Handbook for Investors. Business Location in Switzerland.
Handbook for Investors. Business Location in Switzerland.
Handbook for Investors. Business Location in Switzerland.
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<strong>Handbook</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Investors</strong>.<br />
<strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> <strong>Location</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong>.<br />
April 2012 Edition<br />
<strong>in</strong>vest-<strong>in</strong>-switzerland.com
Publication data<br />
Editor Osec, Communication and Market<strong>in</strong>g, Zurich<br />
Text Generis AG, Schaffhausen<br />
Text chapter 10 PricewaterhouseCoopers AG, Zurich<br />
Proofread<strong>in</strong>g WWT - Worldwide Translation Services, Weesen<br />
Translations WWT - Wordlwide Translation Services, Weesen<br />
Design effact AG, Zurich<br />
Pr<strong>in</strong>t Sonderegger Druck AG, We<strong>in</strong>felden<br />
Total pr<strong>in</strong>t run 24,000 copies<br />
Languages Ch<strong>in</strong>ese, English, French, German, Italian,<br />
Japanese, Portuguese, Russian
Welcome.<br />
Dear Reader<br />
In many respects <strong>Switzerland</strong> is a country with many attractive<br />
location advantages. This is shown, <strong>for</strong> example, <strong>in</strong> research and<br />
<strong>in</strong>novation, <strong>in</strong> the work<strong>in</strong>g conditions, <strong>in</strong>frastructure, the central<br />
location with<strong>in</strong> Europe, <strong>in</strong> the economic-political environment and<br />
the standard of liv<strong>in</strong>g. The fact that <strong>Switzerland</strong> is one of the most<br />
attractive bus<strong>in</strong>ess locations <strong>in</strong> the world is also proved by various<br />
rank<strong>in</strong>gs, which make clear statements about the competitiveness,<br />
<strong>in</strong>novation or the stability of a country.<br />
The latest issue of our handbook provides you, as an <strong>in</strong>vestor<br />
or consultant, with a good basis from which to choose the right<br />
company location and to be able to position yourself ideally <strong>in</strong> the<br />
global competitiveness. In this document you will f<strong>in</strong>d out what<br />
we mean with our core messages on location policy «Safety and<br />
trust», «Fast and easy», «Innovation and technology» and «Quality<br />
and life». <strong>Switzerland</strong> is not just a popular holiday dest<strong>in</strong>ation, but<br />
also rewards entrepreneurial <strong>in</strong>itiative and relocations from abroad.<br />
Furthermore, you will f<strong>in</strong>d the addresses of our representatives,<br />
who work around the world and will support you <strong>in</strong> your bus<strong>in</strong>ess<br />
ventures. They are your first po<strong>in</strong>t of contact and are also there<br />
<strong>for</strong> you personally at any time to offer fast, confidential and competent<br />
<strong>in</strong><strong>for</strong>mation and consultation. In addition the handbook<br />
shows you the addresses of the cantonal and regional bus<strong>in</strong>ess<br />
promotion agencies as well as many useful associations, organizations<br />
and service providers.<br />
As an entrepreneur you are just as welcome as a direct <strong>in</strong>vestor.<br />
In our country you will f<strong>in</strong>d politicians and authorities at all levels,<br />
from national to local, who feel obliged to company-friendly<br />
economic policies. Our national government works together with<br />
the cantonal authorities and the bus<strong>in</strong>ess promotion agencies to<br />
ensure that <strong>Switzerland</strong> rema<strong>in</strong>s an attractive company location<br />
and place to live.<br />
Dr. Eric Scheidegger Daniel Küng<br />
Ambassador CEO Osec<br />
Deputy Director, State<br />
Secretariat <strong>for</strong> Economic<br />
Affairs SECO<br />
Dr. Eric Scheidegger<br />
Ambassador<br />
Deputy Director, State<br />
Secretariat <strong>for</strong> Economic<br />
Affairs SECO<br />
Daniel Küng<br />
CEO Osec<br />
<strong>Handbook</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Investors</strong> 2012<br />
3
Table of contents.<br />
Advantages offered by <strong>Switzerland</strong>. ................. 7<br />
1. <strong>Switzerland</strong> – facts and figures.<br />
1.1 Geography ............................................................9<br />
1.2 Climate ...............................................................10<br />
1.3 Political system ..................................................10<br />
1.3.1 Federal structure ................................................10<br />
1.3.2 Separation of powers at federal level .................10<br />
1.3.3 Direct democracy and the concordance<br />
system ................................................................11<br />
1.3.4 Political stability and social harmony .................11<br />
1.4 Public f<strong>in</strong>ances ...................................................12<br />
1.5 Neutrality ............................................................13<br />
1.6 Population ..........................................................13<br />
1.7 Cosmopolitan and <strong>in</strong>ternational outlook. ...........13<br />
1.7.1 Languages and cultural heritage ........................13<br />
1.7.2 Direct <strong>in</strong>vestments and Swiss corporations<br />
abroad ................................................................14<br />
1.7.3 International organizations .................................15<br />
1.8 <strong>Switzerland</strong> <strong>in</strong> figures .........................................16<br />
2. Economic structure.<br />
2.1 Gross domestic product and <strong>in</strong>dustry<br />
structure .............................................................17<br />
2.2 International <strong>in</strong>tegration. .....................................19<br />
2.2.1 Goods and services trade ..................................19<br />
2.2.2 Direct <strong>in</strong>vestments ..............................................20<br />
2.3 Key <strong>in</strong>dustry clusters ..........................................21<br />
2.3.1 Chemicals, pharmaceuticals and<br />
biotechnology ....................................................21<br />
2.3.2 Medical technology ............................................21<br />
2.3.3 F<strong>in</strong>ancial services ...............................................22<br />
2.3.4 Mach<strong>in</strong>ery, electrical eng<strong>in</strong>eer<strong>in</strong>g and metals<br />
<strong>in</strong>dustry ..............................................................22<br />
2.3.5 Watch <strong>in</strong>dustry ...................................................23<br />
2.3.6 In<strong>for</strong>mation technology.......................................23<br />
2.3.7 Cleantech ...........................................................24<br />
2.3.8 Commodities trad<strong>in</strong>g ..........................................24<br />
2.3.9 Headquarters functions ......................................25<br />
3. Economic framework.<br />
3.1 International exchange of goods and services ...27<br />
3.1.1 Free trade agreements, WTO and elim<strong>in</strong>ation<br />
of trade restrictions ............................................27<br />
3.1.2 Customs and excise ...........................................27<br />
3.1.3 Rules of orig<strong>in</strong> ....................................................28<br />
3.2 Protection of free competition ............................28<br />
3.3 Protection of <strong>in</strong>tellectual property ......................28<br />
4 <strong>Handbook</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Investors</strong> 2012<br />
3.3.1 Patents ...............................................................30<br />
3.3.2 Brands ................................................................31<br />
3.3.3 Designs...............................................................32<br />
3.3.4 Copyright ............................................................32<br />
3.4 Product provisions and product liability ..............32<br />
3.4.1 Foodstuffs ..........................................................33<br />
3.4.2 Pharmaceutical products ...................................33<br />
3.4.3 Medical devices..................................................34<br />
3.5 Land use plann<strong>in</strong>g and environmental<br />
protection ...........................................................34<br />
3.5.1 Build<strong>in</strong>g and zon<strong>in</strong>g ............................................34<br />
3.5.2 Environment .......................................................35<br />
4. <strong>Switzerland</strong> and Europe.<br />
4.1 Trade and direct <strong>in</strong>vestments .............................36<br />
4.2 Political and economic cooperation ...................36<br />
4.2.1 Free movement of persons ................................37<br />
4.2.2 Schengen Agreement .........................................37<br />
4.2.3 Elim<strong>in</strong>ation of technical barriers to trade ............37<br />
4.2.4 Research ............................................................38<br />
4.2.5 Rail, road and air transport .................................38<br />
4.2.6 Public procurement ............................................38<br />
4.2.7 Trade <strong>in</strong> agricultural products .............................39<br />
4.2.8 Taxation of sav<strong>in</strong>gs <strong>in</strong>come ................................39<br />
4.3 The euro .............................................................39<br />
5. Establish<strong>in</strong>g and manag<strong>in</strong>g a company.<br />
5.1 Corporate structures ..........................................40<br />
5.1.1 Stock corporation (AG) .......................................41<br />
5.1.2 Limited liability company (GmbH) ......................41<br />
5.1.3 Branch office ......................................................44<br />
5.1.4 Limited partnership <strong>for</strong> collective <strong>in</strong>vestments ...44<br />
5.1.5 Sole proprietorship .............................................44<br />
5.1.6 General partnership ............................................44<br />
5.1.7 Jo<strong>in</strong>t venture .......................................................44<br />
5.1.8 Ord<strong>in</strong>ary partnership ...........................................44<br />
5.2 Account<strong>in</strong>g .........................................................44<br />
5.3 Audit<strong>in</strong>g ..............................................................45<br />
5.4 Establish<strong>in</strong>g a bus<strong>in</strong>ess ......................................45<br />
5.4.1 Procedure ...........................................................45<br />
5.4.2 Entry <strong>in</strong> the commercial register .........................47<br />
5.4.3 Foundation costs ................................................47<br />
6. Visas, residence and work permits.<br />
6.1 Enter<strong>in</strong>g the country and visas ...........................49<br />
6.1.1 Visa regulations ..................................................49<br />
6.1.2 Application procedure ........................................52<br />
6.2 Resid<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong> ......................................53<br />
6.2.1 Reunification of families .....................................54
6.3 Resid<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong> without ga<strong>in</strong>ful<br />
employment .......................................................54<br />
6.3.1. Stays of up to three months ...............................54<br />
6.3.2. Longer stays .......................................................54<br />
6.3.3 Special case: Students .......................................55<br />
6.4 Resid<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong> with ga<strong>in</strong>ful<br />
employment .......................................................55<br />
6.4.1 Recognition of professional qualification ...........56<br />
6.4.2 Residence and employment of EU/EFTA<br />
citizens ...............................................................57<br />
6.4.3 Residence and employment of non-EU/EFTA<br />
citizens ...............................................................58<br />
6.4.4 Tra<strong>in</strong>ees/<strong>in</strong>terns ..................................................58<br />
6.5 Naturalization .....................................................59<br />
7. Real estate.<br />
7.1 Look<strong>in</strong>g <strong>for</strong> the right property .............................60<br />
7.1.1 Residential and commercial properties ..............60<br />
7.1.2 Temporary accommodation and furnished<br />
apartments .........................................................61<br />
7.2 Commercial properties .......................................61<br />
7.2.1 Rental .................................................................61<br />
7.2.2 Purchase ............................................................62<br />
7.3 Residential properties .........................................63<br />
7.3.1 Rental .................................................................63<br />
7.3.2 Purchase ............................................................63<br />
7.4 Legal aspects: build<strong>in</strong>g permits .........................66<br />
7.5 Legal aspects: purchase of real estate<br />
by persons abroad .............................................66<br />
7.5.1 No permit required .............................................66<br />
7.5.2 Permit required ...................................................67<br />
7.5.3 Reasons <strong>for</strong> permit .............................................67<br />
7.5.4 Execution ............................................................67<br />
8. Labor market and labor laws.<br />
8.1 Employment and unemployment .......................68<br />
8.2 Labor costs ........................................................69<br />
8.2.1 Salaries ...............................................................69<br />
8.2.2 Non-wage labor costs ........................................70<br />
8.3 Labor contract and employee representation ...71<br />
8.3.1 Individual employment contracts .......................72<br />
8.3.2 Collective labor contracts...................................72<br />
8.3.3 Employee participation and employee<br />
representation ....................................................73<br />
8.4 Work<strong>in</strong>g hours and leisure time ..........................73<br />
8.4.1 Normal work<strong>in</strong>g hours, maximum work<strong>in</strong>g<br />
hours and work<strong>in</strong>g time models .........................73<br />
8.4.2 Overtime and excess hours ................................73<br />
8.4.3 Day work and even<strong>in</strong>g work ...............................74<br />
8.4.4 Night work, work<strong>in</strong>g on Sundays and public<br />
holidays ..............................................................74<br />
8.4.5 Holidays and public holidays .............................74<br />
8.5 Notice of term<strong>in</strong>ation and short-time work<strong>in</strong>g ....75<br />
8.5.1 Notice periods and protection aga<strong>in</strong>st<br />
dismissal ............................................................75<br />
8.5.2 Short-time work<strong>in</strong>g and mass redundancies ......76<br />
8.6 Social <strong>in</strong>surance .................................................76<br />
8.6.1 Old age and survivors’ <strong>in</strong>surance (OASI) ............78<br />
8.6.2 Disability <strong>in</strong>surance (DI) ......................................78<br />
8.6.3 Accident <strong>in</strong>surance (AI) .......................................78<br />
8.6.4 Health <strong>in</strong>surance and daily sickness benefits ....78<br />
8.6.5 Compensation <strong>for</strong> loss of <strong>in</strong>come and<br />
maternity benefits ................................................ 79<br />
8.6.6 Unemployment <strong>in</strong>surance (UI) ............................79<br />
8.6.7 Occupational pension scheme ...........................79<br />
8.6.8 Family allowances ..............................................80<br />
8.7 Recruitment ........................................................80<br />
8.7.1 Public employment service ................................80<br />
8.7.2 Employment agencies ........................................80<br />
8.7.3 Head-hunters .....................................................81<br />
8.7.4 Staff<strong>in</strong>g / Temporary employment agencies .......81<br />
9. F<strong>in</strong>ancial center and capital market.<br />
9.1 Banks .................................................................82<br />
9.1.1 Structure and general conditions .......................82<br />
9.1.2 Supervision .........................................................83<br />
9.1.3 Services ..............................................................83<br />
9.1.4 Protection of deposits ........................................84<br />
9.1.5 Taxation of sav<strong>in</strong>gs <strong>in</strong>come ................................84<br />
9.2 Swiss stock market: SIX Swiss Exchange .........84<br />
9.3 <strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> lend<strong>in</strong>g and real estate f<strong>in</strong>anc<strong>in</strong>g ........85<br />
9.3.1 F<strong>in</strong>anc<strong>in</strong>g of current bus<strong>in</strong>ess activity ................85<br />
9.3.2 Mortgages ..........................................................85<br />
9.4 Risk capital .........................................................87<br />
9.4.1 Venture capital ....................................................87<br />
9.4.2 <strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> angels .................................................88<br />
9.4.3 State support ......................................................88<br />
9.5 Capital costs and <strong>in</strong>terest. ..................................89<br />
9.6 Inflation ...............................................................90<br />
10. Overview of the Swiss tax system.<br />
10.1 Taxation of corporate taxpayers .........................91<br />
10.1.1 Corporate <strong>in</strong>come tax – federal level ..................91<br />
10.1.2 Corporate <strong>in</strong>come tax – cantonal and<br />
communal level ..................................................92<br />
10.1.3 Capital tax ..........................................................93<br />
10.1.4 Tax <strong>in</strong>centives .....................................................93<br />
10.2 Tax charge rate <strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong>ternational comparison .......94<br />
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5
10.3 Taxation of <strong>in</strong>dividual taxpayers ..........................95<br />
10.3.1 Personal <strong>in</strong>come tax ...........................................95<br />
10.3.2 Wealth tax ...........................................................96<br />
10.3.3 Expatriates .........................................................96<br />
10.3.4 Cross-border commuters ...................................96<br />
10.3.5 Lump-sum taxation ............................................97<br />
10.3.6 Inheritance and gift tax .......................................97<br />
10.4 Withhold<strong>in</strong>g tax ..................................................98<br />
10.4.1 Domestic rates ...................................................98<br />
10.4.2 Treaty rates .........................................................98<br />
