Handbook for Investors. Business location in Switzerland.

Table of contents.
Advantages offered by Switzerland .................. 8
1 An overview of Switzerland.
1.1 Geography ..........................................................10
1.2 Climate ...............................................................11
1.3 Political system ..................................................11
1.3.1 Federal structure ................................................11
1.3.2 Separation of powers at the federal level ...........11
1.3.3 Direct democracy and the concordance system ...12
1.3.4 Political stability and social harmony .................12
1.4 Public finances ...................................................13
1.5 Neutrality ............................................................14
1.6 Population ..........................................................14
1.7 Cosmopolitan and international outlook ............14
1.7.1 Languages and cultural heritage ........................14
1.7.2 Direct investments and Swiss corporations
abroad ................................................................15
1.7.3 International organizations .................................16
1.8 Switzerland in figures .........................................17
2 Economic structure.
2.1 Gross domestic product and industry structure....18
2.2 International integration ......................................20
2.2.1 Goods and services trade ..................................20
2.2.2 Direct investments ..............................................21
2.3 Key industry clusters ..........................................22
2.3.1 Life sciences, chemicals and pharmaceuticals ..22
2.3.2 Medical technology ............................................22
2.3.3 Financial services ...............................................23
2.3.4 Machinery, electrical engineering and metals
industry ..............................................................23
2.3.5 Watch industry ...................................................24
2.3.6 Information technology.......................................24
2.3.7 Environmental technology ..................................25
2.3.8 Commodities trading ..........................................25
2.3.9 Headquarters functions ......................................26
3 Economic framework.
3.1 International exchange of goods and services ...28
3.1.1 Free trade agreements, WTO and elimination
of trade restrictions ............................................28
3.1.2 Customs and excise ...........................................28
3.1.3 Rules of origin ....................................................29
3.2 Protection of free competition ............................29
3.3 Protection of intellectual property ......................29
3.3.1 Patents ...............................................................31
3.3.2 Brands ................................................................31
3.3.3 Designs...............................................................32
3.3.4 Copyright ............................................................32
3.4 Product provisions and product liability ..............32
3.4.1 Foodstuffs ..........................................................33
3.4.2 Pharmaceutical products ...................................33
3.4.3 Medical devices..................................................34
3.5 Land use planning and environmental protection ..34
3.5.1 Building and zoning ............................................34
3.5.2 Environment .......................................................35
4 Switzerland and Europe.
4.1 Trade and direct investments .............................36
4.2 Political and economic cooperation ...................37
4.2.1 Free movement of persons ................................37
4.2.2 Schengen Agreement .........................................37
4.2.3 Elimination of technical barriers to trade ............37
4.2.4 Research ............................................................38
4.2.5 Rail, road and air transport .................................38
4.2.6 Public procurement ............................................38
4.2.7 Trade in agricultural products .............................38
4.2.8 Taxation of savings income ................................38
4.3 The euro .............................................................39
5 Establishing and managing a company.
5.1 Corporate structures ..........................................40
5.1.1 Stock corporation (AG).......................................41
5.1.2 Limited liability company (GmbH) ......................41
5.1.3 Branch office ......................................................44
5.1.4 Limited partnership for collective investments ...44
5.1.5 Sole proprietorship and general partnership ......44
5.1.6 Joint venture .......................................................45
5.1.7 Ordinary partnership ...........................................45
5.2 Accounting .........................................................45
5.3 Auditing ..............................................................45
5.4 Establishing a business ......................................46
5.4.1 Procedure ...........................................................46
5.4.2 Entry in the commercial register .........................47
5.4.3 Foundation costs ................................................47
6 Visas, residence and work permits.
6.1 Entering the country and visas ...........................48
6.1.1 Visa regulations ..................................................48
6.1.2 Visa regulations for certain countries .................49
6.1.3 Application procedure ........................................51
6.2 Residing in Switzerland ......................................51
6.2.1 Types of permits .................................................51
6.2.2 Reunification of families .....................................52
6.3 Residing in Switzerland without gainful
employment ........................................................52
Handbook for Investors 2010
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