Starting a Business (LLC) in the Canton of St. Gallen
Starting a business (LLC) in Canton St. Gallen: the path to your own company.
Starting a Business (LLC) in the Canton of St. Gallen
In the canton of St. Gallen, renowned for its prestigious university and robust economy, starting a limited liability company has many advantages. The St. Gallen Trade Registry ensures efficient business registration. The region is known for its capacity for innovation, especially in the mechanical engineering, textile industry and healthcare sectors. St. Gallen has excellent infrastructure and a central location, facilitating access to national and international markets. The University of St. Gallen and the University of Applied Sciences offer valuable networking opportunities and support for start-ups. In addition, the high quality of life makes St. Gallen an attractive destination for entrepreneurs.
Start a limited liability company in Canton St. Gallen: 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 LLC's data
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 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 the LLC in Switzerland
We believe that personalized advice is the key to best understanding our clients' individual needs and challenges and offering tailored solutions.
Starting an LLC: Advantages
- Eastern Switzerland's economic hub — strong industrial and textile tradition
- Home to University of St. Gallen (HSG) — top business school, strong alumni network
- Good connections to Zurich, Austria and southern Germany
- Competitive cantonal tax rates
- Active startup and innovation ecosystem
Starting an LLC: Disadvantages
- Smaller financial ecosystem than Zurich
- Higher costs than rural eastern Swiss cantons
- Swiss residency required for at least one board member
- AG compliance and audit obligations are significant
What should I consider if I want to start a limited liability company in Canton St. Gallen?
A minimum of CHF 20,000 (fully released) is required to establish a LLC.Info: The founder of an PLC or LLC cannot draw money from the pension fund 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.
The LLC requires at least one partner 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, an LLC 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 LLC 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 LLC!
AG Incorporation Requirements in St. Gallen
- Minimum share capital: CHF 100,000 (at least CHF 50,000 paid up)
- At least one board member domiciled in Switzerland
- Notarial deed required for articles of association
- Registration with the St. Gallen Commercial Register
- Company name must include "AG" / "SA"
Key Legal Facts
- Shareholder liability limited to share capital
- Annual accounts and statutory audit required
- VAT registration required above CHF 100,000 annual turnover
Canton-Specific Notes
- HSG proximity creates strong consulting, finance and management talent pipeline for AGs
- IFJ Institut für Jungunternehmen active in St. Gallen region