Starting a business in the canton of Appenzell Ausserrhoden
Starting a business in Appenzell Ausserrhoden Canton: the path to your own business.
Starting a business in the canton of Appenzell Ausserrhoden
The Canton of Appenzell Ausserrhoden, with its diverse economy and strategic location, offers excellent opportunities to start a Public Limited Company (PLC), particularly in the manufacturing, service and handicraft sectors. The Appenzell Ausserrhoden Trade Registry ensures a fast and efficient registration process. The region is known for its strong entrepreneurial tradition and support for new businesses. In addition, Appenzell Ausserrhoden enjoys good transportation links to major Swiss cities, facilitating access to markets. The high quality of life and natural environment contribute to the region's attractiveness to entrepreneurs.
Start a Public Limited Company (PLC) in Canton Appenzell Ausserrhoden: 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 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 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 Public Limited Company in Switzerland: Advantages
- Low corporate tax rates — among the most competitive in the Appenzell region
- Strong craft and manufacturing tradition with a skilled regional workforce
- Good road connections to St. Gallen and broader Eastern Switzerland
- Supportive community environment with direct access to cantonal authorities
- Affordable commercial space and operating costs compared to larger Swiss cantons
- Active regional business associations supporting SMEs and new ventures
Starting a Public Limited Company in Switzerland: Disadvantages
- Small local market with limited consumer and B2B spending power
- Rural location makes attracting specialist talent from other regions challenging
- Minimal startup ecosystem and virtually no venture capital presence
- Limited direct international connectivity — most logistics routes pass through St. Gallen
- Marketing and brand visibility as an Appenzell-based business requires extra investment
What should I consider if I want to start a Public Limited Company (PLC) in Canton Appenzell Ausserrhoden?
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: Starting a Business in Appenzell Ausserrhoden
- Share capital: CHF 100,000 minimum (at least CHF 50,000 paid in at founding)
- Registration: Appenzell Ausserrhoden Commercial Registry (Handelsregisteramt)
- Corporate tax rate: approx. 13.0% (cantonal + federal combined)
- Key sectors: Crafts, manufacturing, textiles, rural tourism, services
- Language: German
How to Start a Business in Appenzell Ausserrhoden: 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 Ausserrhoden notary.
- Register with the Appenzell Ausserrhoden 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 Appenzell Ausserrhoden.
- 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!