immo!nvest – Die Plattform für Standorte und Immobilien

Tag: Standortattraktivität

  • An attractive environment for companies and private individuals

    An attractive environment for companies and private individuals

    The combined tax burden for companies in Switzerland is between 12 and 24 percent, depending on the canton. The reason for this is the tax autonomy of the cantons, which specifically create attractive framework conditions in the competition between locations. Economically strong cantons such as Zug, Schwyz and Nidwalden rely on low corporate taxes to encourage companies to settle here.

    Since the STAF tax reform (2019), companies have benefited from further advantages. These include the patent box, which taxes income from patents at a preferential rate, as well as deductions for research and development, which is particularly relevant for technology-oriented companies. Holding companies also benefit from special tax regulations, which makes Switzerland attractive for globally active companies.

    Tax framework for private individuals
    Private individuals also benefit from a moderate tax burden. Federal tax on income is a maximum of 11.5 percent, supplemented by cantonal and communal levies. Many cantons have a flat tax progression, which means that even higher incomes are subject to a low tax burden by international standards.

    Wealth tax is usually less than one percent. There is no inheritance tax at federal level and some cantons offer regulations for wealthy newcomers. Foreign nationals without gainful employment in Switzerland can benefit from lump-sum taxation.

    Value added tax as a locational advantage
    With a rate of 8.1 percent, Swiss VAT is one of the lowest in Europe. A clear advantage over countries such as Germany (19 %) or France (20 %).

    International developments in view
    International pressure, particularly from the OECD and the EU, is demanding adjustments to prevent tax competition. Switzerland is responding with reforms, but without giving up its attractiveness as a business location.

  • Impulses for Zurich’s future: The first day of the location

    Impulses for Zurich’s future: The first day of the location

    The first “Location Day” in the canton of Zurich brought together leading figures from business, research and politics to shed light on the attractiveness and future viability of the location. The focus was on discussing current challenges and developing strategies to strengthen the business and innovation location. Panels and workshops on topics such as technology, skilled workers, entrepreneurship, mobility and sustainability provided important impetus to further improve Zurich’s position in international comparison.

    A prior study on the attractiveness of the location provided the basis for in-depth discussions and highlighted Zurich’s strengths in the areas of education, economic power and quality of life, as well as areas with potential for improvement such as the labour market, innovation and infrastructure. In particular, the relevance of artificial intelligence for the technology location and the need for a stronger digital focus in the healthcare sector were emphasised. In addition, the importance of promoting start-ups and integrating digital processes in the healthcare sector was emphasised in order to increase both the attractiveness for specialists and the efficiency of medical care.

    The “Location Day” underlined the urgency of utilising domestic potential and continuously improving the framework conditions for a digital and sustainable transformation. The results of the workshops and panels will now be followed up in order to develop and implement concrete measures. Due to the high level of interest and productive contributions, a repeat of the event is planned in order to evaluate progress and new approaches in the coming year.

  • Zurich as an economic magnet

    Zurich as an economic magnet

    A study recently published by the cantonal Office of Economic Affairs (AWI) on Zurich’s attractiveness as a business location compared the canton with international business centres such as Munich and London. The “Location Day” provided a platform to discuss these results and develop further strategies. According to AWI Director Fabian Streiff, although Zurich is in a good position, it faces challenges in the cost environment and a shortage of skilled labour.

    An international comparison showed that Zurich performs better than Munich when it comes to recruiting skilled labour, although the shortage of skilled workers is also noticeable here. Discussions revealed that more efficient processing of work permits and better utilisation of domestic potential are necessary to maintain competitiveness.

    Another topic was support for start-ups. While some called for more government support, others warned of the consequences of too much regulation through state intervention.

    The digitalisation of the healthcare system and the use of artificial intelligence were identified as key areas for the future. A more efficient exchange of data and the implementation of digital processes could not only reduce the workload of medical staff, but also increase the attractiveness of the location for specialists from abroad.

    Technology, skilled labour, entrepreneurship, mobility and sustainability were the key topics discussed in workshops. The discussions showed that Zurich has great potential that needs to be exploited, particularly in the areas of sustainability and digitalisation.

    The “Location Day” ended with an appeal from Government Councillor Carmen Walker Späh to fully utilise the existing potential and set the right course for the future. The results of the day should serve as a basis for concrete measures to further strengthen Zurich as an attractive business location.