Founding a Public Limited Company (PLC) in the Canton of Bern
Founding a Public Limited Company (PLC) in Canton Bern: the path to your own company.
Founding a Public Limited Company (PLC) in the Canton of Bern
In Bern, the federal city, the establishment of a Public Limited Company (PLC) is characterized by stable political conditions and well-organized administration. The city offers an excellent environment for activities in the service sector, thanks to numerous federal offices and international organizations. It is possible to register a Public Limited Company (PLC) quickly and easily with the Bern Commercial Registry. In addition, entrepreneurs benefit from a strong network within the region. Proximity to key decision makers can be advantageous. Local networks and start-up centers such as Impact Hub Bern offer support and advice for start-ups. The city also hosts numerous international events and conferences, offering additional networking opportunities. Bern, with its high quality of life and cultural heritage, provides an exciting environment to start and grow a Public Limited Company (PLC).
Founding a Public Limited Company (PLC) in Canton Bern: 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
- Political proximity: Federal capital — ideal for lobbying, government contracting, NGOs, and public-sector-adjacent businesses.
- Bilingual market: German and French-speaking workforce; advantageous for companies targeting both regions.
- Stable environment: Low crime, high quality of life, well-organized administration.
- University network: University of Bern and Bern University of Applied Sciences provide talent and research partnerships.
- Support programs: BE! Digital, Bernese Business Development Agency (BEDAG), and Impact Hub Bern.
- Lower costs than Zurich/Geneva: More affordable office rents while maintaining high infrastructure standards.
Founding a PLC: Disadvantages
- Slower private-sector dynamics: Economy dominated by public administration — less vibrant startup scene than Zurich or Basel.
- Moderate tax burden: Canton Bern has one of the higher cantonal tax rates in Switzerland (~21% effective corporate tax).
- Minimum capital requirement: CHF 100,000 share capital (min. CHF 50,000 paid in).
- Limited VC ecosystem: Fewer venture capital firms based locally compared to Zurich or Zug.
- Administrative pace: Government-heavy environment can mean slower decision cycles for B2B businesses.
What do I need to consider when forming a Public Limited Company (PLC) in Canton Bern?
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 Bern
- Canton: Bern (BE) — federal capital, second largest canton
- Register: Handelsregisteramt des Kantons Bern
- Minimum share capital: CHF 100,000 (min. CHF 50,000 paid in)
- Min. shareholders: 1
- Required bodies: Board of Directors, General Assembly, Auditor (if thresholds exceeded)
- Corporate tax rate: ~21% effective (one of the higher rates in CH)
- Key sectors: Public services, IT, healthcare, education, consulting
- Typical founding timeline: 1–3 weeks
Steps to Found a PLC in Bern
- Verify company name availability on Zefix
- Draft articles of association
- Notarize founding documents in Canton Bern
- Deposit share capital at a Swiss bank
- File registration with Bern 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!