10.4.3 Bilateral agreements with the EU .......................98<br />
10.5 Value added tax ..................................................99<br />
10.5.1 Taxable persons .................................................99<br />
10.5.2 Taxable supplies .................................................99<br />
10.5.3 Taxable amount ................................................100<br />
10.5.4 Tax rates ...........................................................100<br />
10.5.5 Exemptions.......................................................100<br />
10.5.6 Deduction of <strong>in</strong>put taxes ..................................100<br />
10.5.7 Exports .............................................................100<br />
10.5.8 International bus<strong>in</strong>ess activity ..........................101<br />
10.5.9 Non-resident enterprises ..................................101<br />
10.6 Other taxes .......................................................102<br />
10.6.1 Stamp taxes .....................................................102<br />
10.6.2 Real estate taxes ..............................................102<br />
10.7 Double taxation treaty network ........................103<br />
10.8 Transfer pric<strong>in</strong>g rules ........................................103<br />
11. Infrastructure.<br />
11.1 Transport ..........................................................104<br />
11.1.1 Road network ...................................................104<br />
11.1.2 Rail ...................................................................105<br />
11.1.3 Air .....................................................................106<br />
11.2 Energy ..............................................................108<br />
11.3 Water ................................................................109<br />
11.3.1 Dr<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g water ..................................................109<br />
11.3.2 Waste water disposal and water pollution<br />
control ..............................................................109<br />
11.4 Communication ................................................109<br />
11.5 Postal services .................................................110<br />
11.6 Healthcare ........................................................111<br />
11.6.1 Medical care .....................................................111<br />
11.6.2 Health <strong>in</strong>surance...............................................112<br />
12. Education and research.<br />
12.1 School<strong>in</strong>g and vocational tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g ....................113<br />
12.1.1 Basic and further education .............................115<br />
12.1.2 Vocational tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g ............................................116<br />
12.2 Further education .............................................116<br />
12.3 Universities and colleges ..................................117<br />
6 <strong>Handbook</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Investors</strong> 2012<br />
12.3.1 Universities and technical colleges ..................117<br />
12.3.2 Universities of applied sciences .......................118<br />
12.3.3 Executive MBA program (EMBA) ......................119<br />
12.4 International private schools and board<strong>in</strong>g<br />
schools .............................................................119<br />
12.5 Research and development..............................120<br />
12.5.1 Swiss research <strong>in</strong>dustry ...................................120<br />
12.5.2 International research and development<br />
cooperation ......................................................122<br />
13. Liv<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong>.<br />
13.1 Safety and quality of life ...................................123<br />
13.2 Relocation and <strong>in</strong>tegration ...............................124<br />
13.2.1 Relocation ........................................................124<br />
13.2.2 Language courses ............................................125<br />
13.3 Rent<strong>in</strong>g an appartment .....................................125<br />
13.3.1 Security deposit and lease agreement .............125<br />
13.3.2 House rules and ma<strong>in</strong>tenance ..........................125<br />
13.4 Telephone, Internet and TV ..............................126<br />
13.5 Insurance ..........................................................126<br />
13.6 Public transport ................................................127<br />
13.7 Leisure activities ...............................................127<br />
13.7.1 Leisure and cultural activities ...........................127<br />
13.7.2 Clubs and volunteer work ................................128<br />
13.8 Income and cost of liv<strong>in</strong>g .................................128<br />
14. Promot<strong>in</strong>g <strong>Switzerland</strong>.<br />
14.1 Responsibilities ................................................131<br />
14.2 Promotional policy and tools ............................131<br />
14.3 <strong>Switzerland</strong> Trade & Investment Promotion<br />
services ............................................................131<br />
14.4 Cantonal promotion ..........................................132<br />
14.5 Tax relief as part of regional policy ...................132<br />
14.6 Other organizations provid<strong>in</strong>g assistance ........133<br />
14.6.1 Commission <strong>for</strong> Technology and<br />
Innovation CTI ..................................................133<br />
14.6.2 Technology parks and bus<strong>in</strong>ess <strong>in</strong>cubation<br />
centers .............................................................134<br />
15. Appendix.<br />
15.1 Addresses ........................................................137<br />
15.2 Table of figures .................................................140<br />
Countries of Europe. .................................... 141<br />
Swiss map. .................................................. 142<br />
Language regions. ....................................... 143
Advantages offered by <strong>Switzerland</strong>.<br />
1. Competitive political and<br />
economic environment.<br />
• Easy system <strong>for</strong> establish<strong>in</strong>g a company, practice-based<br />
corporate law<br />
• Efficient official procedures and favorable regulatory environment<br />
• Comprehensive protection of <strong>in</strong>tellectual property<br />
• No anti-dump<strong>in</strong>g law<br />
2. Ideal strategic location.<br />
• Three of the four largest European markets and economies are<br />
neighbor<strong>in</strong>g countries of <strong>Switzerland</strong><br />
• Communications and transportation center between northern<br />
and southern Europe<br />
3. High degree of <strong>in</strong>ternational<br />
<strong>in</strong>tegration, solid relationship between<br />
<strong>Switzerland</strong> and Europe.<br />
• Strong bus<strong>in</strong>ess orientation towards exports; high level of<br />
direct <strong>in</strong>vestments abroad<br />
• European Union is <strong>Switzerland</strong>’s most important trad<strong>in</strong>g partner,<br />
relationships protected by broad-based, democratically legitimized<br />
bilateral agreements<br />
• English as language of communication along with four national<br />
languages<br />
4. First-class <strong>in</strong>frastructure, high<br />
quality of life.<br />
• Extensive network of road, rail and air connections<br />
• Reliable supply of energy, water and communications services<br />
• First-class healthcare system<br />
• Safe cities, undamaged environment<br />
5. World-lead<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>dustry clusters.<br />
• Lead<strong>in</strong>g neutral location <strong>for</strong> headquarters of European<br />
organizations<br />
• Globally unique concentration of companies specializ<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong><br />
pharmaceuticals and life sciences<br />
• Important f<strong>in</strong>ancial center<br />
• Market leader <strong>in</strong> the luxury watch <strong>in</strong>dustry<br />
• Globally important location <strong>for</strong> commodities trad<strong>in</strong>g despite<br />
scarcity of raw materials<br />
6. Flexible labor market, high<br />
productivity.<br />
• Liberal labor law, employer-friendly regulations<br />
• Low unemployment, high labor <strong>for</strong>ce participation rate<br />
• Motivated, loyal and well educated work<strong>for</strong>ce with good <strong>for</strong>eign<br />
language skills and above-average <strong>in</strong>ternational experience<br />
7. Moderate tax burden.<br />
• Tax rates which are able to compete with the rest of Europe<br />
• Low duties, levies and other charges<br />
• Attractive tax plann<strong>in</strong>g options<br />
8. Efficient capital market,<br />
favorable conditions.<br />
• Wide range of bank<strong>in</strong>g and <strong>in</strong>surance products<br />
• Favorable <strong>in</strong>terest terms<br />
• High degree of price stability and low <strong>in</strong>flation over the long term<br />
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7
9. Excellent educational <strong>in</strong>stitutions,<br />
lead<strong>in</strong>g center of <strong>in</strong>novation.<br />
• Practice-oriented basic education and tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g, universities and<br />
technical colleges that conduct world-renowned research, <strong>in</strong>ternationally<br />
prestigious private schools and board<strong>in</strong>g schools<br />
• Integration of research and bus<strong>in</strong>ess practice, participation <strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>in</strong>ternational research exchange<br />
• Support <strong>for</strong> putt<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>novation <strong>in</strong>to practice<br />
Fig. 1: <strong>Switzerland</strong>’s <strong>in</strong>ternational rank<strong>in</strong>gs<br />
Sources:<br />
1) IMD World Competitiveness Onl<strong>in</strong>e, 2011<br />
2) The Global Competitiveness Report 2011 – 2012<br />
3) The Global Innovation Index 2011<br />
4) Euromoney 2011<br />
5) UBS, Prices and Earn<strong>in</strong>gs: A Comparison of Purchas<strong>in</strong>g Power Around the Globe, August 2010<br />
8 <strong>Handbook</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Investors</strong> 2012<br />
1<br />
• Competitiveness2) • Global <strong>in</strong>novation <strong>in</strong>dex3) • Capital costs1) • Quality of <strong>in</strong>frastructure2) • International experience of<br />
employees1) • Attractiveness <strong>for</strong> highly-qualified<br />
personnel from other countries1) • Good relations between<br />
employers and employees2) • Expenses <strong>for</strong> R&D1) • Nobel prizes per million<br />
<strong>in</strong>habitants 1)<br />
• Purchas<strong>in</strong>g power 5)<br />
10. Professional support dur<strong>in</strong>g the<br />
location process.<br />
• Competent advisory services<br />
• Support <strong>in</strong> establish<strong>in</strong>g contacts and f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>g bus<strong>in</strong>ess properties<br />
• Tax relief and potential sources of f<strong>in</strong>ancial assistance<br />
2<br />
• Political stability1) • Deregulation of the labour<br />
market1) • Employee motivation1) • Health <strong>in</strong>frastructure1) • Quality of the education<br />
system1) 3<br />
• Credit rat<strong>in</strong>g4) • Flexibility <strong>in</strong> hir<strong>in</strong>g and<br />
releas<strong>in</strong>g staff2)
1. <strong>Switzerland</strong> – facts and figures.<br />
Nestled between the Alps and the Jura mounta<strong>in</strong>s, <strong>Switzerland</strong><br />
is a communications and transport center between<br />
northern and southern Europe where European cultures and<br />
languages meet. No other country offers such great variety <strong>in</strong><br />
so small an area. The Swiss economy’s high degree of development<br />
exists thanks to its liberal economic system, its political<br />
stability and its close <strong>in</strong>tegration with the economies of<br />
other countries. The state creates the necessary framework<br />
and only <strong>in</strong>tervenes when this serves the <strong>in</strong>terests of society<br />
at large. Its high quality education system and outstand<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>in</strong>frastructure <strong>for</strong>m the basis <strong>for</strong> the competitiveness of the<br />
Swiss economy.<br />
1.1 Geography.<br />
The total area of <strong>Switzerland</strong> is 41,285 km2 . Characterized by<br />
mounta<strong>in</strong> and hill ranges, rivers and lakes, <strong>Switzerland</strong> offers a<br />
wide variety of landscapes <strong>in</strong> a small area – 220 km from North to<br />
South, and 348 km from West to East. The Swiss Alps, the hilly<br />
Mittelland region, which stretches from Lake Constance to Lake<br />
Geneva, and the Swiss Jura, a long range of fold mounta<strong>in</strong>s, <strong>for</strong>m<br />
the three ma<strong>in</strong> geographical areas of the country. Due to its central<br />
location, <strong>Switzerland</strong> is a place where different cultures <strong>in</strong>tersect<br />
and, at the same time, a communications and transportation hub<br />
between northern and southern Europe.<br />
Six percent of Europe’s fresh water supply is stored <strong>in</strong> the Swiss<br />
Alps, which is why <strong>Switzerland</strong> is also known as the «reservoir of<br />
Europe». <strong>Switzerland</strong> has numerous rivers and over 1,500 lakes,<br />
the two largest of which are shared with its neighbors: <strong>for</strong> example<br />
Lake Geneva (Lac Leman) <strong>in</strong> the South-West with France, while<br />
Lake Constance <strong>in</strong> the North-East is shared with Germany and<br />
Austria.<br />
An overview of <strong>Switzerland</strong><br />
www.swissworld.org<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian, Spanish, Russian,<br />
Ch<strong>in</strong>ese, Japanese<br />
Fig. 2: Map show<strong>in</strong>g the location of <strong>Switzerland</strong><br />
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9
1.2 Climate.<br />
<strong>Switzerland</strong>’s climate is strongly affected by the nearby Atlantic<br />
Ocean. The prevail<strong>in</strong>g w<strong>in</strong>ds from the West br<strong>in</strong>g damp, mild sea<br />
air over to <strong>Switzerland</strong>. Cool<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the summer and warm<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong><br />
the w<strong>in</strong>ter, they also br<strong>in</strong>g sufficient precipitation all year round<br />
<strong>in</strong> most areas. The Alps act as a clear climatic divider between<br />
northern and southern <strong>Switzerland</strong>; as its weather comes primarily<br />
from the direction of the Mediterranean, the South enjoys<br />
much milder w<strong>in</strong>ters than the North. Temperatures <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong><br />
depend primarily on height above sea level. In the northern<br />
lowlands, the average temperature <strong>in</strong> January is around 1 °C, and<br />
<strong>in</strong> July around 17 °C, whereas on the southern plateau the correspond<strong>in</strong>g<br />
average temperatures are 2 °C – 3 °C higher.<br />
The weather and climate <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong><br />
www.meteoschweiz.ch<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian<br />
1.3 Political system.<br />
1.3.1 Federal structure<br />
<strong>Switzerland</strong> is a nation created by its own will and <strong>for</strong>med from<br />
several ethnic groups with different languages and religions.<br />
The modern Swiss state was founded <strong>in</strong> 1848. Be<strong>for</strong>e this time,<br />
<strong>Switzerland</strong> consisted of a loose association of <strong>in</strong>dependent cantons.<br />
The abbreviation CH <strong>for</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong>, as found <strong>in</strong> Internet<br />
addresses, <strong>for</strong> example, dates back to the official Lat<strong>in</strong> name<br />
«Confoederatio Helvetica».<br />
The state has a federal structure and is divided <strong>in</strong>to three political<br />
levels: municipal, cantonal and federal. The federal government<br />
is responsible <strong>for</strong> everyth<strong>in</strong>g assigned to it under the constitution,<br />
such as <strong>for</strong>eign and security policy, customs and excise,<br />
the monetary system, national legislation and defense. By global<br />
comparison, the 26 cantons have a high degree of control.<br />
Healthcare, education and culture are among the political areas<br />
<strong>in</strong> which they have a great deal of <strong>in</strong>fluence. As small and flexible<br />
political entities, the cantons also compete with each other <strong>in</strong><br />
various areas.<br />
10 <strong>Handbook</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Investors</strong> 2012<br />
The proximity of politics to the bus<strong>in</strong>ess community and citizens<br />
is achieved through the federal structure, <strong>in</strong> which many public<br />
functions are executed at cantonal or municipal level. These <strong>in</strong><br />
turn have a certa<strong>in</strong> amount of autonomy and can thus implement<br />
solutions which are designed to meet local requirements.<br />
1.3.2 Separation of powers at federal level<br />
Onl<strong>in</strong>e <strong>in</strong><strong>for</strong>mation of the federation, cantons and municipalities<br />
www.ch.ch<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian<br />
In accordance with the federal constitution, the Swiss people<br />
are the «sovereigns» of the country – <strong>in</strong> other words, the highest<br />
political body, responsible <strong>for</strong> elect<strong>in</strong>g parliament. Every citizen<br />
with vot<strong>in</strong>g rights also has the right to participate <strong>in</strong> the shap<strong>in</strong>g<br />
of the constitution and the legal system by means of referendum<br />
or <strong>in</strong>itiative.<br />
The Federal Assembly or parliament consists of two chambers:<br />
the National Council, represent<strong>in</strong>g the people with 200 members,<br />
and the Council of States, represent<strong>in</strong>g the 26 cantons with a<br />
total of 46 members. The National Council is elected directly by<br />
the people every four years; each canton <strong>for</strong>ms one constituency.<br />
Cantonal representation is based on population, although each<br />
canton is entitled to at least one representative.<br />
The federal government is known as the Federal Council, and it<br />
operates as a collegial body. Each of its seven members, who<br />
are elected by the Federal Assembly compris<strong>in</strong>g the members of<br />
both chambers, heads one of the seven departments (m<strong>in</strong>istries).<br />
The presidency of the government rotates between the Federal<br />
Councilors on an annual basis.<br />
The highest jurisdiction <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong> is en<strong>for</strong>ced by the Federal<br />
Supreme Court <strong>in</strong> Lausanne, the Federal Insurance Court <strong>in</strong> Lucerne,<br />
the Federal Crim<strong>in</strong>al Court <strong>in</strong> Bell<strong>in</strong>zona and the Federal Adm<strong>in</strong>istrative<br />
Court <strong>in</strong> Berne (from the middle of 2012 <strong>in</strong> St. Gallen).
