Why choose Greater Zurich Area?

Switzerland offers one of the world’s most reliable environments for business growth. Known for its economic stability, low corruption, and predictable legal framework, the country consistently ranks among the global leaders in competitiveness and innovation. 

Companies benefit from pragmatic regulation, strong IP protection, and an efficient public sector that keeps processes lean and predictable.This means a business framework with ideal conditions to grow: 

• Lean bureaucracy and efficient public services 
• Transparent legal system with strong IP protection 
• Stable currency and financial system 
• International trade agreements supporting global business 
• Low risk and long-term planning security 

The Greater Zurich Area combines Switzerland’s stability with the agility of its leading financial and tech hub, offering fast access to European markets, world-class infrastructure, and a highly skilled international workforce.

Innovation is embedded in the DNA of the Greater Zurich Area. Switzerland has ranked #1 in the Global Innovation Index for 14 consecutive years, reflecting a system where research excellence, industrial strength, and public support work hand in hand. The region offers a unique innovation environment built on: 

• World-class research institutions and universities, leading globally in AI, robotics, biotech, and advanced engineering 
• Strong industry–academia collaboration, turning research into market-ready solutions efficiently 
• Robust intellectual property protection, ranking among the world leaders in patents per capita 
• High R&D investment, with over 3% of GDP allocated to research and innovation 
• Targeted public support, including science-based funding through agencies such as Innosuisse 
• Highly skilled, multilingual talent, supported by a dual education system and continuous upskilling 

For companies operating at the technological frontier, Greater Zurich offers the ecosystem to scale innovation.

Are you looking for highly-skilled employees? Switzerland consistently ranks as the world’s leading hub for attracting and retaining talent. The Greater Zurich Area benefits from a highly educated, international, and multilingual workforce shaped by a strong university landscape and a renowned dual education system that combines academic excellence with practical expertise. 

Companies also operate within a flexible and predictable labor framework. Compared to many EU countries, Swiss employment regulations allow shorter notice periods, pragmatic working-time rules, and adaptable contract models. For international businesses, this means access to top-tier talent, combined with the flexibility to build and scale teams efficiently and sustainably.

The Greater Zurich Area is a leading location for European and global headquarters. Situated in the heart of Europe, the region offers seamless access to over 500 million consumers, a stable political and economic environment, and a highly international business community. 

What truly sets Greater Zurich apart is its exceptional concentration of global technology leaders. The region has one of the highest big tech densities in the world, with companies such as Google, Microsoft, Apple, Meta, Nvidia, IBM, Oracle, Pinterest, and Amazon Web Services operating major hubs here. 

This creates a compact, closely connected ecosystem where industry, academia, and startups collaborate at scale. For international companies, this means strategic market access, immediate integration into a powerful innovation network, and a headquarters location that combines global connectivity with Swiss reliability and quality of life.

ESG metrics have become key performance indicators for companies worldwide. Where you operate directly impacts your carbon footprint, energy mix, supply chain efficiency, and regulatory exposure. Choosing the right location can therefore significantly strengthen your sustainability performance. 

Switzerland consistently ranks among the world’s most sustainable countries and is internationally recognized for its long-standing commitment to climate protection, resource efficiency, and environmental innovation. Combined with reliable infrastructure, clean energy sourcing, and political stability, the Greater Zurich Area offers companies a credible and measurable way to improve their ESG profile, while maintaining competitiveness and long-term profitability.

The Greater Zurich Area combines a thriving business environment with an exceptional quality of life, a major advantage for attracting and retaining international talent. Switzerland is one of the world’s safest and most stable countries, known for low crime, transparent governance, and strong public services. 

Employees benefit from excellent healthcare, clean environments, high-performing education options including international schools, and short commuting times. With vibrant cities, easy access to nature, and a culture that values both performance and personal well-being, the region offers an ideal setting for professionals and families alike.

Switzerland is known for one of the world’s most efficient and reliable transportation systems. In the Greater Zurich Area, companies benefit from seamless connectivity – regionally, across Europe, and globally. Whether by air, rail, road, or digital infrastructure, the region offers the speed and reliability international business depends on. 

Key connectivity advantages include: 

• Zurich Airport with direct flights to 200+ global destinations 
• Fast access to major European cities via high-speed rail (Paris, Milan, Munich, Vienna, and more) 
• Dense road network with quick cross-border access to neighboring markets 
• Nationwide 5G coverage and secure digital infrastructure 
• Swiss-level reliability, ensuring smooth logistics and predictable operations 

For international companies, Greater Zurich offers the infrastructure of a global hub – in a compact, highly connected region.

Switzerland’s competitive and transparent tax system is a key factor behind its international attractiveness. The Greater Zurich Area offers one of the most favorable tax environments in Europe, combining moderate rates with legal certainty and constructive cooperation with tax authorities.

Key tax advantages include:

• Corporate tax rates from around 12%, highly competitive within Western Europe 
• VAT of 8.1%, among the lowest in Europe 
• Extensive double taxation treaty network (100+ countries) 
• R&D super-deductions of up to 150% 
• Patent box regimes with up to 90% tax relief on qualifying IP income 
• Stable and predictable fiscal policy 

For companies and employees alike, this means international competitiveness, planning security, and an efficient tax framework that supports long-term growth.

Switzerland combines independence with deep international integration. While not a member of the EU, it maintains close bilateral agreements that provide access to large parts of the European Single Market, connecting companies in the Greater Zurich Area to over 500 million consumers. 

Beyond Europe, Switzerland operates one of the world’s most extensive free trade networks. As a member of EFTA and the WTO, the country benefits from over 30 free trade agreements covering more than 40 countries, including major economies such as China, Japan, and Canada. 

For international businesses, this means preferential market access, reduced trade barriers, and a reliable framework for global expansion, from the heart of Europe.