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Switzerland offers its residents an excellent quality of life and ranks among the top countries in which to live. It is home to many international organizations and is noted for its multi-cultural and plurilingual society and its politically and economically stable environment.
There are different types of residence categories in Switzerland, and a distinction is made between EU or European Free Trade Association (EFTA) citizens and non-EU or non-EFTA nationals. EU or EFTA nationals can obtain a residence permit without difficulty if they have an employment agreement with a Swiss employer, if they become self-employed in Switzerland, or, if no gainful occupation in Switzerland is intended, they can prove that they are financially independent with sufficient income or wealth to cover their living costs.
The process for obtaining residence for non-EU or non-EFTA nationals is more challenging but still possible. On the basis of current Swiss immigration and tax laws and regulations, Henley & Partners designed the Swiss Residence Program.
At Henley & Partners’ Swiss offices, we are best positioned to advise and assist you in all matters regarding doing business in Switzerland. Indeed, we have assisted many foreign clients — private entrepreneurs as well as multinational corporations — in establishing operations in Switzerland and provide legal, administrative, and support services on an ongoing basis.
Many of the world’s major companies have chosen Switzerland as the location for their global, European, or regional headquarters, their international finance companies, or research and development facilities. Some examples include Amgen (European headquarters) in Lucerne, Kuehne + Nagel (international holding) in Schwyz, Philip Morris (European headquarters) in Vaud, Compaq Computers (European headquarters) in Zurich, and the IBM research laboratory in Zurich.
Switzerland is keen to attract not only large corporations but also small- and medium-sized enterprises and private entrepreneurs. Switzerland is business-friendly by tradition and offers a solution for every need and expectation. Switzerland’s 26 cantons offer companies a wide range of opportunities. The advantages associated with Switzerland are complemented 26 times over by other advantages that are specific to each of these locations. Through its independent and well-established Swiss subsidiary, Henley & Partners assists foreign corporations and investors to find the ideal location for their business in Switzerland.
Switzerland is often perceived as a very expensive country and accessible only to wealthy individuals and large companies. However, the overall cost of living and doing business in Switzerland compares very favorably with Germany, France, the Netherlands, and the USA. State-of-the-art transport, communications, energy supplies, and waste disposal systems cost no more in Switzerland than the price paid elsewhere for traffic congestion and environmental degradation.
When establishing a new business or subsidiary in Switzerland, you may opt for a branch office or a separate legal entity in the form of either a limited liability company or a stock corporation.
Banking and insurance are the foundation of Switzerland’s financial system, which is arguably the most solid in the world. Swiss banks and insurance companies are extremely safe, as the entire Swiss financial industry is tightly regulated. Swiss banks and insurance companies are unique in that they provide sophisticated services to businesses as well as discerning investors by offering financial privacy, and through their solid reputation, safety, and worldwide presence.
