Founding a Public Limited Company (PLC) in the canton of Vaud
Founding a Public Limited Company (PLC) in Canton Vaud: the path to your own company.
Founding a Public Limited Company (PLC) in the canton of Vaud
In the Canton of Vaud, with Lausanne as its capital, there is a dynamic environment for the founding of a Public Limited Company (PLC). The region is known for its universities such as EPFL and the University of Lausanne, which offer valuable opportunities for networking and promoting innovation. The Vaud Commercial Registry helps to register the Public Limited Company (PLC) smoothly. The canton's economy is diverse, from agriculture to technology to services. Vaud is also a popular tourist destination, which opens up additional business opportunities. With a multilingual population and proximity to international institutions, entrepreneurs benefit from a global network.
Founding a Public Limited Company (PLC) in Canton Vaud: 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
- Innovation hub: EPFL and UNIL (University of Lausanne) generate world-class research, spin-offs, and startup talent — Switzerland's second-largest tech ecosystem.
- Life sciences cluster: Biopôle Lausanne and Epalinges attract pharma and biotech companies; Nestlé global HQ in Vevey.
- International organizations: IOC, WHO, and dozens of UN bodies — ideal for NGOs, consulting, and international relations companies.
- Multilingual workforce: French-English-German talent pool; globally oriented professionals.
- Quality of life: Lake Geneva, Alps, and Lausanne's cultural scene — one of Switzerland's most attractive living environments.
- Airport access: Geneva Airport 30 min from Lausanne; direct flights worldwide.
Founding a PLC: Disadvantages
- High costs: Lausanne is one of Switzerland's most expensive cities for office rents and salaries.
- Competition for talent: EPFL alumni are highly sought-after — talent retention is challenging.
- Tax rate above Zug/Lucerne: Effective corporate rate ~13.8% — less competitive purely on tax grounds.
- Minimum capital requirement: CHF 100,000 (min. CHF 50,000 paid in).
- Traffic and housing pressure: Lausanne region faces significant urbanization and infrastructure challenges.
What do I need to consider when forming a Public Limited Company (PLC) in the Canton of Vaud?
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 Vaud
- Canton: Vaud (VD) — western Switzerland, Lausanne, EPFL innovation corridor
- Register: Registre du commerce du canton de Vaud
- 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: ~13.8% effective
- Key sectors: Life sciences, biotech, medtech, IT/software, food & beverage (Nestlé supply chain), international organizations
- Typical founding timeline: 1–3 weeks
Steps to Found a PLC in Vaud
- Check name availability on Zefix
- Draft articles of association with a notary
- Deposit share capital at a Swiss bank
- Notarize founding deed in Canton Vaud
- Register with Vaud 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!