Fig. 3: The political system <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong><br />
Legend<br />
Instruments<br />
Elections<br />
Higher Courts<br />
Federal Court, Crim<strong>in</strong>al Court and<br />
Adm<strong>in</strong>istration Court<br />
Source: Swissworld.org/Präsenz Schweiz<br />
1.3.3 Direct democracy and the concordance system<br />
There is hardly any other country where the electorate has such<br />
wide-rang<strong>in</strong>g rights as it does <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong>. Citizens can request<br />
that a change or addition be made to the constitution by means of<br />
an <strong>in</strong>itiative, or they may decide on parliamentary resolutions after<br />
the event by means of a referendum. <strong>Switzerland</strong>’s long tradition<br />
of democracy, its relatively small size and population, high levels<br />
of literacy and a wide variety of media are all factors which are key<br />
to the function<strong>in</strong>g of this special <strong>for</strong>m of government. As a rule, the<br />
electorate is called upon to vote on federal bills four times a year.<br />
A unique feature of Swiss politics is the concordance system. For<br />
decades, the most important political parties have put <strong>for</strong>ward the<br />
seven Federal Councillors <strong>in</strong> a <strong>for</strong>m of coalition. Equally, not only<br />
those who w<strong>in</strong> the elections have a seat <strong>in</strong> parliament; all parties<br />
are represented proportionally by number of votes. Resolutions are<br />
reached with vary<strong>in</strong>g majorities, depend<strong>in</strong>g on respective <strong>in</strong>terests.<br />
Thus, as many groups as possible have the opportunity to express<br />
their op<strong>in</strong>ions on a topic and contribute to achiev<strong>in</strong>g a broadbased<br />
compromise. This striv<strong>in</strong>g <strong>for</strong> consensus on the basis of the<br />
pr<strong>in</strong>ciples of collegiality and concordance contributes significantly<br />
to <strong>Switzerland</strong>’s political stability.<br />
Voters<br />
Swiss citizens from the age of 18<br />
Parliament<br />
National Council (200 Members) and<br />
Council of States (46 Members)<br />
Federal Council<br />
(Government)<br />
7 Members<br />
1.3.4 Political stability and social harmony<br />
Studies on personal security and prosperity, social coherence and<br />
political stability have shown that <strong>Switzerland</strong> regularly leads all<br />
<strong>in</strong>ternational comparisons <strong>in</strong> this regard. The Swiss attach great<br />
importance to their <strong>in</strong>dependence.<br />
Despite the close proximity of different cultures and language<br />
groups, domestic stability is considerable. There is a high degree<br />
of tolerance and personal freedom. The relationship between<br />
employers and employees, or their representatives is generally cooperative.<br />
Both sides are committed to resolv<strong>in</strong>g issues by means<br />
of negotiations. Thanks to this social harmony, the general level of<br />
prosperity <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong> has been ris<strong>in</strong>g <strong>for</strong> decades.<br />
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11
Fig. 4: Political stability, 2011<br />
Political orientation stable = 10, unstable = 0<br />
1 Norway 9.49<br />
2 <strong>Switzerland</strong> 9.49<br />
3 Chile 9.48<br />
4 New Zealand 9.41<br />
5 F<strong>in</strong>land 9.18<br />
6 Germany 9.11<br />
10 Denmark 8.94<br />
11 Luxemburg 8.92<br />
14 S<strong>in</strong>gapore 8.50<br />
15 USA 8.47<br />
16 Netherlands 8.33<br />
17 Great Brita<strong>in</strong> 8.25<br />
18 Brazil 8.17<br />
19 France 8.09<br />
20 Hong Kong SAR 7.57<br />
22 Ch<strong>in</strong>a 7.15<br />
29 India 6.71<br />
35 Ireland 6.33<br />
48 Russia 4.90<br />
51 Italy 4.58<br />
54 Belgium 4.03<br />
55 Japan 3.89<br />
Source: IMD World Competitiveness Onl<strong>in</strong>e 2011<br />
Swiss Federal Authorities<br />
www.adm<strong>in</strong>.ch<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian<br />
12 <strong>Handbook</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Investors</strong> 2012<br />
1.4 Public f<strong>in</strong>ances.<br />
<strong>Switzerland</strong> lives up to its reputation as a stable country. The<br />
rate of <strong>in</strong>flation lies well below that <strong>in</strong> the EU states and the most<br />
important <strong>in</strong>dustrialized nations. This is also true <strong>for</strong> unemployment,<br />
with the unemployment rate regularly below four percent.<br />
Interest rates <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong> are also traditionally low, while the<br />
sav<strong>in</strong>gs rate is high (national sav<strong>in</strong>g as a percentage of GDP <strong>in</strong><br />
2009: 30.8 %).<br />
The public spend<strong>in</strong>g ratio measures expenditure by public adm<strong>in</strong>istrations<br />
as a percentage of the gross domestic product (GDP). It<br />
<strong>in</strong>cludes spend<strong>in</strong>g by public authorities and the mandatory social<br />
<strong>in</strong>surances. In <strong>Switzerland</strong>, this ratio is at 34.6 % (2009). Most<br />
European countries have a ratio of well above 50 %.<br />
The country is <strong>in</strong> a healthy f<strong>in</strong>ancial situation. This applies to the<br />
f<strong>in</strong>ancial budget of the central state, the federal government as<br />
well as the cantons and local authorities. The surplus ratio <strong>in</strong><br />
2010 was 0.5 % at state level.<br />
National debt is also below that of most countries <strong>in</strong> Europe. Total<br />
public sector debt amounts to 39 % of GDP (2010). Compared to<br />
the average national debt ratio of EU countries (78.9 %), <strong>Switzerland</strong>’s<br />
ratio is relatively low. Most European countries have<br />
much higher levels (2009: Italy 115.9 %, France 77.7 %, Germany<br />
73.2 %).<br />
Swiss Federal F<strong>in</strong>ance Adm<strong>in</strong>istration<br />
www.efv.adm<strong>in</strong>.ch<br />
Languages: German, French, Italian
1.5 Neutrality.<br />
In terms of <strong>for</strong>eign policy, <strong>Switzerland</strong> acts <strong>in</strong> accordance with the<br />
pr<strong>in</strong>ciple of neutrality. However, this does not <strong>in</strong> any way mean<br />
that it is an outsider on the world stage: <strong>Switzerland</strong> has been a<br />
member of the UN s<strong>in</strong>ce 2002 and also plays an important role <strong>in</strong><br />
the UN’s specialized organizations. Furthermore, <strong>Switzerland</strong> has<br />
always played and still plays an active part <strong>in</strong> important economic<br />
organizations, such as the European Free Trade Association<br />
(EFTA).<br />
For more than 500 years, Swiss politics have been dom<strong>in</strong>ated<br />
by the words of St Nicholas of Flüe (1417 – 1487): «Don’t get<br />
<strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong> other people’s affairs.» <strong>Switzerland</strong> has been neutral<br />
s<strong>in</strong>ce 1515, which was also acknowledged by the great European<br />
powers after the Napoleonic Wars <strong>in</strong> 1815. No other country <strong>in</strong><br />
Europe can look back on such a long tradition of neutrality. S<strong>in</strong>ce<br />
the end of the Cold War, <strong>Switzerland</strong> has relaxed its def<strong>in</strong>ition of<br />
neutrality. As the role of NATO changed and it started to per<strong>for</strong>m<br />
more peacekeep<strong>in</strong>g missions, <strong>Switzerland</strong> signed up to the NATO<br />
Partnership <strong>for</strong> Peace <strong>in</strong> 1996. Thanks to its neutrality, <strong>Switzerland</strong><br />
often acts as a mediator. In some cases, Swiss diplomats<br />
also represent the <strong>in</strong>terests of countries which have no official<br />
contact with each other. <strong>Switzerland</strong> offers its neutral territory<br />
as a location <strong>for</strong> meet<strong>in</strong>gs and conferences of particular political<br />
delicacy.<br />
Federal Department of Foreign Affairs<br />
www.eda.adm<strong>in</strong>.ch<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian<br />
1.6 Population.<br />
The permanent resident population of <strong>Switzerland</strong> is around<br />
8 million. The proportion of those aged between 20 and 39 is<br />
26.6 %, with 16.8 % aged 65 and over, and 21.0 % aged under<br />
20. Life expectancy is one of the highest <strong>in</strong> the world: 79.4 years<br />
<strong>for</strong> men and 84.4 years <strong>for</strong> women. Residential areas rema<strong>in</strong> relatively<br />
decentralized and there<strong>for</strong>e not overly crowded: more than<br />
two-thirds of the population lives <strong>in</strong> the five largest cities (Zurich,<br />
Geneva, Basel, Berne, Lausanne) and their greater metropolitan<br />
areas.<br />
There are four official national languages: German (64 %), French<br />
(20 %), Italian (7 %) and Romansh (1 %). In northern, eastern and<br />
central <strong>Switzerland</strong>, the prevail<strong>in</strong>g language is German, whereby<br />
the (Swiss) dialect is used <strong>in</strong> everyday conversation. French is<br />
spoken <strong>in</strong> Romandie, <strong>in</strong> the western part of the country, as well<br />
as some parts of the Mittelland; Italian is spoken <strong>in</strong> the South<br />
(Tic<strong>in</strong>o), and Romansh <strong>in</strong> certa<strong>in</strong> parts of the canton of Grisons.<br />
22 % of the population is of <strong>for</strong>eign nationality. Although <strong>in</strong> the<br />
past migration to <strong>Switzerland</strong> primarily occurred to preserve<br />
those who were less socially able, s<strong>in</strong>ce the <strong>in</strong>troduction of agreements<br />
with the EU/EFTA enabl<strong>in</strong>g the free movement of persons,<br />
the country has <strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>gly been attract<strong>in</strong>g <strong>for</strong>eign nationals<br />
from higher social classes, particularly highly-qualified staff from<br />
Germany.<br />
Swiss Federal Statistical Office<br />
www.statistik.adm<strong>in</strong>.ch > Topics > Population<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian<br />
1.7 Cosmopolitan and <strong>in</strong>ternational<br />
outlook.<br />
1.7.1 Languages and cultural heritage<br />
Most Swiss nationals speak at least one <strong>for</strong>eign language, which<br />
they learn <strong>in</strong> elementary school. English is also <strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>gly<br />
<strong>in</strong>cluded <strong>in</strong> the curriculum at an early stage. Due to the country’s<br />
openness – <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> terms of immigration – the range of<br />
languages actually spoken and used <strong>for</strong> communication is wide. In<br />
<strong>in</strong>ternational bus<strong>in</strong>ess, English is very much <strong>in</strong> evidence alongside<br />
the respective national languages, and is used by many managers.<br />
The co-existence of various language groups and different religions,<br />
and the large proportion of <strong>for</strong>eign residents result <strong>in</strong> a high<br />
degree of openness and tolerance. This makes it easier <strong>for</strong> <strong>for</strong>eign<br />
companies to conduct bus<strong>in</strong>ess from <strong>Switzerland</strong>.<br />
Although Europe is <strong>Switzerland</strong>’s most important bus<strong>in</strong>ess partner,<br />
it also has very close relationships with other markets, particularly<br />
the US and Asia. The f<strong>in</strong>ancial centers of Zurich and Geneva <strong>in</strong><br />
particular are melt<strong>in</strong>g pots of diverse cultures. In terms of culture,<br />
too, <strong>Switzerland</strong> has a tradition of tolerance and openness. Its neu-<br />
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13
trality means it has access to all countries, and it also welcomes<br />
reciprocal contact. This diversity has made it easy <strong>for</strong> both global<br />
companies and numerous <strong>in</strong>ternational organizations to settle <strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>Switzerland</strong>.<br />
Fig. 5: The most cosmopolitan economies<br />
Source: KOF ETH Zurich: The Globalization Index 2010<br />
14 <strong>Handbook</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Investors</strong> 2012<br />
Overall rank<strong>in</strong>g<br />
1.7.2 Direct <strong>in</strong>vestments and Swiss corporations abroad<br />
<strong>Switzerland</strong>’s exposure to global markets is among the strongest<br />
of any country. In 2009, direct <strong>in</strong>vestments abroad totalled<br />
CHF 866 billion, or 164 % of GDP. In comparison, <strong>in</strong> the Netherlands,<br />
direct <strong>in</strong>vestments abroad <strong>in</strong> the same year amounted to<br />
107 % and <strong>in</strong> Ireland 85 %. Swiss companies with direct <strong>in</strong>vestments<br />
abroad employ around 4.2 million staff <strong>in</strong> their <strong>for</strong>eign<br />
subsidiaries and operat<strong>in</strong>g units, and they are also important<br />
employers <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong>.<br />
Economic <strong>in</strong>tegration<br />
of the economy<br />
Individual rank<strong>in</strong>gs<br />
Degree of <strong>in</strong><strong>for</strong>mation/access<br />
to<br />
<strong>in</strong><strong>for</strong>mation<br />
Degree of <strong>in</strong>ternational<br />
political<br />
cooperation<br />
Belgium 1 6 4 3<br />
Austria 2 n.a. 2 4<br />
Netherlands 3 4 5 7<br />
<strong>Switzerland</strong> 4 22 1 8<br />
Sweden 5 n.a. n.a 5<br />
Denmark 6 12 6 13<br />
Ireland 11 2 23 30<br />
France 13 34 10 1<br />
Luxemburg 14 3 18 54<br />
S<strong>in</strong>gapore 17 n.a. 21 77<br />
Germany 18 41 8 12<br />
