Founding a Public Limited Company (PLC) in Graubünden
Founding a Public Limited Company (PLC) in Canton Graubünden: the path to your own company.
Founding a Public Limited Company (PLC) in Graubünden
Graubünden, known for its alpine landscapes and tourism, offers unique opportunities for founding a Public Limited Company (PLC) in the leisure, restaurant and outdoor activities sectors. The Graubünden Trade Register helps with quick and easy company registration. The region attracts many tourists each year, offering great potential for innovative business ideas. In addition, Graubünden is an important center for food and beverage production. The multilingual population and proximity to Italy and Austria open additional markets. The regional economic promotion program supports entrepreneurs with advice and financial incentives.
Founding a Public Limited Company (PLC) in Canton Graubünden: 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
- Tourism powerhouse: Davos, St. Moritz, and the Engadin valley — established high-end tourism market for hospitality, real estate, and luxury services.
- Trilingual canton: German, Romansh, and Italian spoken — unique positioning for alpine cultural and linguistic niches.
- Low operating costs: Outside major cities, commercial rents are very affordable.
- Renewable energy: Significant hydropower infrastructure; opportunities in green energy sector.
- WEF Davos hub: Annual World Economic Forum creates global networking opportunities for established businesses.
Founding a PLC: Disadvantages
- Mountainous geography: Supply chain logistics are complex and costly due to alpine terrain.
- Sparse population: ~200,000 inhabitants across a large area — very low population density limits local market size.
- Seasonal economy: Heavy reliance on winter and summer tourism; revenue volatility is significant.
- Minimum capital requirement: CHF 100,000 (min. CHF 50,000 paid in).
- Talent scarcity: Skilled labor must often be recruited from outside the canton.
What do I need to consider when forming a Public Limited Company (PLC) in the Canton of Graubünden?
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 Graubünden
- Canton: Graubünden (GR) — largest Swiss canton, alpine tourism region
- Register: Handelsregisteramt des Kantons Graubünden
- 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: ~14.6% effective
- Key sectors: Tourism, hospitality, luxury real estate, renewable energy, agriculture
- Typical founding timeline: 1–3 weeks
Steps to Found a PLC in Graubünden
- Check name availability on Zefix
- Draft articles of association with a notary
- Deposit share capital at a Swiss bank
- Notarize founding deed in Canton Graubünden
- Register with Graubünden 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!