Starting a business in the canton of Appenzell Innerrhoden
Starting a business in Appenzell Innerrhoden: the path to your own business.
Starting a Public Limited Company (PLC) in the Canton of Appenzell Innerrhoden
The Canton of Appenzell Innerrhoden, characterized by its picturesque landscapes and rich cultural tradition, offers a unique environment for starting a Public Limited Company (PLC), especially in the handicraft, tourism and agriculture sectors. The Appenzell Inner Rhodes Trade Registry ensures a simple and efficient registration process. The region is known for its cohesive community and support for small businesses. In addition, Appenzell Inner Rhodes offers a peaceful atmosphere and a high quality of life, making it an ideal place to start a Public Limited Company (PLC).
Start a Public Limited Company (PLC) in Appenzell Innerrhoden: 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
After calculating the non-binding offer, enter your company details. At this point you can order the incorporation of the company.
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 company 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.
Starting a PLC: Advantages
- Lowest corporate tax rate in Switzerland — extremely attractive for holding and asset-light companies
- Deeply rooted craft and cheese-making tradition offering niche export and B2B opportunities
- Intimate, trust-based business community with strong local referral networks
- Peaceful alpine environment ideal for businesses in wellness, rural tourism, and artisan sectors
- Highly accessible cantonal administration with minimal bureaucracy
- Strong cultural identity and brand appeal for premium Swiss-made products
Starting a PLC: Disadvantages
- Switzerland's smallest canton by population — very limited local market
- Geographic isolation significantly limits logistics and physical access to broader markets
- Tiny talent pool — almost all skilled specialists must be sourced externally
- No meaningful startup or investor ecosystem
- Narrow economic base creates vulnerability to sector-specific disruptions
What should I consider if I want to start a Public Limited Company (PLC) in Appenzell Innerrhoden Canton?
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!
Key Facts: Incorporating a PLC in Appenzell Innerrhoden
- Share capital: CHF 100,000 minimum (at least CHF 50,000 paid in at founding)
- Registration: Appenzell Innerrhoden Commercial Registry (Handelsregisteramt)
- Corporate tax rate: approx. 12.7% (cantonal + federal combined) — among Switzerland's lowest
- Key sectors: Crafts, artisan food, dairy, tourism, agriculture
- Language: German
How to Incorporate a PLC in Appenzell Innerrhoden: Step by Step
- Define your business plan — Outline your company's purpose, structure, and capital plan before starting the legal process.
- Appoint founders and draft articles of association — At least one founder is required. The articles must specify share capital, purpose, and governance.
- Open a capital deposit account — Deposit the required share capital (minimum CHF 50,000) in a Swiss bank in the company's name.
- Notarise the founding documents — Have the articles of association and founding declaration authenticated before an Appenzell Innerrhoden notary.
- Register with the Appenzell Innerrhoden Commercial Registry — Submit notarised documents, proof of capital deposit, and details of the board of directors.
- Obtain required licences and permits — Register for VAT if applicable and secure any sector-specific permits required.
- Set up operations — Open a business bank account, register employees with social insurance, and establish your accounting processes.
Download the Checklist
Download the checklist for preparing for self-employment with a PLC in PDF format now!