Italy 22 24 2<br />
Great Brita<strong>in</strong> 24 32 7 85<br />
USA 27 57 25 14<br />
Russia 42 92 39 42<br />
Japan 45 102 46 29<br />
Ch<strong>in</strong>a 63 97 82 38<br />
Brazil 75 91 124 19<br />
India 111 122 247 20
1.7.3 International organizations<br />
Because of its political <strong>in</strong>dependence and conscious commitment,<br />
even <strong>for</strong> <strong>in</strong>ternational understand<strong>in</strong>g, <strong>Switzerland</strong> serves<br />
Fig. 6: International organizations and important NGOs with their headquarters <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong><br />
Source: Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), own research<br />
as a plat<strong>for</strong>m <strong>for</strong> many organizations, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g the UN with its<br />
headquarters <strong>in</strong> Geneva. Around 250 NGOs, who advise the UN<br />
also have their headquarters <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong>.<br />
AITIC Agency <strong>for</strong> International Trade In<strong>for</strong>mation and Cooperation Geneva www.acici.org/<br />
ACWL Advisory Centre on WTO Law Geneva www.acwl.ch<br />
IBE/UNESCO<br />
International Bureau of Education/United Nation Educational, Scientific and<br />
Cultural Organization<br />
Geneva www.ibe.unesco.org<br />
ITCB International Textiles and Cloth<strong>in</strong>g Bureau Geneva<br />
BIS Bank <strong>for</strong> International Settlements Basel www.bis.org<br />
CERN European Organization <strong>for</strong> Nuclear Research Geneva www.cern.ch<br />
Cour OSCE Court of Conciliation and Arbitration with<strong>in</strong> the OSCE Geneva www.osce.org/cca<br />
EBU European Broadcast<strong>in</strong>g Union Geneva www.ebu.ch<br />
EFTA European Free Trade Association Geneva www.efta.<strong>in</strong>t<br />
FIFA World Football Association Zurich www.fifa.com<br />
FIS International Ski Federation Thun www.fis-ski.com<br />
GFATM The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria Geneva www.theglobalfund.org<br />
IFRC International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies Geneva www.ifrc.org<br />
IIHF International Ice Hockey Federation Zurich www.iihf.com<br />
IKRK International Committee of the Red Cross Geneva www.icrc.org<br />
ILO International Labour Organization Geneva www.ilo.org<br />
IOC International Olympic Committee Lausanne www.olympic.org<br />
IOM International Organization <strong>for</strong> Migration Geneva www.iom.<strong>in</strong>t<br />
IPU Inter-Parliamentary Union Geneva www.ipu.org<br />
IRU International Road Transport Union Geneva www.iru.org<br />
ISO International Organization <strong>for</strong> Standardization Geneva www.iso.org<br />
ISSI International Space Science Institute Berne www.issibern.ch<br />
ITU International Telecommunication Union Geneva www.itu.<strong>in</strong>t<br />
OTIF Intergovernmental Organization <strong>for</strong> International Carriage by Rail Berne www.otif.org<br />
UCI International Cycl<strong>in</strong>g Union Aigle www.uci.ch<br />
UEFA European Football Association Nyon www.uefa.com<br />
UNHCR Office of the United Nations High Commissioner <strong>for</strong> Refugees Geneva www.unhcr.org<br />
UNOG The United Nations Office at Geneva Geneva www.onug.ch<br />
UPOV International Union <strong>for</strong> the Protection of New Varieties of Plants Geneva www.upov.<strong>in</strong>t<br />
UPU Universal Postal Union Berne www.upu.<strong>in</strong>t<br />
WADA World Anti-Dop<strong>in</strong>g Agency Lausanne www.wada-ama.org<br />
WHO World Health Organization Geneva www.who.<strong>in</strong>t<br />
WIPO World Intellectual Property Organization Geneva www.wipo.<strong>in</strong>t<br />
WMO World Meteorological Organization Geneva www.wmo.<strong>in</strong>t<br />
WTO World Trade Organization Geneva www.wto.org<br />
WWF World Wide Fund <strong>for</strong> Nature Gland www.wwf.org<br />
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15
1.8 <strong>Switzerland</strong> <strong>in</strong> figures.<br />
Fig. 7: <strong>Switzerland</strong> <strong>in</strong> figures<br />
General<br />
Currency Swiss franc (CHF)<br />
Time zone CET = UTC + 1<br />
International direct diall<strong>in</strong>g code +41<br />
National day August 1st Economy 1<br />
GDP (nom<strong>in</strong>al) <strong>in</strong> billion CHF 550.6<br />
Per capita <strong>in</strong>come <strong>in</strong> CHF 58,844<br />
GDP growth 2.7%<br />
Rate of <strong>in</strong>flation 0.7%<br />
Unemployment rate 3.9%<br />
Imports <strong>in</strong> billion CHF (goods and services) 232.4<br />
Exports <strong>in</strong> billion CHF (goods and services) 294.9<br />
Budget surplus/deficit <strong>in</strong> % of GDP + 0.5<br />
Debt ratio <strong>in</strong> % of GDP 39.0<br />
Fiscal quota <strong>in</strong> % of GDP<br />
Direct <strong>in</strong>vestment <strong>in</strong> million CHF<br />
29.7<br />
Direct <strong>in</strong>vestments abroad 866,517<br />
Direct <strong>in</strong>vestments <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong> 512,789<br />
Capital exports abroad 36,182<br />
Capital imports <strong>in</strong>to <strong>Switzerland</strong> 29,341<br />
Population 1<br />
Permanent resident population <strong>in</strong> tsds. 7,785.8<br />
Population density per km2 Age groups as a percentage<br />
188.6<br />
0 – 19 21.0<br />
20 – 39 26.6<br />
40 – 64 35.5<br />
65 – 79 12.0<br />
80 and over 4.8<br />
Percentage of <strong>for</strong>eign nationals 22.0<br />
Average number of children per woman 1.5<br />
Sources: Swiss Federal Statistical Office; Swiss National Bank (SNB); Federal F<strong>in</strong>ance Adm<strong>in</strong>istration; www.myswitzerland.com<br />
1 Figures about the economy and population are taken from 2010 (some from 2009)<br />
16 <strong>Handbook</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Investors</strong> 2012<br />
Age expectancy (years)<br />
Men 79.8<br />
Women<br />
Religion<br />
84.4<br />
Roman Catholic 41.8 %<br />
Evangelical Re<strong>for</strong>med 35.3 %<br />
Other<br />
Languages<br />
22.9 %<br />
German 63.7 %<br />
French 20.4 %<br />
Italian 6.5 %<br />
Romansh 0.5 %<br />
Other<br />
Geography<br />
9.0 %<br />
Area <strong>in</strong> km2 41,285<br />
Borders <strong>in</strong> km 1,881<br />
Numbers of lakes 1,484<br />
Highest mounta<strong>in</strong> (<strong>in</strong> m): Dufourspitze, Valais 4,634<br />
Largest glacier: Aletsch, Valais 117 km2 /24 km<br />
Largest lake (<strong>in</strong> km2 ): Lake Geneva 582<br />
Second largest lake (<strong>in</strong> km2 ): Lake Constance 539<br />
Capital city Berne<br />
Largest metropolitan areas, population <strong>in</strong> thousands<br />
Zurich 1,170.2<br />
Geneva 521.4<br />
Basel 498.0<br />
Berne 350.8<br />
Lausanne<br />
Politics<br />
330.9<br />
Form of government Parlamentary federal state s<strong>in</strong>ce<br />
1848, direct democracy<br />
Cantons 20 full cantons, 6 half cantons<br />
Municipalities 2,584
2. Economic structure.<br />
One of the most liberal and competitive economies <strong>in</strong> the<br />
world, <strong>Switzerland</strong> has always ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong>ed close economic<br />
ties with other countries. A secure legal system and long-term<br />
stable fundamentals <strong>for</strong> <strong>in</strong>vestors, relatively little regulation<br />
and the proximity to research <strong>in</strong>stitutions make it the location<br />
of choice <strong>in</strong> Europe <strong>for</strong> bus<strong>in</strong>esses offer<strong>in</strong>g high quality<br />
products and services.<br />
2.1 Gross domestic product and<br />
<strong>in</strong>dustry structure.<br />
<strong>Switzerland</strong>’s per capita gross domestic product is the fourthlargest<br />
<strong>in</strong> the world, or eighth-largest when adjusted <strong>for</strong> purchas<strong>in</strong>g<br />
power. At USD 66,600 the per capita gross domestic product<br />
was considerably higher than the EU average <strong>in</strong> 2010. <strong>Switzerland</strong><br />
outranks the UK by 84 %, and Germany and France by 64 % and<br />
62 %, respectively.<br />
The service sector generates some 72 % of the gross domestic<br />
product. Compris<strong>in</strong>g 27 % of GDP, the <strong>in</strong>dustry sector is also an<br />
important ma<strong>in</strong>stay of the economy, with the key sectors be<strong>in</strong>g<br />
chemicals, capital goods and bank<strong>in</strong>g. The Swiss economy is<br />
strongly geared towards exports – as a percentage of GDP, its<br />
<strong>for</strong>eign trade is among the highest <strong>in</strong> the world. The EU plays a<br />
key role here, account<strong>in</strong>g <strong>for</strong> 59.7 % of exports and 78.0 % of<br />
imports.<br />
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) dom<strong>in</strong>ate the Swiss<br />
economic landscape. More than 99 % of companies have fewer<br />
than 250 full-time employees. Staff are highly motivated, possess<br />
a keen sense of responsibility and are very loyal to their company.<br />
These typical Swiss characteristics are responsible <strong>for</strong> the quality<br />
and service ethos <strong>in</strong> both the <strong>in</strong>dustry and the service sector.<br />
<strong>Switzerland</strong> is also one of the world’s lead<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>novators.<br />
Fig. 8: 2010 (nom<strong>in</strong>al) per capita gross domestic product<br />
<strong>in</strong> US dollars<br />
1 Luxemburg 103,158<br />
2 Norway 85,258<br />
3 Qatar 74,665<br />
4 <strong>Switzerland</strong> 66,600<br />
5 Denmark 56,081<br />
8 USA 47,292<br />
9 Netherlands 47,148<br />
10 Ireland 47,100<br />
12 Austria 44,832<br />
14 S<strong>in</strong>gapore 43,866<br />
15 Belgium 42,983<br />
16 Japan 42,868<br />
17 France 41,218<br />
18 Germany 40,508<br />
20 Great Brita<strong>in</strong> 36,145<br />
22 Italy 34,159<br />
23 Hong Kong SAR 31,836<br />
40 Brazil 10,952<br />
41 Russia 10,291<br />
55 Ch<strong>in</strong>a 4,384<br />
59 India 1,333<br />
Source: IMD World Competitiveness Onl<strong>in</strong>e 2011<br />
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Fig. 9: Industry structure and percentage of employees 2011<br />
Sector Employees (fourth quarter 2011)<br />
Total (exclud<strong>in</strong>g agriculture and<br />
<strong>for</strong>estry)<br />
18 <strong>Handbook</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Investors</strong> 2012<br />
<strong>in</strong> 1,000s <strong>in</strong> %<br />
4,085.2 100<br />
Sector II total 1,035.7 25.00<br />
Construction <strong>in</strong>dustry 317.3 7.77<br />
Electrical equipment, data process<strong>in</strong>g<br />
devices, watches<br />
143.4 3.51<br />
Metals <strong>in</strong>dustry 101.0 2.47<br />
Mach<strong>in</strong>ery <strong>in</strong>dustry 86.1 2.11<br />
Wood, paper and pr<strong>in</strong>t <strong>in</strong>dustry 76.8 1.85<br />
Chemical <strong>in</strong>dustry and plastics 75.4 1.85<br />
Food, tobacco and beverages 66.8 1.64<br />
Other manufactur<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>dustries and trade 59.4 1.45<br />
Energy and water supply 40.6 0.99<br />
Pharmaceutical <strong>in</strong>dustry 37.6 0.92<br />
Textiles, garments and shoes 15.7 0.38<br />
Automotive <strong>in</strong>dustry 15.6 0.38<br />
Sector III total 3,049.5 75.00<br />
Trade, repair of motor vehicles/used<br />
goods<br />
631.9 15.47<br />
Healthcare and social services 510.0 12.48<br />
Other services 301.8 7.39<br />
Education 275.7 6.75<br />
Transport and data communication 268.8 6.58<br />
F<strong>in</strong>ance and <strong>in</strong>surance services 232.7 5.70<br />
Gastronomy 231.6 5.67<br />
Public adm<strong>in</strong>istration 169.4 4.15<br />
Services <strong>for</strong> companies 148.2 3.63<br />
Real estate 135.9 3.33<br />
IT services 75.5 1.85<br />
Art, enterta<strong>in</strong>ment and leisure 47.4 1.16<br />
Research and development 20.6 0.50<br />
Source: Swiss Federal Statistical Office FSO, Employee Statistics<br />
(Beschäftigungsstatistik, BESTA)<br />
Fig.10: 2011 Competitiveness rank<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Global Competitiveness Index (GCI)<br />
1 <strong>Switzerland</strong> 5.74<br />
2 S<strong>in</strong>gapore 5.63<br />
3 Sweden 5.61<br />
4 F<strong>in</strong>land 5.47<br />
5 USA 5.43<br />
7 Netherlands 5.41<br />
8 Denmark 5.40<br />
9 Japan 5.40<br />
10 Great Brita<strong>in</strong> 5.39<br />
11 Hong Kong SAR 5.36<br />
15 Belgium 5.20<br />
18 France 5.14<br />
23 Luxemburg 5.03<br />
26 Ch<strong>in</strong>a 4.90<br />
29 Ireland 4.77<br />
43 Italy 4.43<br />
53 Brazil 4.32<br />
56 India 4.30<br />
66 Russia 4.21<br />
Source: World Economic Forum, The Global Competitiveness Report<br />
2011 - 2012<br />
Fig. 11: 2011 Global Innovation Index<br />
1 <strong>Switzerland</strong> 63.80<br />
2 Sweden 62.10<br />
3 S<strong>in</strong>gapore 59.60<br />
4 Hong Kong SAR 58.80<br />
5 F<strong>in</strong>land 57.50<br />
6 Denmark 57.00<br />
7 USA 56.60<br />
9 Netherlands 56.30<br />
10 Great Brita<strong>in</strong> 56.00<br />
12 Germany 54.90<br />
13 Ireland 54.10<br />
17 Luxemburg 52.70<br />
20 Japan 50.30<br />
22 France 49.30<br />
24 Belgium 49.10<br />
29 Ch<strong>in</strong>a 46.40<br />
35 Italy 40.70<br />
47 Brazil 37.80<br />
56 Russia 35.90<br />
62 India 34.50<br />
Source: INSEAD, The Global Innovation Index 2011
2.2 International <strong>in</strong>tegration.<br />
As the Swiss domestic market is small and the country is lack<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>in</strong> natural resources (apart from water), Swiss companies have<br />
been <strong>for</strong>ced to seek and cultivate abroad what are often their key<br />
markets s<strong>in</strong>ce the advent of <strong>in</strong>dustrial production. Thanks to this<br />
necessity to open the country to the outside, <strong>Switzerland</strong> is an<br />
important player <strong>in</strong> world trade. Exports make up around 35 % of<br />
GDP. As a result, <strong>Switzerland</strong> has taken a lead<strong>in</strong>g role among the<br />
