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 (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
- Global centre for diplomacy, finance, and international organisations — unmatched access to international networks
- Home to the UN, WHO, ICRC, and hundreds of multinational headquarters
- Multilingual, cosmopolitan workforce ideal for internationally-facing businesses
- World-class infrastructure, banking, and financial services ecosystem
- Proximity to France enabling cross-border hiring and market access
- High prestige business address with strong credibility in international markets
Starting a Public Limited Company in Switzerland: Disadvantages
- Among the highest commercial rents and cost of living in Switzerland — a major burden for startups
- Complex and time-consuming bureaucracy, especially for foreign founders
- Tax regulations and multilingual staff requirements significantly increase operating costs
- Small local private-sector market — most businesses must target international or national clients
- Intense competition from multinationals and international organisations for talent
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!
Key Facts: Starting a Business in Geneva
- Share capital: CHF 100,000 minimum (at least CHF 50,000 paid in at founding)
- Registration: Geneva Commercial Registry (Registre du commerce)
- Corporate tax rate: approx. 13.99% (cantonal + federal combined)
- Key sectors: Finance, trading, NGOs, luxury goods, diplomacy-related services, technology
- Languages: French (primary), with significant English and German-speaking communities
How to Start a Business in Geneva: 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 Geneva notary.
- Register with the Geneva 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 obtain any sector-specific permits (particularly relevant for financial and trading businesses).
- 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!