Switzerland’s geo-strategic position and a well-defined federal structure make the country a meeting point of cultures and languages. At the crossroads of the European technology axes and cultures, Switzerland is also equidistant between America and Asia.

Long-term, stable decision-making fundamentals, liberal legislation, protection of free competition and cooperative authorities encourage the establishment of headquarters and facilities for research and production activities.

Switzerland’s liberal economic system simplifies location decisions. Internationally recognized institutes consistently give the country top rankings for legal security, long-term stability, guaranteed protection of free competition and property ownership and minimal bureaucracy. These fundamental criteria position Switzerland as an advantageous European location for establishing a business. 

Switzerland’s signing of a treaty of association under Schengen/Dublin means that the Swiss borders no longer represent an external frontier as far as the EU is concerned. The Schengen agreements abolished controls of persons at the internal frontiers of the EU, thus permitting the free movement of persons between EU member states.

A common “Schengen visa” for visits of up to three months is valid throughout Europe. Swiss tourism will benefit from this: Tourists requiring visas travelling from growth markets such as China, India or Russia thus no longer require a second visa for Switzerland when travelling to Europe.

As Switzerland is not a member of the EU customs union, controls of goods will continue to be carried out as before.