important exporters <strong>in</strong> world trade, both with regard to exported<br />
goods and services.<br />
Fig. 12: Trade balance as a percentage of GDP (2010)<br />
1 S<strong>in</strong>gapore 22.21<br />
2 <strong>Switzerland</strong> 14.58<br />
3 Qatar 13.96<br />
4 Norway 12.85<br />
5 Malaysia 11.79<br />
7 Luxemburg 7.76<br />
8 Netherlands 7.66<br />
9 Hong Kong SAR 6.58<br />
12 Germany 5.66<br />
13 Denmark 5.54<br />
14 Ch<strong>in</strong>a 5.21<br />
15 Russia 4.77<br />
20 Japan 3.56<br />
29 Belgium 1.37<br />
33 Ireland – 0.74<br />
38 France – 2.05<br />
40 Brazil – 2.27<br />
42 Great Brita<strong>in</strong> – 2.49<br />
44 India – 3.02<br />
47 USA – 3.21<br />
Source: IMD World Competitiveness Onl<strong>in</strong>e, 2011<br />
2.2.1 Goods and services trade<br />
Europe is <strong>Switzerland</strong>’s most important market by far. Four-fifths<br />
of all imports and three-fifths of all exports are traded with the<br />
EU. Germany has traditionally been <strong>Switzerland</strong>’s most important<br />
buyer and also supplier, while Italy and France are its second and<br />
third most important suppliers. The US is <strong>Switzerland</strong>’s second<br />
largest customer, followed by Italy and France. Newly <strong>in</strong>dustrialized<br />
and develop<strong>in</strong>g nations account <strong>for</strong> nearly 20 % of exports,<br />
and approximately 10 % of imports.<br />
The classic example of a successful export-oriented branch of<br />
<strong>in</strong>dustry is what is known as <strong>Switzerland</strong>’s «secret automobile<br />
and aircraft <strong>in</strong>dustry»: a little known network of highly specialized<br />
manufactur<strong>in</strong>g companies and problem-solvers provid<strong>in</strong>g components<br />
<strong>for</strong> a range of areas, from precision and micro-mechanics<br />
to materials technology, plastics and textiles. As the lead<strong>in</strong>g partners<br />
<strong>in</strong> technological <strong>in</strong>novations, these Swiss companies have<br />
been able to position themselves as reliable suppliers of quality<br />
and precision products.<br />
<strong>Switzerland</strong> is a co-signatory of the WTO Agreement, and has<br />
cont<strong>in</strong>ually championed market liberalization through its free<br />
trade agreements, as a member of the EFTA and through bilateral<br />
agreements with the EU. As a result of its consistent market<br />
liberalization policy, <strong>Switzerland</strong> has become an efficient trad<strong>in</strong>g<br />
center and a market of economic significance – not only relative<br />
to its market size.<br />
Fig. 13: Imports and exports by economic block (2010)<br />
<strong>in</strong> billion CHF<br />
EU & EFTA<br />
Non-European<br />
<strong>in</strong>dustrialized countries<br />
Transition countries<br />
Newly <strong>in</strong>dustrialized<br />
countries<br />
Develop<strong>in</strong>g countries<br />
Source: www.zoll.adm<strong>in</strong>.ch<br />
142.4<br />
120.1<br />
14.9<br />
32.6<br />
9.5<br />
11.8<br />
8.0<br />
22.5<br />
8.6<br />
16.5<br />
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Imports<br />
Exports<br />
19
2.2.2 Direct <strong>in</strong>vestments<br />
<strong>Switzerland</strong> is not just strongly l<strong>in</strong>ked <strong>in</strong>ternationally when it<br />
comes to the trad<strong>in</strong>g of goods and services, but <strong>in</strong> its <strong>in</strong>vestment<br />
relationships it is also strongly committed to <strong>for</strong>eign countries<br />
thanks to its location, lack of resources and limited domestic<br />
market. This is shown by the ratio between the level of Swiss<br />
direct <strong>in</strong>vestment abroad and the nom<strong>in</strong>al GDP, which was 164 %<br />
at the end of 2009. In absolute terms, <strong>Switzerland</strong> is the sixth-<br />
Fig. 14: Direct <strong>in</strong>vestments at end of 2009<br />
Capital stock at end of year (2009)<br />
20 <strong>Handbook</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Investors</strong> 2012<br />
largest direct <strong>in</strong>vestor <strong>in</strong> the world. In the USA, <strong>Switzerland</strong> is the<br />
sixth biggest <strong>for</strong>eign <strong>in</strong>vestor, 19.2 % or CHF 165,930 million of<br />
all Swiss direct <strong>in</strong>vestments are made <strong>in</strong> the USA. <strong>Switzerland</strong> is<br />
also an attractive location <strong>for</strong> <strong>for</strong>eign <strong>in</strong>vestors, <strong>in</strong> particular from<br />
the EU (83.6 % or CHF 428,690 million) and the USA. The capital<br />
stock of US-American <strong>in</strong>vestors <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong> is 14.4 % or CHF<br />
73,679 million.<br />
Swiss direct <strong>in</strong>vestments<br />
abroad<br />
Foreign direct <strong>in</strong>vestments <strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>Switzerland</strong><br />
<strong>in</strong> million CHF <strong>in</strong> % <strong>in</strong> million CHF <strong>in</strong> %<br />
Total 865,517 100.0 512,789 100.0<br />
EU 377,662 43.6 428,690 83.6<br />
Great Brita<strong>in</strong> 80,649 9.3 16,841 3.3<br />
Germany 55,861 6.5 33,185 6.5<br />
Netherlands 42,066 4.9 119,841 23.4<br />
Luxemburg 66,060 7.6 108,028 21.1<br />
France 33,005 3.8 38,968 7.6<br />
Italy 21,847 2.5 5,829 1.1<br />
Spa<strong>in</strong> 15,658 1.8 3,553 0.7<br />
Austria 8,404 1.0 74,736 14.6<br />
Rest of Europe 53,903 6.2 10,812 2.1<br />
Off-shore f<strong>in</strong>ancial centers 37,727 4.4 0.0<br />
Russian Federation 6,256 0.7 0.0<br />
North America 199,978 23.1 73,762 14.4<br />
USA 165,930 19.2 73,679 14.4<br />
Canada 34,049 3.9 83 0.0<br />
Central and South America 130,828 15.1 – 6,422 – 1.3<br />
Brazil 12,780 1.5 n.a. n.a.<br />
Off-shore f<strong>in</strong>ancial centers 102,973 11.9 16,089 3.1<br />
Asia, Africa, Oceania 103,144 11.9 5,947 1.2<br />
Japan 15,271 1.8 704 0.1<br />
S<strong>in</strong>gapore 12,507 1.4 n.a. n.a.<br />
Ch<strong>in</strong>a 7,547 0.9 n.a. n.a.<br />
Hong Kong SAR 4,489 0.5 n.a. n.a.<br />
Taiwan 1,267 0.1 n.a. n.a.<br />
India 3,324 0.4 n.a. n.a.<br />
Australia 14,941 1.7 n.a. n.a.<br />
Source: SNB, Direct <strong>in</strong>vestments 2009
2.3 Key <strong>in</strong>dustry clusters.<br />
From an economic perspective, clusters can be def<strong>in</strong>ed as<br />
networks of manufacturers, suppliers, research facilities (e.g.<br />
universities), service providers (e.g. designers and eng<strong>in</strong>eers) and<br />
related <strong>in</strong>stitutions (e.g. chambers of commerce) that have a certa<strong>in</strong><br />
regional proximity to one another and which are <strong>for</strong>med via<br />
a common relationship based on trade along a value cha<strong>in</strong> (e.g.<br />
automotive manufactur<strong>in</strong>g). The members of these clusters are<br />
connected through supplier or competitive relationships or common<br />
<strong>in</strong>terests. These networks are referred to as clusters only if<br />
there is a critical mass of companies near to one another whose<br />
activities complement or are relative to another along one or more<br />
value cha<strong>in</strong>s. Only then can a growth pool be <strong>for</strong>med which also<br />
attracts suppliers and specialized service providers and creates<br />
competitive advantages <strong>for</strong> all companies <strong>in</strong>volved.<br />
<strong>Switzerland</strong> has several of these <strong>in</strong>dustry clusters, which are also<br />
important on an <strong>in</strong>ternational scale. The key <strong>in</strong>dustry clusters <strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>Switzerland</strong> will be briefly described over the next few pages. The<br />
figures provided are <strong>for</strong> reference purposes only, as the clusters<br />
sometimes overlap.<br />
2.3.1 Chemicals, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology<br />
Extremely successful global conglomerates such as Novartis,<br />
Roche, Syngenta and smaller companies <strong>for</strong>m a unique <strong>in</strong>dustrial<br />
cluster <strong>in</strong> north-western <strong>Switzerland</strong>, mak<strong>in</strong>g the city of<br />
Basel and the surround<strong>in</strong>g region the national and <strong>in</strong>ternational<br />
location of choice <strong>for</strong> pharmaceutical and chemical companies.<br />
The Swiss chemical-pharmaceutical <strong>in</strong>dustry is virtually exclusively<br />
active <strong>in</strong> specialty chemicals and is very <strong>in</strong>ternationallyorientated.<br />
Approximately three-quarters of the product portfolio<br />
covers so-called «Life science» products, i.e. products which<br />
<strong>in</strong>tervene <strong>in</strong> the metabolic processes of liv<strong>in</strong>g organisms, and<br />
98 % of sales are generated abroad. With a 4 % share of world<br />
exports of chemical-pharmaceutical products, <strong>Switzerland</strong> is<br />
the seventh-largest export nation <strong>in</strong> the world. Companies <strong>in</strong> the<br />
Swiss chemical-pharmaceutical <strong>in</strong>dustry have a lead<strong>in</strong>g worldwide<br />
position <strong>in</strong> many market sectors and employ around 67,000<br />
people. The share of the sector <strong>in</strong> GDP is 4 %. Only the metal and<br />
mach<strong>in</strong>e <strong>in</strong>dustry is larger <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong>.<br />
Ow<strong>in</strong>g to the ripple effect of pharmaceutical giants Novartis and<br />
Roche, biotech clusters have <strong>for</strong>med <strong>in</strong> four regions – namely<br />
Basel, Zurich, around Lake Geneva and to a lesser degree <strong>in</strong><br />
Tic<strong>in</strong>o. At the end of 2010, the <strong>in</strong>dustry counted 174 biotech<br />
development companies and 63 biotech supplier companies with<br />
around 19,000 employees. Such a concentration of biotechnology<br />
companies is not to be found anywhere else <strong>in</strong> the world. Over<br />
half of Swiss biotech firms are small companies with less than<br />
20 employees. They profit from the geographical proximity to<br />
large companies both <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong> and its neighbor<strong>in</strong>g countries.<br />
Some well-known global players headquartered <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong><br />
and which are <strong>in</strong>dustry leaders <strong>in</strong> Europe are Actelion,<br />
Amgen, Biogen Idec, Crucell and Merck Serono.<br />
Biotechnology <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong><br />
www.swissbiotech.org<br />
Language: English<br />
Swiss bus<strong>in</strong>ess association <strong>for</strong> the chemical, pharmaceutical<br />
and biotech <strong>in</strong>dustries<br />
www.sgci.ch<br />
Languages: German, English, French<br />
2.3.2 Medical technology<br />
The concentration of medical technology companies <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong><br />
is also unusually high. The medtech sector consists of approx.<br />
220 manufacturers, 520 suppliers and 600 distribution and<br />
sales companies, which are ma<strong>in</strong>ly located <strong>in</strong> the Geneva area,<br />
the Berne and Basel area as well as the Zurich metropolitan area.<br />
63 % of all products manufactured <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong> are then exported,<br />
which makes up 5 % of all Swiss exports. Net sales <strong>in</strong> 2009<br />
amounted to around CHF 11.2 billion. Investment <strong>in</strong> research and<br />
development, growth rates and profitability are all above average.<br />
In total around 49,000 employees are employed <strong>in</strong> medical<br />
technology. At 1.4 % relative to the work<strong>in</strong>g population this is<br />
more than any other country (Germany: 0.3 %, the UK/EU/USA:<br />
0.2 %). The largest employer is Synthes, ahead of the diagnostics<br />
division of Roche and J&J Medical. Other global Swiss companies<br />
are Ypsomed, Sonova (hear<strong>in</strong>g aids) and Straumann (dental<br />
implants). Some major <strong>for</strong>eign corporations worth mention<strong>in</strong>g are<br />
Zimmer, Medtronic B. Braun and Stryker.<br />
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21
Export plat<strong>for</strong>m Medtech<br />
www.medtech-switzerland.com<br />
Languages: English<br />
Medical technology network<br />
www.medical-cluster.ch<br />
Languages: German, English<br />
Dachverband der Schweizerischen Handels- und Industrievere<strong>in</strong>igungen<br />
der Mediz<strong>in</strong>altechnik (umbrella organization<br />
of the Swiss trade and <strong>in</strong>dustry associations <strong>for</strong><br />
medical technology)<br />
www.fasmed.ch<br />
Languages: German, French<br />
2.3.3 F<strong>in</strong>ancial services<br />
The Swiss f<strong>in</strong>ancial center is an important element of the economy<br />
as well as a world-class cluster. In <strong>Switzerland</strong> there are some 320<br />
banks, 250 <strong>in</strong>surance companies and 2,340 pension funds. The<br />
majority of the f<strong>in</strong>ancial <strong>in</strong>stitutions are located <strong>in</strong> Zurich, Geneva,<br />
Basel and Lugano. In 2009, the direct value added by banks and<br />
<strong>in</strong>surance companies came to about CHF 60 billion, with banks<br />
contribut<strong>in</strong>g CHF 37 billion and <strong>in</strong>surance companies CHF 23 billion.<br />
This amounts to about 11 % of the entire Swiss GDP. Some<br />
212,000 people are employed <strong>in</strong> the f<strong>in</strong>ancial sector, which is<br />
about 6 % of all employed persons <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong>. Of this number,<br />
125,000 work <strong>in</strong> banks, 49,000 at <strong>in</strong>surance companies and the<br />
rest at other f<strong>in</strong>ancial <strong>in</strong>stitutions. The importance of the f<strong>in</strong>ancial<br />
