Switzerland is a modern country with a strong identity,
made up of more than
two dozen different cantons each having its own
tradition and peculiarities. It is a country which for
centuries has been and still is held together by common
objectives and ideals rather than a common language,
culture or religion. It is made up of cantons which are
considered sovereign, i.e. autonomous, politically
independent entities within the framework of a federal
constitution. Each of the Swiss communes also enjoys
broad autonomy. Although many things are now harmonized
and treated more uniformly throughout the country, there
nevertheless remain many important domains which are
subject to differing regulations between the cantons and
even between communes. This applies particularly to
taxation, but also to other areas, so that in
Switzerland there are in many cases different answers to
a particular question.
Switzerland has attracted foreign business and
investment for decades. Likewise, it has been and
continues to be the preferred place of residence for
many international celebrities, wealthy individuals and
families, business entrepreneurs and retirees. It is
certainly one of the most attractive countries in the
world to invest, do business, and to live in. Its unique
traditions, outstanding political, social and economic
stability, combined with an excellent communications and
transport infrastructure, efficient public services,
comparatively low taxation, a beautiful, clean and safe
environment and a unique quality of life make it the
ultimate choice for business and residence.
Most
Swiss speak at least one foreign language. Pupils start
learning languages in elementary school, where English
is now increasingly being introduced into the
curriculum.
In
internationally operating businesses (and there are many
in this country), English is the universal language of
communication alongside the various national languages.
This is particularly so in
Zurich, Switzerland's economic and financial
capital, but also in
Geneva
and other cities you will hear many people communicating
in English, which some say has become the fifth national
language, or the lingua franca of modern Switzerland.
Thanks to the country’s openness, which includes its
attitude to immigrants, there is an enormous diversity
of languages actually spoken and in which it is possible
to communicate.
Besides the language diversity, Switzerland is also
well-known for its strong work ethic and the high
productivity of its workforce. Indeed, it has one of the
world’s highest productivity per worker. Individualized
agreements between employers and employees have
forged peaceful industrial relations that have held for
more than 60 years. There are virtually no strikes and
the unemployment rate is extremely low by international
standards.
A
survey by Arthur D. Little of 50 of the leading
international companies which relocated their
headquarters put Switzerland at the very top
internationally as a location for regional or global
headquarters. Compared to other European countries,
Switzerland is clearly the most attractive place for
headquarters location. The survey shows that Switzerland
is the most attractive place for global headquarters of
European companies. For American and Asian companies,
Switzerland is also a very attractive location for
regional (typically Europe, Middle East & Africa, and
even Asia) headquarters.
Switzerland scores best in corporate tax advantages,
qualified managers, quality of life and support and
efficiency of Government authorities. Very attractive
tax rulings are possible which allow optimization
of taxes on a local or even global scale for
multinationals. In particular, the country is the
preferred location for a principal structure, in which
the principal plays an active trading role, and it
offers the most interesting tax rates for administrative
companies. Government authorities are friendly and
helpful and efficiently support companies in every way.
In
Switzerland the government administration works
efficiently on all levels: whether one requires
something from the local communal office, or there are
questions about a tax return, or an enquiry is sent to
the federal government in Bern, one will find that in
Switzerland, the public administration is
well-organized, works efficiently and government
employees are friendly and show a “can-do” attitude.
This is very convenient and comfortable for everyone
living in this country, yet it is a crucial advantage
for businesses: administrative matters are efficiently
and speedily dealt with, key government officials – such
as tax commissioners for example – are easily
accessible, and issues of any kind are resolved in a
friendly and constructive atmosphere. There are very few
nations that can match the positive impact the Swiss
public administration has on the country’s business
environment.
Regardless of which survey or research results you take
(IMD, The Economist, Mercer Human Resources Consulting,
etc.), Switzerland ranks internationally among the top
in overall quality of life. In the
latest survey from Mercer, which is probably the
most comprehensive report in existence on the subject,
Swiss cities have for years been ranked at the very top
in the world for quality of life.
Why
open account in Switzerland?
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