Starting a limited liability company (LLC) in Canton Schaffhausen

Starting a limited liability company (LLC) in Canton Schaffhausen: the path to your own company.

Starting a limited liability company (LLC) in Canton Schaffhausen

The Canton of Schaffhausen, with its location on the German border and strong local economy, offers ideal conditions for starting a limited liability company (LLC), especially in the trade, logistics and service sectors. The Schaffhausen Trade Registry ensures a quick and easy registration process. The region enjoys excellent transportation links and a strategic location for cross-border trade. Schaffhausen also has a strong support network for new businesses, with numerous economic promotion programs and advisory services. The high quality of life and natural environment contribute to the region's attractiveness to entrepreneurs.

Process

Start a limited liability company (LLC) in Canton Schaffhausen: here's how to do it!

1

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.

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Starting an LLC: Advantages

  • Small canton — limited local market
  • Geographic exclave from the main Swiss territory
  • Currency risk for businesses heavily dependent on EUR markets
  • Double taxation on LLC profits and dividends
  • Swiss residency required for at least one managing director

Starting an LLC: Disadvantages

  • Low cantonal tax rates — competitive for businesses relocating from Germany
  • Direct border with Germany — excellent cross-border trade position
  • Rhine port access for logistics and import/export
  • Good rail and road connections to Zurich (approx. 45 min)
  • Established industrial and chemicals cluster

What should I consider if I want to start a limited liability company (LLC) in Canton Schaffhausen?

Capital needed

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.

Number of members

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.

Auditing

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.

Subjection to VAT

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!

LLC Formation Requirements in Schaffhausen

  1. Minimum share capital: CHF 20,000 (fully paid up)
  2. At least one managing director domiciled in Switzerland
  3. Notarial deed for articles of association
  4. Registration with the Schaffhausen Commercial Register
  5. Unique company name including "GmbH" / "LLC"

Key Legal Facts

  • Partners liable only up to their share capital contribution
  • Annual financial statements mandatory
  • Small LLCs may opt out of statutory audit
  • VAT registration required above CHF 100,000 annual turnover

Canton-Specific Notes

  • Ideal for businesses with German market exposure or cross-border operations
  • Lower taxes than Zurich with good logistical connectivity
  • Rhine shipping access adds value for manufacturing and trading LLCs

Download the Checklist

Download the checklist for preparing for self-employment with a LLC in PDF format now!