<strong>in</strong>dustry is also expressed <strong>in</strong> the courses offered by Universities of<br />
Applied Sciences. With the Swiss F<strong>in</strong>ance Institute – a collaborative<br />
ef<strong>for</strong>t between f<strong>in</strong>ancial <strong>in</strong>stitutions and lead<strong>in</strong>g Swiss universities<br />
– education and f<strong>in</strong>ancial research are ensured.<br />
From an <strong>in</strong>ternational perspective, the Swiss bank<strong>in</strong>g center is<br />
regarded very highly and is extremely competitive. Its core competency<br />
is asset management <strong>for</strong> private clients. In addition to the<br />
two major globally active banks, UBS and Credit Suisse, there are<br />
numerous regional and specialized <strong>in</strong>stitutions. There are some<br />
22 <strong>Handbook</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Investors</strong> 2012<br />
150 <strong>for</strong>eign banks <strong>in</strong> the country, and 54 % of the securities man-<br />
aged <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong> come from <strong>for</strong>eign customers.<br />
The key factors <strong>for</strong> success and the basic conditions <strong>for</strong> the <strong>in</strong>surance<br />
<strong>in</strong>dustry <strong>in</strong>clude: a generous per capita <strong>in</strong>come and a strong<br />
need <strong>for</strong> security, a solidly structured old-age pension system, an<br />
open and <strong>in</strong>ternationally networked <strong>in</strong>surance center, a credible<br />
regulatory environment and <strong>in</strong>ternational know-how <strong>in</strong> the re<strong>in</strong>surance<br />
bus<strong>in</strong>ess.<br />
Swiss F<strong>in</strong>ance Institute<br />
www.swissf<strong>in</strong>ance<strong>in</strong>stitute.ch<br />
Language: English<br />
2.3.4 Mach<strong>in</strong>ery, electrical eng<strong>in</strong>eer<strong>in</strong>g and metals <strong>in</strong>dustry<br />
The mach<strong>in</strong>ery, electrical eng<strong>in</strong>eer<strong>in</strong>g and metals <strong>in</strong>dustry (MEM)<br />
represents the largest <strong>in</strong>dustrial sector and holds a key position <strong>in</strong><br />
the Swiss economy with 330,000 employees. The MEM <strong>in</strong>dustry<br />
contributed 19 % to GDP <strong>in</strong> 2010, while its share of added value<br />
amounted to 9 %. Countless companies of the Swiss MEM <strong>in</strong>dustry<br />
have a lead<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>ternational role <strong>in</strong> their sub-sectors. Around<br />
80 % of products from the MEM <strong>in</strong>dustry are exported, and the<br />
<strong>in</strong>dustry contributes 35 % to total Swiss exports.<br />
Large metal and mach<strong>in</strong>ery sector companies with well-known<br />
names such as Saurer, Rieter, Sch<strong>in</strong>dler and ABB are present <strong>in</strong><br />
almost every canton. Particularly <strong>in</strong> the cantons of Zurich/Aargau<br />
and Tic<strong>in</strong>o/Valais, <strong>in</strong> the Rh<strong>in</strong>e Valley and <strong>in</strong> Central <strong>Switzerland</strong>,<br />
growth is among the strongest <strong>in</strong> the world. Most companies<br />
focus on <strong>in</strong>novation and quality as well as ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g and<br />
expand<strong>in</strong>g their global market position <strong>in</strong> order to compete with<br />
cheaper locations. Today, this branch of <strong>in</strong>dustry is able to compete<br />
on the <strong>in</strong>ternational stage, thanks to well-advanced restructur<strong>in</strong>g<br />
and the use of new technologies.<br />
The Swiss Mechanical and Electrical Eng<strong>in</strong>eer<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Industries Association<br />
www.swissmem.ch<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian
2.3.5 Watch <strong>in</strong>dustry<br />
The Swiss watch <strong>in</strong>dustry is primarily located <strong>in</strong> the Jura region<br />
stretch<strong>in</strong>g from Geneva to Schaffhausen (called the «watchmaker<br />
belt»), with <strong>in</strong>dividual sites <strong>in</strong> Mittelland, Tic<strong>in</strong>o and Valais. The<br />
Swiss watch <strong>in</strong>dustry makes products whose high degree of<br />
mechanization makes a strongly demarcated division of labour<br />
possible. As a result, the sector generally comprises small and<br />
medium-sized bus<strong>in</strong>esses, averag<strong>in</strong>g almost 70 employees per<br />
company. Around 600 companies employ nearly 48,500 people<br />
(as of 2010). 92 % of all employees and bus<strong>in</strong>esses are located <strong>in</strong><br />
the seven cantons of the Jura region, result<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> a watch <strong>in</strong>dustry<br />
cluster. Particularly <strong>in</strong> the luxury segment, the world market position<br />
of Swiss watchmakers is excellent. 95 % of all watches are<br />
exported; the total value of Swiss watch exports <strong>in</strong> 2008 was<br />
CHF 17.0 billion.<br />
The geographical concentration of the watch <strong>in</strong>dustry has given<br />
rise to a «precision cluster,» which extends along the Jura from<br />
the Basel area to northern Vaud and down to Geneva, while the<br />
cities of Geneva, Biel and La Chaux-de-Fonds themselves are<br />
three watchmak<strong>in</strong>g centers. Companies such as the Swatch<br />
Group, Rolex SA, Richemont SA and the LVMH Group are headquartered<br />
here.<br />
The availability of highly qualified staff with professional knowhow<br />
has resulted <strong>in</strong> the relocation to this area of more and more<br />
companies outside the watchmak<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>dustry which require similar<br />
technology <strong>for</strong> their production. This <strong>in</strong> particular comprises<br />
medical technology. A cluster strongly orientated to micromechanics<br />
and optics has also <strong>for</strong>med <strong>in</strong> East <strong>Switzerland</strong> and <strong>in</strong> the<br />
region of Berne.<br />
Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry FH<br />
www.fhs.ch<br />
Languages: English, French<br />
2.3.6 In<strong>for</strong>mation technology<br />
<strong>Switzerland</strong> is very well positioned with regard to the development<br />
of <strong>in</strong>frastructure <strong>for</strong> the IT community. Accord<strong>in</strong>g to the<br />
OECD it is <strong>in</strong> third place worldwide after Holland and Denmark<br />
with 35.7 % <strong>in</strong>habitants hav<strong>in</strong>g high-speed <strong>in</strong>ternet connection.<br />
82.1 % of the population over the age of 14 use the <strong>in</strong>ternet. The<br />
World Economic Forum «Networked Read<strong>in</strong>ess Index 2010/11»<br />
placed <strong>Switzerland</strong> <strong>in</strong> fourth position beh<strong>in</strong>d Sweden, S<strong>in</strong>gapore<br />
and F<strong>in</strong>land. Accord<strong>in</strong>g to official statistics, the ICT sector <strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>Switzerland</strong> comprises just over 16,000 companies, which corresponds<br />
to five percent of the total number of all companies. Over<br />
160,000 people are employed <strong>in</strong> the IT sector, which corresponds<br />
to four percent of all employees.<br />
In the Zurich-Lake Constance area, well-known companies from<br />
the IT sector, have settled around the Swiss Federal Institute of<br />
Technology Zurich, its research facilities and the University of<br />
Zurich, such as IBM, Google and Microsoft. Key factors <strong>in</strong> their<br />
decision were the proximity to these universities. Other IT centers<br />
have emerged <strong>in</strong> Berne and Lucerne.<br />
Swiss IT companies such as Oerlikon and Kudelski are leaders<br />
<strong>in</strong> their markets. Some of the largest employers <strong>in</strong> the sector are<br />
<strong>for</strong>eign companies such as Siemens, EDS Corporation, Dell, HP,<br />
Reuters and Orange. One important criterion encourag<strong>in</strong>g <strong>for</strong>eign<br />
IT firms to settle <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong> is the extremely well educated,<br />
technically experienced and often multil<strong>in</strong>gual work<strong>for</strong>ce.<br />
Federal Office of Communications<br />
www.bakom.adm<strong>in</strong>.ch<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian<br />
Umbrella Organization <strong>for</strong> the IT and Telecommunications<br />
Sector<br />
www.ictswitzerland.ch<br />
Languages: German, French<br />
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23
2.3.7 Cleantech<br />
Cleantech comprises technologies, processes, goods and services,<br />
which have the aim of reduc<strong>in</strong>g environmental pollution<br />
and allow<strong>in</strong>g the susta<strong>in</strong>able use of natural resources and systems.<br />
It is applied <strong>in</strong> all sectors of the economy and affects the<br />
whole value-added cha<strong>in</strong>. As a small country with limited land<br />
resources, <strong>Switzerland</strong> has looked at environmental protection<br />
from an early date. Waste collection, M<strong>in</strong>ergie standards, connection<br />
to sewage treatment plants, the energy recovery of all waste,<br />
etc., are a matter of course <strong>for</strong> the Swiss population. Legislation<br />
and regulations at a high level have <strong>for</strong>ced <strong>in</strong>dustrial solutions and<br />
lead to many years of valuable experience. This constantly yields<br />
new and <strong>in</strong>novative developments. Nowadays the work of an<br />
estimated 160,000 employees is associated with the Cleantech<br />
sector, 4.5 % of all workplaces. The estimated gross value added<br />
is CHF 18 – 20 billion and corresponds to 3.5 % of GDP. 38 % of<br />
Swiss Cleantech companies exports products and services. The<br />
heterogeneous company landscape is characteristic <strong>for</strong> the sector,<br />
stretch<strong>in</strong>g from start-up/sp<strong>in</strong>-off companies to large mult<strong>in</strong>ational<br />
groups.<br />
Official <strong>in</strong><strong>for</strong>mation about Cleantech<br />
www.cleantech.adm<strong>in</strong>.ch<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian<br />
Cleantech Export Plat<strong>for</strong>m<br />
www.cleantech-switzerland.com<br />
Languages: German, English, French<br />
Network <strong>for</strong> the Transfer of Science and Technology <strong>in</strong> the<br />
Environment and Energy Sectors<br />
www.eco-net.ch<br />
Language: German<br />
24 <strong>Handbook</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Investors</strong> 2012<br />
2.3.8 Commodities trad<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>Switzerland</strong> is one of the world’s most important commodities<br />
trad<strong>in</strong>g plat<strong>for</strong>ms. Around one-third of global trade <strong>in</strong> crude oil<br />
products is transacted via Geneva. Regard<strong>in</strong>g the trade <strong>in</strong> wheat,<br />
oilseeds and cotton, Geneva is the world number one, and <strong>in</strong><br />
sugar trade the number one <strong>in</strong> Europe. Zug is a hub <strong>for</strong> trade <strong>in</strong><br />
m<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g products. At first glance, such a prom<strong>in</strong>ent position may<br />
seem surpris<strong>in</strong>g because <strong>Switzerland</strong> is a landlocked country with<br />
very few natural resources. But because of its central location, it<br />
has been a major crossroads <strong>for</strong> various trade routes s<strong>in</strong>ce the<br />
early days of <strong>in</strong>ternational trade <strong>in</strong> coffee and cotton. Later, the<br />
Swiss f<strong>in</strong>ancial center became a hub <strong>for</strong> <strong>in</strong>ternational trade due<br />
to its traditionally advantageous location. In addition to comparatively<br />
low taxes, trad<strong>in</strong>g companies value its central location,<br />
good <strong>in</strong>frastructure and connections with <strong>for</strong>eign countries.<br />
Also important <strong>for</strong> the Swiss economy are the numerous commodities-related<br />
services based here, such as <strong>in</strong>surance, law<br />
firms, consult<strong>in</strong>g companies, trust and fiduciary companies,<br />
freight and security bus<strong>in</strong>esses. Major Swiss banks and cantonal<br />
banks as well as various <strong>for</strong>eign banks have specialized <strong>in</strong> f<strong>in</strong>anc<strong>in</strong>g<br />
commodities trad<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the regional hubs. They f<strong>in</strong>ance the<br />
purchase of raw materials, guarantee the seamless process<strong>in</strong>g of<br />
transactions and offer protection aga<strong>in</strong>st operational and credit<br />
risks. In total the trade amounts to 2.5 % of <strong>Switzerland</strong>’s GDP.<br />
Umbrella Organization <strong>for</strong> Swiss Trade<br />
www.vsig.ch<br />
Languages: German, English, French<br />
Geneva Trad<strong>in</strong>g & Shipp<strong>in</strong>g Association GTSA<br />
www.gtsa.ch<br />
Language: English
In recent years trade <strong>in</strong> commodities has cont<strong>in</strong>ually risen <strong>in</strong> importance.<br />
On the list of the 1,000 largest Swiss companies there<br />
are 6 commodities companies <strong>in</strong> the top 20: Glencore <strong>in</strong> first<br />
place as well as Trafigura (3rd ), Xstrata (7th ) and Petroplus (13th )<br />
are located <strong>in</strong> Central <strong>Switzerland</strong>, while Mercuria Energy Trad<strong>in</strong>g<br />
and Cargill International <strong>in</strong> positions 8 and 11 reside <strong>in</strong> Western<br />
<strong>Switzerland</strong> (the canton of Geneva).<br />
