Starting a Business in the Canton of Graubünden
Starting a business in Canton Graubünden: the path to your own business.
Starting a Business in the Canton of Graubünden
Graubünden, famous for its alpine landscapes and tourism, offers exceptional opportunities to start a Public Limited Company (PLC) in the leisure, restaurant and outdoor activities sectors. The Graubünden Commercial Registry ensures fast and easy company registration. Every year, the region welcomes a large number of tourists, creating considerable potential for innovative business ideas. In addition, Graubünden is a relevant center for food and beverage production. The multilingual population and proximity to Italy and Austria open access to additional markets. The regional economic promotion program supports entrepreneurs with advice and financial incentives.
Starting 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
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
- World-famous winter tourism destinations (St. Moritz, Davos) generating year-round B2B opportunities in hospitality and luxury sectors
- Trilingual canton (German, Italian, Romansh) with proximity to Italy and Austria, opening multiple international markets
- Strong food and beverage production sector — meat, cheese, and wine with export potential
- Active regional economic promotion with advisory services and financial incentives for new businesses
- Stunning mountain landscape supporting premium positioning for lifestyle and wellness brands
- Competitive tax environment for businesses based in smaller Graubünden municipalities
Starting a PLC: Disadvantages
- Geographic isolation and alpine terrain significantly increase logistics and transport costs
- Very small permanent population limits the local consumer market
- Strong seasonal fluctuations in tourism-dependent revenue streams
- Recruiting specialist staff is challenging — most professionals must be brought from outside
- Limited startup infrastructure and minimal external investment presence
What should I consider if I want to establish 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!
Key Facts: Incorporating a PLC in Graubünden
- Share capital: CHF 100,000 minimum (at least CHF 50,000 paid in at founding)
- Registration: Graubünden Commercial Registry (Handelsregisteramt)
- Corporate tax rate: approx. 14.0% (cantonal + federal combined)
- Key sectors: Tourism, luxury hospitality, food production, agriculture, energy
- Languages: German, Italian, Romansh (trilingual canton)
How to Incorporate a PLC in Graubünden: 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 a Graubünden notary.
- Register with the Graubünden 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 in Graubünden.
- 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!