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 Handbook for Investors: Business location in Switzerland is a publication of osec – Business Network Switzerland. This in-depth 100-page guide provides a comprehensive overview of all aspects related to the establishment of foreign companies in Switzerland.
Dear Reader,
Thank you for your interest in Switzerland as a location for your business enterprise. As you progress through your decision-making process, and when you decide to start your activities here, we can guarantee that you will quickly feel welcome in Switzerland. From Lake Constance to Lake Geneva, from Basel to Chiasso, in all of the cantons and regions, you will find government representatives and agencies committed to maintaining business-friendly economic policies.
A country’s prosperity depends on three basic factors:
- its commitment to entrepreneurial ventures;
- the performance of its workforce; and
- a political climate that fosters efficiency and success.
Even in the age of the global economy it is important for the success of any business venture to find the right location.
For future-oriented companies involved in research, production or services, the right location can be found in one of Switzerland’s 26 cantons because: Switzerland is one of the best business locations in Europe.
This handbook for investors will provide you with the information that you and your adviser need to set up a business in our country, where being an entrepreneur has many advantages.
You will also find the contact details of our Chief Representatives for the European markets, North America, Japan and China, who will help you along the way. They are your first points of contact for rapid, confidential and competent advice at any time. In addition, you will also find details of the cantonal and regional business promotion agencies, as well as those of a number of useful associations, organizations and service providers.
Our government will continue to implement policies conducive to maintaining Switzerland’s advantages as a location for business. It ensures that living and working in Switzerland remain a pleasure.
Download Handbook for Investors: Business location in Switzerland
PDF format, 4.9MB, 99Pages.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Switzerland’s strategic location Page 7
Ideal strategic location at the heart of Europe. At the crossroads of Europe’s technology axes where cultures meet. The traditionally cosmopolitan location Switzerland is equidistant between America and Asia.
2. Investment climate and business environment in Switzerland Page 11
Liberal economic policies and long-term stable decision-making fundamentals simplify location decisions. Switzerland’s commitment to the protection of free competition and cooperative authorities make the country an advantageous location for establishing a business.
Switzerland receives high marks for economic performance and prosperity: Highly specialized multinational companies, purchasing power stability and low capital costs guarantee prosperity and provide strong incentives to invest in Switzerland.
3. Switzerland and the European Union Page 26
Europe discovers Switzerland. As one of the European Union’s most important business partners, Switzerland is strengthening its position through a series of Bilateral Agreements. As a result of these agreements, Switzerland also establishes contacts with business partners outside the EU and Europe.
4. Establishing and managing a business Page 29
Much latitude for entrepreneurial activities. Constitutionally guaranteed freedom of trade, in conjunction with a number of different legal forms for setting up an enterprise also provide foreign nationals with a favorable environment for economic success in Switzerland.
5. Financing Page 35
The highly developed financial center provides attractive financing possibilities. Investment transactions, entrepreneurial investment projects and foreign transactions can be handled through the banks and the stock exchange market at favorable conditions using the latest technology.
6. Production costs Page 37
Competitive production costs due to low interest and ancillary labor costs. With its low interest rates Switzerland offers important advantages with respect to the cost of labor and the arrangement of business activities.
7. Human capital Page 43
The key to high labor productivity is human capital. The Swiss labor market is characterized by a strong and productive relationship between management and the labor unions. The social security system is jointly funded by the companies and the workers.
8. Education, training, research and development Page 50
Education system and R&D policy for the most demanding requirements. The system of dual education and training ensures familiarity with business practices. World-class universities and R&D institutes position Switzerland as one of the leading technology locations.
9. Taxes Page 55
Why pay more? Switzerland’s mild tax climate offers interesting tax planning strategies at both federal and cantonal levels– even for particular transnational business structures.
10. Infrastructure and high technology clusters Page 63
Infrastructure in place to allow for expansion. Switzerland’s highly developed and reliable infrastructure also offers excellent conditions for new technologies. Clusters in biotechnology, micro- and nanotechnology and medical technology are responsible for Switzerland occupying the leading positions worldwide.
11. Quality of life, business environment Page 72
Take advantage of the quality of life and business environment in a place where others only take a vacation. Entrepreneurs appreciate the quality and safety, the education system and the transparency of Switzerland as a place to live for themselves, and their employees and families.
12. Economic development agencies and other contact points Page 76
The promotion of investment and domiciling projects is seen as a joint effort: The optimum basic conditions are enhanced by attractive financial assistance programs. The diversity of the Swiss cantons offers a variety of possibilities.
13. Annex Page 80
The one-stop-shop for the right contacts. How to obtain the best decision input for investments, plus other valuable information from “Osec Location Promotion” to frequently asked and very particular questions.
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