Founding a Public Limited Company (PLC) in the canton of Fribourg

Founding a Public Limited Company (PLC) in Canton Fribourg: the path to your own company.

Founding a Public Limited Company (PLC) in the canton of Fribourg

Founding a Public Limited Company (PLC) in Canton Fribourg offers many advantages due to favorable local economic conditions. Fribourg, strategically located between German and French-speaking Switzerland, benefits from a cultural mix that fosters business and innovation. The city of Freiburg, with its renowned university, is a hub of talent and innovative ideas. To start a Public Limited Company (PLC), you must register with the Trade Registry and obtain the necessary licenses depending on your business sector. Moderate taxes and support from local institutions make Fribourg an ideal place for entrepreneurs. In addition, the canton offers various networking and collaboration opportunities, thanks to numerous events and business associations. With a strong sense of community and modern infrastructure, Fribourg is the perfect place to start and grow a Public Limited Company (PLC).

Process

Found a Public Limited Company (PLC) in Canton Fribourg: 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.

Definition of a Public Limited Company in Switzerland

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Founding a PLC: Advantages

Establishing a Public Limited Company (PLC) in Fribourg offers significant advantages due to the canton's bilingual location, which facilitates access to both French- and German-speaking markets. The region is known for its excellent quality of life and institutional support for new businesses. Administrative procedures are streamlined and the business environment is dynamic, with numerous support programs and tax incentives. In addition, proximity to major university and research centers provides an additional boost to innovation and business growth.

Founding a PLC: Disadvantages

Establishing a Public Limited Company (PLC) in Freiburg has some disadvantages, including the challenge of operating in a bilingual market, which may require additional resources to communicate effectively in French and German. The relatively small population may limit opportunities for expansion. Lack of legal protection for the owner's personal assets exposes the owner to significant financial risks, as private assets can be seized if debts are incurred. In addition, competition, although less intense than in large urban centers, can still pose a challenge.

What do I need to consider when forming a Public Limited Company (PLC) in Canton Fribourg?

Required capital

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.

What you need to know about the Public Limited Company (PLC)!

Setting up a Public Limited Company (PLC) in Switzerland is one of the most strategic choices for entrepreneurs and investors. This detailed guide offers a comprehensive overview of how to start and run a PLC in Switzerland, covering every legal, tax and operational aspect needed.

Advantages of the Public Limited Company

The Public Limited Company (PLC) has many advantages, including:

  • Limited Liability: Shareholders are liable only for the capital they have subscribed.
  • Reputation: A PLC enjoys high credibility and trust in the international market.
  • Flexibility: Ability to issue different classes of shares.
  • Attractiveness for Investors: Ease in raising capital by issuing shares.

Requirements for establishing a PLC

Share Capital

The minimum share capital to establish a PLC is CHF 100,000, of which at least 20% (but not less than CHF 50,000) must be paid in at the time of incorporation.

Shareholders and Corporate Bodies

A PLC must have at least one shareholder. Required corporate bodies include:

  • General Assembly: The supreme body of the company.
  • Board of Directors: Responsible for the management and representation of the company.
  • Audit Board: Required if the company exceeds certain financial thresholds.

Download the Checklist

Download the checklist for preparing for self-employment with a PLC in PDF format now!