founding deed in Canton Aargau
- Register with Aargau Commercial Registry
- Register for VAT if applicable
- Register with AHV social insurance
Download the Checklist
Download the checklist for preparing for self-employment with a PLC in PDF format now!