Founding a Public Limited Company (PLC) in the canton of Glarus
Founding a Public Limited Company (PLC) in Canton Glarus: the path to your own company.
Founding a Public Limited Company (PLC) in the canton of Glarus
Canton Glarus, with its diversified economy and beautiful mountain landscapes, offers an exciting environment for founding a Public Limited Company (PLC), especially in the light industry, handicraft and tourism sectors. The Glarus Trade Registry facilitates a smooth registration process. The region is known for its industrial tradition, but also for its natural beauty, which attracts numerous visitors each year. Glarus offers a welcoming community and significant support for new businesses, with numerous business networks and economic promotion programs. Its proximity to major cities such as Zurich and Chur ensures good transportation links and access to major markets. In addition, the canton invests heavily in education and vocational training, offering a skilled workforce. The high quality of life, together with the recreational opportunities offered by the surrounding mountains, makes Glarus an ideal place to start and grow a sole proprietorship.
Founding a Public Limited Company (PLC) in Canton Glarus: 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
- Low corporate tax: Glarus offers an effective corporate tax rate of ~12% — among the most competitive in Switzerland.
- Low cost base: Affordable rents and operating costs compared to urban cantons.
- Industrial tradition: Strong heritage in textiles and manufacturing; relevant for light industry and production companies.
- Proximity to Zurich: ~1h by train — accessible economic center without urban overhead costs.
- Nature-based tourism: Braunwald and Klausenpass attract visitors; opportunities in hospitality and outdoor sports.
- Simple structure: Smallest cantonal parliament in Switzerland — lean, efficient governance.
Founding a PLC: Disadvantages
- Very small market: ~41,000 inhabitants — limited local consumer base.
- Limited infrastructure: Fewer professional services (law, finance, HR) locally available.
- Talent recruitment: Skilled workers typically commute in from Zurich region.
- Minimum capital requirement: CHF 100,000 (min. CHF 50,000 paid in).
- Declining industrial base: Traditional sectors are shrinking; new businesses must differentiate clearly.
What do I need to consider when forming a Public Limited Company (PLC) in the Canton of Glarus?
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 Glarus
- Canton: Glarus (GL) — eastern Switzerland, alpine industrial canton
- Register: Handelsregisteramt des Kantons Glarus
- 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: ~12% effective
- Key sectors: Light industry, tourism, energy, food production
- Typical founding timeline: 1–3 weeks
Steps to Found a PLC in Glarus
- Check name availability on Zefix
- Draft articles of association with a notary
- Deposit share capital at a Swiss bank
- Notarize founding deed in Canton Glarus
- Register with Glarus 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!