Switzerland is a good choice. It is one of Europe’s most advantageous
economic locations. If you have chosen Switzerland as the site
for your investment, you can also count on the professional support of its
cantonal and regional authorities.
Eleven key factors combine to make Switzerland an impressive international
location:Switzerland – a strategic economic and research location
Technology clusters, a variety of cultures, science and a liberal economic climate all converge in Switzerland, in Central Europe.
Switzerland – an efficient capital market with a highly professional international banking system
Switzerland is one of the world’s largest financial centers and even ranks ahead of London, New York and Frankfurt. The Swiss banks and stock exchange are held in high international esteem and offer excellent opportunities for competitive financing of corporate investment projects.
Switzerland – world-famous universities, technical colleges and R&D institutions
With technology changing ever more rapidly, research and development activity is becoming increasingly significant as a factor of economic location. Switzerland tops the world league in research activities.
Switzerland – moderate taxation and tax-saving opportunities
Compared to elsewhere in Europe, Swiss taxes have been extremely advantageous for decades. The country’s federal structure means that there is also healthy competition between cantons in taxation matters. In the course of time, this has stimulated development of various tax-saving opportunities.
International tax comparison
(maximum tax burden for companies)
Source: KPMG's Corporate and Indirect Tax Rate Survey 2007
Switzerland – first-class infrastructure as a matter of course
International ratings confirm that the country’s infrastructure ranks among the most reliable and well-developed in the world. Moreover, the latest IT infrastructures and technological resources provide optimal conditions for developing new technologies.
Switzerland – high productivity combined with high-quality products and services
Switzerland ranks among the leading national economies, with the world’s highest labor productivity.
Switzerland – social peace and political stability
Switzerland’s federal state structure affords the cantons much freedom in political decision-making and administrative autonomy. This has led to development of highly profitable and efficient administrative structures. That simplifies the decision-making process in all areas, especially pertaining to issues associated with direct investment from abroad.
Switzerland – excellent protection of intellectual property
A network of international agreements protects intellectual property in Switzerland. As a result, the country probably has the world’s highest number of academic Nobel prize winners per capita of the population.
Switzerland – a high standard of living
Year after year, international studies confirm permanent guarantees of personal security and privacy. Switzerland’s housing meets the highest quality standards; its healthcare ranks among the best in the world.
Switzerland – professional support and assistance for investors and investments
The federal government promotes location in close cooperation with the business community and the cantons. Switzerland offers direct access to key liaison offices and federal bureaus, as well as to cantonal business agencies. Investors benefit from professional support throughout the investment process.
Switzerland – quality of life, pure and simple
Nowhere in the world is there so much geographical diversity concentrated in such a small area. Moreover, the varied landscape has been excellently developed. Whether you are looking for adventure or sport, recreational activities or the pleasures of art, Switzerland offers opportunities for individual activities to suit everybody’s taste. So it hardly comes as a surprise to learn that the largest Swiss towns and cities regularly come top in surveys on quality of life.
