Why Greater Zurich is the ideal business friendly location for international companies

Business–friendly environment

Are you looking for a place where your business can grow and thrive? Switzerland is one of the most competitive economies in the world and the world leader in innovation. Companies benefit from economic and political stability, European market access, a highly qualified workforce, pragmatic regulations, a competitive tax system, and an excellent infrastructure.

Switzerland's competitive edge

Switzerland's competitive edge

The business-friendly environment in Switzerland makes the country faster and more flexible in adapting to new services and technologies and drives innovation. Companies get easy and direct access to local authorities thanks to the decentralized government structure. And unlike many European countries that have regularly seen large swings in support among the main national parties, Switzerland has remained an island of political and economic stability. 

Discover various rankings for Switzerland and the Greater Zurich Area. 

Additionally, Switzerland employs a fiscal “debt-brake” rule that requires the federal government to balance its budget over the business cycle. With a debt ratio of 30%, Switzerland remains in excellent shape by international standards. Since the early 2000’s, Switzerland’s fiscal institutions have been successful in keeping the overall levels of taxation and spending at moderate levels.

Establish your company in no time

Establish your company in no time

With attractive corporate structures, suitable business properties, efficient and non-bureaucratic permits, and authorizations combined with easy recruitment, you can set up your business in Greater Zurich in record time. In Switzerland, the formation of a company takes 2-4 weeks from the submission of required documents to the date when the company is legally established. 

There are several options for establishing a business in Switzerland:

  • Forming an unincorporated or incorporated company
  • Setting up a branch office 
  • Acquiring an existing company in Switzerland (either unincorporated or incorporated) 
  • Formation of a joint venture (unincorporated or incorporated) 
  • Forming a strategic alliance with or without equity interest

The choice of the appropriate corporate structures depends on many factors: the business in general, the time frame, legal and tax conditions, strategic goals, etc. We at Greater Zurich Area Ltd can support and connect you with the right partners. Reach out for a free consultation: hello@greaterzuricharea.com

Innovation-driven economy

Innovation-driven economy

In the Greater Zurich Area, you are located where innovations are created: The internationally renowned research and academic institutions and the close cooperation between research and industry have turned the region into a hub for companies in life sciences, artificial intelligence, fintech and blockchain, robotics and intelligent systems and advanced manufacturing

Moreover, many renowned companies use the Greater Zurich Area as a location for the European-wide bundling of key corporate operations and headquarters – such as holding companies, intellectual property management (IP), finance and supply chain management, and R&D. In a study by the World Economic Forum, Switzerland ranks even first now regarding R&D collaborations.

Meet with an expansion expert

Our services are free of charge and include:

  • Introduction to key contacts in industry, academia, and government
  • Advice on regulatory framework, taxes, labor, market, and setting up a company
  • Custom-made fact-finding visits, including office and co-working space

Greater Zurich among top business expansion locations in Europe

Greater Zurich among top business expansion locations in Europe

The fDi Report 2024 recognizes the Greater Zurich Area as one of the leading business locations in Europe for internationally expanding companies. As a global tech hub, the Greater Zurich Area shines in the categories Economic Potential, Business Friendliness and Human Capital & Lifestyle.

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Greater Zurich ranks in the 2024 fdi Report among the leading business locations in Europe
By combining world-class universities, large international companies, innovative SMEs and dynamic start-ups with an unbeatable quality of life, Greater Zurich is playing in the top league of globally successful metropolitan regions.
Mario Jenni - CEO of Bio-Technopark Schlieren-Zurich
Watch our webinar: The real cost of doing business in Switzerland.

Frequently Asked Questions

Business environment

Why should international tech companies consider expanding to the Greater Zurich Area?

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. 

How long does it take to establish a company in the Greater Zurich Area?

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. 

What are the corporate tax rates in the Greater Zurich Area?

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.