2.3.9 Headquarters functions<br />
<strong>Switzerland</strong> is a vital center <strong>for</strong> the global and regional headquarters<br />
of <strong>for</strong>eign companies. While European firms have their<br />
global headquarters <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong>, US companies tend to open<br />
their regional headquarters here. The number of companies that<br />
have moved their headquarters to <strong>Switzerland</strong> has risen <strong>in</strong> recent<br />
years. Accord<strong>in</strong>g to an analysis by the consultancy company<br />
Arthur D. Little, more than 300 headquarters have been relocated<br />
to <strong>Switzerland</strong> from 2003 to the middle of 2011. 53 % of these<br />
companies come from the USA, 31 % from Europe and 11 %<br />
from Asia. Prom<strong>in</strong>ent examples such as eBay, Bombadier, Yahoo,<br />
Google, IBM or Kraft show the attractiveness of <strong>Switzerland</strong> as a<br />
location <strong>for</strong> company headquarters.<br />
Some key criteria <strong>in</strong> the choice of location <strong>in</strong>clude availability of<br />
qualified staff, favourable tax environment, high standard of liv<strong>in</strong>g<br />
and advantageous geographical location. Neutrality <strong>in</strong> an economic<br />
sense is also important – all the major European markets<br />
are com<strong>for</strong>table with a Swiss ma<strong>in</strong> office. On the worldwide list<br />
of the most attractive <strong>in</strong>vestment locations, <strong>Switzerland</strong> takes 4th<br />
position (Swiss Attractiveness Survey 2011). It also scores highly<br />
<strong>in</strong> stability, legal certa<strong>in</strong>ty as well as the safety of people and the<br />
environment. Other advantages <strong>in</strong>clude proximity to research<br />
facilities and clients and reliable double-taxation agreements.<br />
<strong>Switzerland</strong> is also perfectly suited as a test market because it<br />
offers the widest possible variety <strong>in</strong> a small area.<br />
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25
3. Economic framework.<br />
Free competition and trade and the protection of <strong>in</strong>tellectual<br />
property are the cornerstones of economic success and<br />
make <strong>Switzerland</strong> attractive to both domestic and <strong>for</strong>eign<br />
companies. Efficiently organized adm<strong>in</strong>istrative processes<br />
guarantee security <strong>for</strong> plann<strong>in</strong>g and day-to-day operations,<br />
while progressive environmental laws promote susta<strong>in</strong>ability.<br />
<strong>Switzerland</strong> is an extremely attractive location <strong>for</strong> global companies.<br />
The ma<strong>in</strong> reason <strong>for</strong> this is its liberal economic environment<br />
and an economic policy based on the free market.<br />
26 <strong>Handbook</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Investors</strong> 2012<br />
Fig. 15: Economic freedom, 2008<br />
Global rank<strong>in</strong>g Rat<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Hong Kong SAR 1 9.05<br />
S<strong>in</strong>gapore 2 8.70<br />
New Zealand 3 8.27<br />
<strong>Switzerland</strong> 4 8.08<br />
Chile 5 8.03<br />
USA 6 7.96<br />
Canada 7 7.95<br />
Australia 8 7.90<br />
Mauritius 9 7.82<br />
Great Brita<strong>in</strong> 10 7.81<br />
Ireland 11 7.74<br />
Denmark 14 7.69<br />
Luxemburg 16 7.60<br />
Netherlands 21 7.53<br />
Germany 24 7.46<br />
Japan 24 7.46<br />
France 35 7.32<br />
Belgium 43 7.22<br />
Italy 66 6.90<br />
Ch<strong>in</strong>a 82 6.65<br />
Russia 84 6.62<br />
India 87 6.51<br />
Brazil 102 6.18<br />
Source: Cato Institute, Economic Freedom of the World: 2010 Annual Report
3.1 International exchange of<br />
goods and services.<br />
The Swiss economy is characterized by a high degree of <strong>in</strong>ternational<br />
<strong>in</strong>tegration, with half of the country’s GDP generated<br />
abroad. This is only possible thanks to the highly effective crossborder<br />
movement of goods and people.<br />
3.1.1 Free trade agreements, WTO and elim<strong>in</strong>ation of trade<br />
restrictions<br />
In addition to the EFTA Convention and the Free Trade Agreement<br />
with the European Union (EU), <strong>Switzerland</strong> currently has a network<br />
of 25 free trade agreements with 34 partners outside the EU and<br />
is also a member of the WTO. It applies the most-favored-nation<br />
clause <strong>in</strong> trade with all WTO member states and is generally committed<br />
to elim<strong>in</strong>at<strong>in</strong>g trade restrictions worldwide.<br />
In jo<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g the WTO <strong>Switzerland</strong> has also undertaken to convert<br />
most non-tariff trade barriers <strong>in</strong>to customs duties. Apart from a few<br />
exceptions (primarily agricultural products), domestic products are<br />
not protected aga<strong>in</strong>st <strong>in</strong>ternational competition. There is no actual<br />
anti-dump<strong>in</strong>g law. There are essentially no volume restrictions on<br />
the importation of processed products. Imports and exports of<br />
<strong>in</strong>dustrial goods basically enjoy full duty and quota exemption on<br />
the European markets thanks to the free trade agreements with<br />
the EU and the EFTA.<br />
Duty and quota exemption does not mean that customs clearance<br />
is not necessary, but this is not an obstacle. Thanks to PCs and<br />
the Internet it is now a largely automated process conducted via<br />
the IT applications e-dec and NCTS.<br />
Free-Trade Agreement, WTO<br />
www.seco.adm<strong>in</strong>.ch > Foreign trade<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian<br />
3.1.2 Customs and excise<br />
Although <strong>Switzerland</strong> has been a member of the Schengen Area<br />
s<strong>in</strong>ce the end of 2008, it is not part of the European Customs<br />
Union and the common market. As a result, customs controls<br />
rema<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong> place. The most important document <strong>for</strong> customs clearance<br />
is the customs declaration, which must be accompanied by<br />
the exporter’s <strong>in</strong>voice (<strong>in</strong>dicat<strong>in</strong>g the weight) and confirmation of<br />
orig<strong>in</strong>, where necessary. A certificate of orig<strong>in</strong> is required if one<br />
wishes to benefit from preferential duty rates with<strong>in</strong> the scope of<br />
the free-trade agreement or the general system of preferences<br />
(develop<strong>in</strong>g countries) or if the goods are to be re-exported and<br />
the orig<strong>in</strong> is to be passed on.<br />
Unlike most other countries <strong>Switzerland</strong> uses a system of customs<br />
clearance based on gross weight. This so-called specific<br />
customs duty is there<strong>for</strong>e levied on products <strong>for</strong> which no exemption<br />
from duty is granted. Swiss customs duties are usually lower<br />
than those of other countries. This system favors the import of<br />
high-quality technical components, which weigh very little but are<br />
extremely valuable.<br />
In l<strong>in</strong>e with other countries <strong>Switzerland</strong> levies taxes and duties at<br />
its borders, such as the automobile tax, tobacco and beer tax,<br />
m<strong>in</strong>eral oil tax, the CO levy, the VOC steer<strong>in</strong>g tax as well as the<br />
2<br />
mileage-related heavy vehicle toll (MRHVT). At a standard rate of<br />
8 %, VAT is much lower than <strong>in</strong> neighbor<strong>in</strong>g countries (Germany:<br />
19 %, France: 19.6 %, Austria: 20 %, Italy: 20 %).<br />
Goods that are only <strong>in</strong>tended to be held temporarily <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong><br />
<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong>termediate storage can be stored without customs<br />
clearance and duty unpaid <strong>in</strong> bonded warehouses. The goods<br />
are there<strong>for</strong>e <strong>in</strong> transit between the border and the bonded<br />
warehouse. The subsequent exportation of the goods is then<br />
subject to the customs tariff of the import<strong>in</strong>g country. The<br />
goods so stored may not be processed, or they become liable<br />
<strong>for</strong> normal customs clearance. Bonded warehouses are public<br />
facilities. They are operated by private warehous<strong>in</strong>g companies<br />
and are open to all <strong>in</strong>terested parties. Open bonded warehouses,<br />
meanwhile, are used <strong>for</strong> stor<strong>in</strong>g goods that have not been cleared<br />
through customs on a company’s own premises. They are usually<br />
operated by shipp<strong>in</strong>g companies and are becom<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>gly<br />
important.<br />
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27
Used household effects of people mov<strong>in</strong>g to <strong>Switzerland</strong> that are<br />
<strong>in</strong>tended <strong>for</strong> their cont<strong>in</strong>ued personal use are exempt from customs<br />
duty. At the time of importation, the completed official <strong>for</strong>m<br />
must be submitted to the Swiss customs office. Clearance of<br />
household effects must take place dur<strong>in</strong>g customs office open<strong>in</strong>g<br />
hours (see chapter 13.2.1).<br />
Overview of tax questions<br />
www.seco.adm<strong>in</strong>.ch > Foreign Trade > Goods traffic<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian<br />
Customs <strong>in</strong><strong>for</strong>mation<br />
www.zoll.adm<strong>in</strong>.ch<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian<br />
Worldwide customs tariffs<br />
www.osec.ch > Topics > Export know-how<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian<br />
3.1.3 Rules of orig<strong>in</strong><br />
Raw materials and component parts that are imported from third<br />
countries can acquire Swiss-orig<strong>in</strong> status and consequently<br />
be delivered tax-free to countries which have signed the freetrade<br />
agreement (e.g. the agreement with EU), if they have been<br />
sufficiently processed <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong> with<strong>in</strong> the scope of the<br />
correspond<strong>in</strong>g free-trade agreement. In many situations this is the<br />
case if the added value created <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong> is between 60 %<br />
and 80 % of the f<strong>in</strong>ished product’s sell<strong>in</strong>g price (depend<strong>in</strong>g on<br />
the product). This regulation is of <strong>in</strong>terest because high-quality<br />
products often have a low weight but a high product value. They<br />
can there<strong>for</strong>e be imported cheaply <strong>in</strong>to <strong>Switzerland</strong>, be processed<br />
and then be exported to countries with customs-preference, with<br />
whom there is a free-trade agreement. If, <strong>for</strong> example, goods<br />
are imported <strong>in</strong> this way from a country outside the EU/EFTA<br />
area and trans<strong>for</strong>med <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong> <strong>in</strong> such a manner that they<br />
acquire Swiss-orig<strong>in</strong> status, no duty is normally payable when the<br />
goods are exported to a EU/EFTA country.<br />
28 <strong>Handbook</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Investors</strong> 2012<br />
Orig<strong>in</strong> guidel<strong>in</strong>es<br />
www.zoll.adm<strong>in</strong>.ch > In<strong>for</strong>mation <strong>for</strong> companies > Assistance<br />
with customs clearance procedures<br />
Languages: German, French, Italian<br />
3.2 Protection of free competition.<br />
<strong>Switzerland</strong>’s economic system is based on the pr<strong>in</strong>ciples of the<br />
free market. Free and fair competition is strengthened by the<br />
Cartel Act, which has been largely harmonized with EU regulations<br />
s<strong>in</strong>ce 1995, <strong>in</strong> which cartels are not illegal but abuses are<br />
prosecuted. The Internal Market Act ensures greater competition<br />
and the elim<strong>in</strong>ation of protectionist regulations at cantonal and<br />
municipal levels. The Competition Commission can <strong>in</strong>tervene if<br />
there are grounds <strong>for</strong> suspect<strong>in</strong>g unacceptable restrictions on<br />
competition. It also <strong>in</strong>vestigates whether mergers have negative<br />
effects on free competition and supplies the authorities with<br />
recommendations on promot<strong>in</strong>g effective competition.<br />
3.3 Protection of <strong>in</strong>tellectual<br />
property.<br />
The protection of <strong>in</strong>tellectual property rights is well developed<br />
<strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong>. A comprehensive system of patent, trademark,<br />
design and copyright protection guarantees that the results of <strong>in</strong>novation<br />
and creativity are protected at national and <strong>in</strong>ternational<br />
levels. Patent applications, trademark or design registrations can<br />
be submitted to the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property<br />
(Eidgenössisches Institut für Geistiges Eigentum, IGE) <strong>in</strong> Berne.<br />
The IGE, the agency responsible <strong>for</strong> commercial protective rights<br />
and copyrights, is a center of competence <strong>for</strong> all aspects of<br />
patents, trademarks, designs, topographies of semiconductor<br />
products, copyrights and other related protective rights. Initial<br />
<strong>in</strong><strong>for</strong>mation about protective rights titles registered <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong><br />
can be accessed via the IGE’s own electronic protective rights<br />
register. As a member of the WTO, <strong>Switzerland</strong> implements the<br />
provisions of the WTO/TRIPS Agreement.
