FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions Greater Zurich Area

All services provided by the Greater Zurich Area Ltd are free of charge.

We support international companies looking to expand business into the Greater Zurich region. 

Companies looking for funding, business development support, or market research, we advise to connect with the respective chamber of commerce or economic development office. 

Companies already located in Switzerland can reach out to the cantonal economic development offices for support.

While we do not offer support in finding funding or with business development, we can provide you with a list of relevant VCs based in the region. 

Unfortunately, we cannot help you find a job in Switzerland, as our mandate is to help international companies settle in the region. 

To find a job, please visit jobs.ch or similar platforms.

Greater Zurich Area Ltd offers consultation, introductions to key contacts, and comprehensive support for international companies looking to establish, expand, or relocate businesses into the Greater Zurich region. Services include market entry consulting, location evaluation, regulatory guidance, and integration into local business networks. 

Services include expansion evaluation & consultation, ecosystem introduction, matchmaking with potential research partners and key ecosystem players, tailor-made site visits, regulatory guidance, and identification of available office and industrial spaces.

No, our services stay free of charge even if the final expansion decision is not in the Greater Zurich Area.

No, supporting the companies located in Switzerland is the responsibility of the respective cantons. You can find support at the cantonal economic development offices.

We do not provide any specific contact information to our partners or companies listed on our channels. 

To reach your desired point of contact, please reach out to the companies directly.

We organize tailor-made fact-finding and location evaluation site visits. This includes meetings with key contacts in research, with authorities, and with local companies. Further, we offer visits to potential ready sites, offices, and co-working spaces.

We are the best-connected information service provider, established over 1000 companies in the region, and have the best and direct connections to government, authorities, and key stakeholders. Our services are free of charge and support you on every step of your expansion journey.

If you are an international company looking to expand business into Switzerland, we are happy to connect you with parties that are beneficial for an introduction to the local ecosystems. If already located in Switzerland, the further buildout of a company's network can be achieved with the help of cantonal offices or innovation platforms.

The Greater Zurich Area offers economic and political stability, access to the European market, a highly qualified workforce, pragmatic regulations, and a competitive tax system. Further, the region is a global hub for innovation with world-class infrastructure, making it an ideal destination to grow business internationally.

Find out more about Greater Zurich as a leading location for expanding companies. 

Establishing a company can take as little as four weeks from the submission of required documents and depending on the individual case.

Find out more about setting up a company in Switzerland. 

Corporate tax rates in Greater Zurich range from 12% to 24%, depending on the canton and municipality. Switzerland’s decentralized structure allows for regional tax autonomy.

Find out more about taxes in Switzerland. 

Internationally oriented companies choose the Greater Zurich Area for their HQ due to the region's political and economic stability, favorable tax environment, and strategic central location in Europe. 

The GZA offers a highly skilled, multilingual workforce and access to world-class research institutions. It boasts a robust financial infrastructure along with a business-friendly regulatory environment. The area's high quality of life attracts top international talent, while its thriving innovation ecosystem and cultural diversity enhance global market operations. These factors collectively create an optimal environment for multinational companies to thrive.

Find out more about Greater Zurich as a prime location for headquarters. 

The Greater Zurich Area is recognized in the fDi Report 2024 as one of Europe’s leading business locations for international companies, particularly noted for its economic potential, business friendliness, and human capital.

Some cantons offer tax and cash incentives, R&D super deductions, or a patent box for qualifying companies. Incentives depend on the individual business case and we help you find the best fit for your company.

Switzerland's labor laws are considered relatively flexible compared to most European countries, yet they are still more regulated than in the U.S. They offer more protections than the U.S., such as job security and paid leave, but are more flexible than many European countries. Employers can dismiss employees with shorter notice, and work hours are slightly longer than in Europe. Overall, Swiss laws strike a balance between flexibility and worker protection.

The Greater Zurich Area is renowned for its strong cooperation between internationally acclaimed research institutions and the private sector, a highly qualified workforce, and innovation-friendly regulations. It hosts a high density of top universities, such as ETH Zurich, and is home to numerous leading companies in technology sectors like life sciences, IT, fintech, robotics, and advanced manufacturing. With a focus on deep tech fields like blockchain, AI, and robotics, the region consistently ranks at the top for innovation and patents per capita, solidifying its status as a global innovation leader for over a decade.

Learn more about Greater Zurich as a leading innovation hub.

The Greater Zurich Area is particularly strong in the following tech verticals, showcasing a high level of expertise and a vibrant innovation ecosystem: 

• Artificial Intelligence & Deeptech: The region is a global leader in AI and deeptech, driven by cutting-edge research and development in machine learning, computer vision, and data science. With renowned institutions like ETH Zurich and numerous AI-focused startups and companies, the area excels in developing innovative solutions for industries ranging from healthcare to finance and manufacturing. 
• Life Sciences & Medtech: The Greater Zurich Area boasts a strong ecosystem in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and medical technology. It benefits from close collaboration between world-class research institutions, hospitals, and industry leaders, fostering breakthroughs in personalized medicine, diagnostics, and healthcare technologies. 
• Fintech & Blockchain: Known as the "Crypto Valley," Greater Zurich is a leading hub for financial technology and blockchain innovation. The region supports a dynamic ecosystem of startups and established firms that are pioneering advancements in digital finance, cryptocurrency, and decentralized technologies. 
• Robotics & Intelligent Systems: The area is a hotspot for robotics and intelligent systems, with strong expertise in automation, AI-driven robotics, and autonomous systems. Also called the "Silicon Valley of Robotics", the region is supported by a network of top research institutions and industry partnerships that drive innovation in sectors like advanced manufacturing and mobility. 
• Advanced Manufacturing: With a focus on precision engineering, additive manufacturing, and Industry 4.0 technologies, the Greater Zurich has a thriving ecosystem for manufacturing innovation, supported by a skilled workforce and leading technology companies. 

These verticals are interconnected through a collaborative environment that includes top-tier research institutions, a highly skilled talent pool, and a strong entrepreneurial culture, making the Greater Zurich Area a powerhouse for innovation.

Switzerland, and specifically the Greater Zurich Area, is recognized as one of the world's leading talent hubs, consistently ranking at the top of global talent competitiveness indices such as the Global Talent Competitiveness Index (GTCI). This status is driven by its excellent education system, which produces highly skilled talent each year and attracts both local and international professionals, particularly in tech sectors. 

The country's robust economy, investment in education and training, and high quality of life further enhance its appeal, drawing top companies and talent from around the world. Many businesses choose the Greater Zurich Area specifically for its rich talent pool, making it a prime destination for those seeking a vibrant, innovation-driven environment.

Discover Greater Zurich's talent hub. 

Among others, the Greater Zurich Area is home to research centers for Google, Meta, IBM, Microsoft, Apple, Huawei, Disney, Boston Dynamics, NVIDIA, and Sony. 

Discover some of our success stories made in the Greater Zurich Area.