Founding a Public Limited Company (PLC) in Canton Thurgau
Founding a Public Limited Company (PLC) in Canton Thurgau: the path to your own company.
Founding a Public Limited Company (PLC) in Canton Thurgau
The Canton of Thurgau, with its strong agricultural tradition and growing industry, offers ideal conditions for founding a Public Limited Company (PLC). The Thurgau Commercial Registry allows for easy company registration. The region is known for its fruit and vegetable production and innovative technologies in agriculture. Thurgau offers good transportation links to the metropolitan areas of Zurich and Constance, facilitating access to major markets. In addition, Thurgau Economic Promotion supports entrepreneurs with advisory services and networking opportunities. The high quality of life and beautiful landscape make Thurgau an attractive location for new businesses.
Founding a Public Limited Company (PLC) in Canton Thurgau: 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: Effective rate ~14.5% — below the Swiss average and competitive with eastern Switzerland.
- Agricultural and food industry hub: Switzerland's leading fruit and vegetable producing canton; strong base for agri-food and food processing businesses.
- Lake Constance access: Proximity to Lake Constance (Bodensee) and Germany opens cross-border markets (D, AT, CH).
- Good infrastructure: Highway and rail access to Zurich, Winterthur, and St. Gallen.
- Affordable costs: Lower rents and operating costs than Zurich; attractive for manufacturing and logistics operations.
Founding a PLC: Disadvantages
- Moderate market size: ~290,000 inhabitants — mainly suitable for B2B or nationally-oriented businesses.
- Less prominent location: Lower international profile vs. Zurich or Zug; relevant for domestically-focused operations.
- Minimum capital requirement: CHF 100,000 (min. CHF 50,000 paid in).
- Talent recruitment: Skilled knowledge workers prefer nearby Zurich; Thurgau is stronger for manufacturing and trade roles.
What do I need to consider when forming a Public Limited Company (PLC) in Canton Thurgau?
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 Thurgau
- Canton: Thurgau (TG) — eastern Switzerland, Lake Constance region
- Register: Handelsregisteramt des Kantons Thurgau
- 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: ~14.5% effective
- Key sectors: Agri-food, manufacturing, logistics, cross-border trade, boat/marine industry
- Typical founding timeline: 1–3 weeks
Steps to Found a PLC in Thurgau
- Check name availability on Zefix
- Draft articles of association with a notary
- Deposit share capital at a Swiss bank
- Notarize founding deed in Canton Thurgau
- Register with Thurgau 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!