Starting a business in the Canton of Geneva
Starting a business in Canton Geneva: the path to your own business.
Starting a business in the Canton of Geneva
Starting a Public Limited Company (PLC) in Geneva offers unique advantages due to its role as an international center for diplomacy and trade. Geneva is an important hub, especially in the financial services, trade and NGO sectors. The Geneva Trade Registry provides comprehensive information and a clear registration process. The city is home to many international organizations and multinational companies, offering a strong network and numerous business opportunities. In addition, Geneva has excellent infrastructure, a multilingual workforce and a high quality of life, elements that can effectively support entrepreneurial efforts.
Start a Public Limited Company (PLC) in Canton Geneva: 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
Starting a Public Limited Company (PLC) in Geneva allows you to benefit from an international network of organizations and companies. The city offers high-level infrastructure, a multilingual workforce and a high quality of life, making it an ideal environment for sectors such as financial services and NGOs.
Starting a PLC: Disadvantages
Starting a Public Limited Company (PLC) in Geneva has disadvantages such as high office and housing costs, which can be prohibitive for small businesses. Bureaucracy related to registration and approvals can be complex and time-consuming. The strong presence of international organizations and multinational companies can make it difficult for small local businesses to compete. In addition, tax regulations and multilingual personnel expenses can significantly increase operating costs.
What should I consider if I want to start a Public Limited Company (PLC) in Canton Geneva?
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!
Setting up a Public Limited Company (PLC) in Switzerland is one of the most strategic choices for entrepreneurs and investors. This detailed guide offers a comprehensive overview of how to start and run a PLC in Switzerland, covering every legal, tax and operational aspect needed.
Advantages of the Public Limited Company
The Public Limited Company (PLC) has many advantages, including:
- Limited Liability: Shareholders are liable only for the capital they have subscribed.
- Reputation: A PLC enjoys high credibility and trust in the international market.
- Flexibility: Ability to issue different classes of shares.
- Attractiveness for Investors: Ease in raising capital by issuing shares.
Requirements for establishing a PLC
Share Capital
The minimum share capital to establish a PLC is CHF 100,000, of which at least 20% (but not less than CHF 50,000) must be paid in at the time of incorporation.
Shareholders and Corporate Bodies
A PLC must have at least one shareholder. Required corporate bodies include:
- General Assembly: The supreme body of the company.
- Board of Directors: Responsible for the management and representation of the company.
- Audit Board: Required if the company exceeds certain financial thresholds.
Download the Checklist
Download the checklist for preparing for self-employment with a PLC in PDF format now!