Fig. 16: An overview of trademark rights<br />
Trademark protection Patent protection Design protection Copyright 2<br />
What is protected? Registered symbols that<br />
are misused by third parties<br />
How is the protection<br />
provided?<br />
The trademark is entered<br />
<strong>in</strong>to the trademark register<br />
M<strong>in</strong>imum requirements • Older third party rights<br />
are not violated<br />
• Dist<strong>in</strong>ctive<br />
• Non-descriptive<br />
• Does not violate law and<br />
order and good morals<br />
No protection • Simple symbols<br />
• Abbreviations<br />
• Indications<br />
• Coats of arms<br />
• And more<br />
Exceptions from<br />
protection<br />
Use which is not brandsuitable<br />
Scope of protection Def<strong>in</strong>ed by the symbol<br />
and the list of goods and<br />
services<br />
Duration of protection 10 years (can be extended<br />
as many times as desired)<br />
Popular symbols or<br />
signs<br />
• ® <strong>for</strong> registered trademarks<br />
• TM <strong>for</strong> trademarks<br />
Facultative use, misuse<br />
is liable <strong>for</strong> punishment<br />
Inventions, i.e. technical<br />
solutions <strong>in</strong> technology<br />
Issu<strong>in</strong>g of an <strong>in</strong>vention<br />
patent<br />
• Innovative<br />
• Commercially applicable<br />
• Inventive<br />
• Declaration of the<br />
<strong>in</strong>vention<br />
• Animal breeds and plant<br />
types<br />
• Process <strong>for</strong> diagnosis,<br />
therapy or surgery on<br />
human or animal bodies<br />
• The utilization violates<br />
law and order or good<br />
morals<br />
• Certa<strong>in</strong> bio-technical<br />
<strong>in</strong>ventions<br />
Private use, research and<br />
teach<strong>in</strong>g<br />
The <strong>for</strong>m, the outer design<br />
of an object<br />
Enter<strong>in</strong>g of the design <strong>in</strong>to<br />
the design register<br />
• Innovative<br />
• The overall impression<br />
must considerably differ<br />
from the exist<strong>in</strong>g design<br />
• Does not violate law and<br />
order and good morals<br />
• Exclusively technical<br />
functions<br />
• Ideas and concepts<br />
• Violates federal law (e.g.<br />
protection of coat of<br />
arms) and state agreements<br />
1 Exclud<strong>in</strong>g all applicable costs with the use of a specialist.<br />
2 The Copyright law also specifies the rights of the per<strong>for</strong>m<strong>in</strong>g artist, of the producers of phonogramps and videograms and of the broadcasters.<br />
Update: August 2010. Subject to changes. The latest data is available at www.ige.ch.<br />
Source: Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property (IGE)<br />
Works of literature and<br />
art (<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g computer<br />
programs)<br />
Automatically upon creation<br />
Intellectual creation of<br />
literature and art with <strong>in</strong>dividual<br />
character<br />
• Contents (ideas, concepts)<br />
• Laws, official ord<strong>in</strong>ances<br />
• Verdicts of authorities<br />
• Means of payment<br />
• Patent specifications<br />
Private use, quotes, backup<br />
copies, report<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Def<strong>in</strong>ed by patent claims Def<strong>in</strong>ed by the design Def<strong>in</strong>ed by the specific<br />
work<br />
Max. 20 years 5 years (can be extended 4<br />
times), max. 25 years<br />
+pat+; pat. pend (<strong>in</strong>vention<br />
applied <strong>for</strong> patent)<br />
Facultative use, misuse is<br />
liable <strong>for</strong> punishment<br />
Registration fee (CH) 1 CHF 550 CHF 200 (registration)<br />
CHF 500 (optional research)<br />
CHF 500 (<strong>in</strong>vestigation)<br />
Extension (CH) 1 CHF 550 (10 years) CHF 100 per year <strong>for</strong> the<br />
5 th and 6 th year, CHF 200<br />
<strong>for</strong> the 7 th and 8 th year and<br />
CHF 310 from the 9 th year<br />
Special features Violation of older trademarks<br />
is not checked <strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>Switzerland</strong> (brand research<br />
recommended)<br />
Innovations and <strong>in</strong>novative<br />
work is not checked <strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>Switzerland</strong> (brand research<br />
recommended)<br />
Mod. Dep.<br />
Facultative use, misuse is<br />
liable <strong>for</strong> punishment<br />
CHF 200 (base fee), <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g<br />
the publication of a<br />
design<br />
70 years after the death<br />
of the author (50 years <strong>for</strong><br />
computer programs)<br />
© «Copyright» «All rights<br />
reserved» or similar comments<br />
Facultative use<br />
None<br />
CHF 200 (5 years) None<br />
• Publication can be postponed<br />
<strong>for</strong> 30 months<br />
• Innovations are not<br />
checked <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong><br />
Evaluation companies:<br />
SUISA, SUISSIMAGE,<br />
ProLitteris, SSA, SWISS-<br />
PERFORM<br />
<strong>Handbook</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Investors</strong> 2012<br />
29
The Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property makes <strong>in</strong><strong>for</strong>mation<br />
from the trademark, patent and design register and on<br />
protected topographies available free of charge on the Swissreg<br />
database. Swissreg conta<strong>in</strong>s Swiss trademarks and applications<br />
<strong>for</strong> registration, but not <strong>in</strong>ternational trademarks that could also<br />
lead to protective consequences <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong>. These <strong>in</strong>ternational<br />
trademarks are registered with the World Intellectual<br />
Property Organization (WIPO) <strong>in</strong> Geneva.<br />
Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property (IGE)<br />
www.ige.ch<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian<br />
In<strong>for</strong>mation plat<strong>for</strong>m especially <strong>for</strong> SMEs<br />
kmu.ige.ch<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian<br />
A Guide <strong>for</strong> Innovative and Creative M<strong>in</strong>ds<br />
www.ige.ch/leitfaden<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian<br />
Swiss Trademark Register<br />
www.swissreg.ch<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian<br />
World Intellectual Property Organization WIPO<br />
www.wipo.<strong>in</strong>t<br />
Languages: English, French, Spanish, Ch<strong>in</strong>ese, Russian<br />
30 <strong>Handbook</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Investors</strong> 2012<br />
3.3.1 Patents<br />
Inventions that solve a technical problem by technical means can<br />
be protected with a patent. To be eligible <strong>for</strong> a patent, the <strong>in</strong>vention<br />
must fulfill three basic criteria:<br />
• Commercial application: The <strong>in</strong>vention must be commercially<br />
usable, actually realizable and repeatable.<br />
• Novelty: An <strong>in</strong>vention is considered novel when it is not already<br />
state-of-the-art.<br />
• Non-obviousness: The <strong>in</strong>vention must not be obviously (<strong>for</strong> an<br />
expert) related to the state of the art.<br />
Ideas, lottery or account<strong>in</strong>g systems, therapeutic, surgical, diagnostic<br />
or surgical procedures on humans or animals and plant<br />
species, among other th<strong>in</strong>gs, cannot be patented. Furthermore,<br />
<strong>in</strong>ventions which violate law and order or good morals (e.g. certa<strong>in</strong><br />
biotechnological <strong>in</strong>ventions) cannot be patented.<br />
There are three ways to protect an <strong>in</strong>vention with a patent application<br />
effective <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong>:<br />
• Swiss patent: With national registration, the patent protection<br />
extends to <strong>Switzerland</strong> and the Pr<strong>in</strong>cipality of Liechtenste<strong>in</strong>.<br />
National registrations can be submitted to the IGE <strong>in</strong> any<br />
language. A translation <strong>in</strong> German, French or Italian must, however,<br />
be submitted with<strong>in</strong> a deadl<strong>in</strong>e, if the registration is not<br />
made <strong>in</strong> one of these three languages.<br />
• European patent: The European Patent Convention (EPC)<br />
enables applicants to obta<strong>in</strong> protection <strong>in</strong> the member states of<br />
the EPC, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g <strong>Switzerland</strong>, through a standardized patent<br />
<strong>in</strong>vestigation and grant<strong>in</strong>g procedure.<br />
• International patent: The Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT),<br />
which <strong>Switzerland</strong> has ratified, enables <strong>in</strong>ventors to submit an<br />
<strong>in</strong>ternational registration which then has the same effect as a<br />
national registration <strong>in</strong> all named member states. International<br />
registrations can be submitted to the IGE <strong>in</strong> English.<br />
It takes an average of three to five years between the fil<strong>in</strong>g of a<br />
national application and the grant<strong>in</strong>g of the patent. An accelerated<br />
process is possible upon request. Patents expire after a<br />
maximum of 20 years. A patent costs CHF 200 <strong>for</strong> the application<br />
and CHF 500 <strong>for</strong> the patent <strong>in</strong>vestigation. Annual renewal fees are<br />
payable start<strong>in</strong>g five years after the date of fil<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
As the IGE does not check the criteria regard<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>novation and<br />
<strong>in</strong>ventiveness, it is recommended to use a specialist (e.g. a patent<br />
lawyer) be<strong>for</strong>e apply<strong>in</strong>g <strong>for</strong> a patent. Both criteria can also be
checked after the patent application by optional research about<br />
the state of technology.<br />
<strong>Switzerland</strong> is one of the most active countries <strong>in</strong> the OECD <strong>in</strong><br />
terms of the number of patent applications per <strong>in</strong>habitant.<br />
The European Patent Office<br />
www.epo.org<br />
Languages: German, English, French<br />
Patent lawyers<br />
www.ige.ch/pat-anwalt<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian<br />
Free first consultancy <strong>in</strong> patent issues<br />
www.ige.ch/ip-netz<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian<br />
Patent research<br />
www.ige.ch/recherchen<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian<br />
3.3.2 Brands<br />
Brands are symbols which allow the products of one company to<br />
be differentiated on the market from those of other companies,<br />
thereby allow<strong>in</strong>g consumers to f<strong>in</strong>d a product they appreciate<br />
among the mass of products on offer.<br />
A symbol can be registered as brand if,<br />
• It is recognized by the public as referr<strong>in</strong>g to a company and<br />
its registration does not restrict competitors <strong>in</strong> their economic<br />
development to an unacceptable degree.<br />
• It does not pretend to the public that product has characteristics<br />
it does not.<br />
• It does not violate law and order, good morals, or the applicable<br />
legislation<br />
The IGE <strong>in</strong>vestigates, with<strong>in</strong> the scope of the application process,<br />
whether these requirements have been met. It does not check<br />
whether other symbols, which it could be mistaken with, have<br />
already been entered <strong>in</strong>to the register, or whether any third-party<br />
rights exist, which could be violated by the brand application. It<br />
is there<strong>for</strong>e recommended to carry out research with the IGE or a<br />
private provider be<strong>for</strong>e register<strong>in</strong>g the brand. The registration with<br />
IGE only applies to <strong>Switzerland</strong>. The follow<strong>in</strong>g options are available<br />
<strong>for</strong> protect<strong>in</strong>g the brand abroad:<br />
1) The national registration of the brand <strong>in</strong> the respective countries;<br />
2) The registration of the brand as an (EU) community brand with<br />
protection <strong>in</strong> all the Member States of the EU or<br />
3) International registration accord<strong>in</strong>g to the Madrid system: on<br />
the basis of a national brand, the brand owner can lodge its<br />
brand <strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong>dividual Member States of its choice, with a s<strong>in</strong>gle<br />
application to the World Intellectual Property Organization<br />
(WIPO) <strong>in</strong> Geneva, whereby the <strong>in</strong>vestigation of the protectability<br />
is carried out by the registration authorities <strong>in</strong> the<br />
respective countries.<br />
The brand application is possible <strong>in</strong> electronic <strong>for</strong>m <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong>.<br />
The deposit fee is CHF 550 (plus any class fees). If the symbol<br />
meets the protection requirements, it is normally registered<br />
with<strong>in</strong> a period of max. six months. The ten year brand protection<br />
result<strong>in</strong>g from the registration can be extended by pay<strong>in</strong>g an<br />
extension fee as many times as desired every ten years.<br />
Brand research<br />
www.ip-search.ch<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian<br />
Brand registration<br />
www.e-trademark.ige.ch<br />
Languages: German, French, Italian<br />
<strong>Handbook</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Investors</strong> 2012<br />
31
Brand consultants<br />
www.ige.ch/ma-berater<br />
Languages: German, English, French. Italian<br />
3.3.3 Designs<br />
The design appeals to the senses, triggers feel<strong>in</strong>gs, creates<br />
identification, and creates dist<strong>in</strong>ction. As a result design has also<br />
become a decisive market factor and <strong>for</strong>geries are correspond<strong>in</strong>gly<br />
regular. New commercially manufactured designs with<br />
two-dimensional or three-dimensional features of an aesthetic<br />
nature can be protected by means of registration. The registration<br />
process <strong>for</strong> a design is simple, fast and cheap. A design can<br />
be protected <strong>for</strong> a maximum of 25 years (compris<strong>in</strong>g five 5-year<br />
periods). Based on the Hague Agreement concern<strong>in</strong>g the International<br />
Deposit of Industrial Designs, designs and models can also<br />
be registered <strong>in</strong>ternationally. Because <strong>Switzerland</strong> has ratified this<br />
agreement, the registrant acquires protection <strong>for</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong> as<br />
well.<br />
Plat<strong>for</strong>m aga<strong>in</strong>st <strong>for</strong>geries and piracy<br />
www.stop-piracy.ch<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian<br />
3.3.4 Copyright<br />
Intellectual creations of literature and art with a unique character<br />
can be protected by means of copyright. This <strong>in</strong>cludes literature,<br />
music, pa<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>gs, sculptures, films, operas, ballets and mimes,<br />
but also software. A work is protected by copyright as soon as<br />
it is created. There is no requirement to apply <strong>for</strong> protection or<br />
lodge the work, and no register exists. In <strong>Switzerland</strong>, copyright<br />
protection expires 70 years after the death of the creator, except<br />
<strong>for</strong> software, which is only protected <strong>for</strong> 50 years.<br />
32 <strong>Handbook</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Investors</strong> 2012<br />
3.4 Product provisions and product<br />
liability.<br />
For reasons of health and safety, environmental and consumer<br />
protection and to comply with <strong>in</strong>ternational and national standards,<br />
medic<strong>in</strong>es, cosmetics, clean<strong>in</strong>g agents, electrical appliances,<br />
measur<strong>in</strong>g and weigh<strong>in</strong>g equipment, heat<strong>in</strong>g systems,<br />
pressure conta<strong>in</strong>ers and motorcycles as well as other products<br />
are subject to certa<strong>in</strong> regulations when imported <strong>in</strong>to and sold <strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>Switzerland</strong>.<br />
The law regulates which particular con<strong>for</strong>mity assessment procedures<br />
shall apply, depend<strong>in</strong>g on the product’s hazard potential.<br />
The procedures range from self-imposed checks (e.g. <strong>for</strong><br />
mach<strong>in</strong>es) to assessments by government-approved <strong>in</strong>dependent<br />
con<strong>for</strong>mity assessment centers (e.g. <strong>for</strong> pressure conta<strong>in</strong>ers) to<br />
government licens<strong>in</strong>g (e.g. <strong>for</strong> medic<strong>in</strong>es).<br />
These days most countries impose a raft of technical regulations<br />
and very few products escape the net. At the federal level <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong>,<br />
these regulations are conta<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> more than 30 laws and<br />
more than 160 ord<strong>in</strong>ances. In addition, a few technical regulations<br />
still exist at the cantonal level.<br />
Mutual recognition agreements (MRAs) are a politically important<br />
tool <strong>for</strong> remov<strong>in</strong>g technical trade barriers <strong>in</strong> the state-regulated<br />
sector and are recognized by the World Trade Organization. If the<br />
product regulations <strong>in</strong> two states are of a comparable standard, a<br />
con<strong>for</strong>mity assessment conducted under the export<strong>in</strong>g country’s<br />
regulations is sufficient to allow the product to be distributed <strong>in</strong><br />
the other country. <strong>Switzerland</strong>’s MRA with the European Union is<br />
the most economically important example (CE mark<strong>in</strong>g [Con<strong>for</strong>mité<br />
Européene]).<br />
The health and safety requirements are determ<strong>in</strong>ed by laws and<br />
regulations. Regard<strong>in</strong>g product safety, <strong>Switzerland</strong> has largely<br />
assumed the regulations of the European Union (EU), so that no<br />
more market barriers exist <strong>in</strong> this area <strong>for</strong> exports and imports<br />
from/to the EU.<br />
In addition, s<strong>in</strong>ce July 1, 2010 the so-called Cassis de Dijon<br />
pr<strong>in</strong>ciple applies to the EU. Accord<strong>in</strong>g to this pr<strong>in</strong>ciple, many<br />
products from the EU/EEA, which previously had to be produced,<br />
repacked or relabeled solely <strong>for</strong> the Swiss market, can now be<br />
imported easier and without technical obstacles. The condition<br />
<strong>for</strong> this is that the products meet the regulations of the respec-
tive EU or EEA country and were circulated there lawfully. Chiefly,<br />
Swiss product liability regulations are comparable with those<br />
<strong>in</strong> the European Union – the manufacturer is liable <strong>for</strong> damage<br />
caused by defective goods, irrespective of whether the manufacturer<br />
himself is negligent. In <strong>Switzerland</strong>, liability applies to all<br />
products put <strong>in</strong>to circulation from 1994 onwards.<br />
The follow<strong>in</strong>g sections give further details on the regulations relat<strong>in</strong>g<br />
to a number of important product categories. Due, however,<br />
to the large number of laws and ord<strong>in</strong>ances <strong>in</strong> existence, it is essential<br />
that detailed <strong>in</strong><strong>for</strong>mation be sought <strong>in</strong> specific cases.<br />
Regulations about product safety<br />
www.evd.adm<strong>in</strong>.ch > Topics > Economy > Product Safety<br />
Languages: German, French, Italian<br />
Technical trade obstacles<br />
www.seco.adm<strong>in</strong>.ch > Topics > Foreign Trade<br />
Languages: German, French, Italian<br />
Standards: switec –The Swiss <strong>in</strong><strong>for</strong>mation centre <strong>for</strong><br />
technical regulations<br />
www.snv.ch > Services > Switec-Infocenter<br />
Languages: German, English, French<br />
Accreditation: Swiss Accreditation Office SAS<br />
www.seco.adm<strong>in</strong>.ch/sas<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian<br />
3.4.1 Foodstuffs<br />
The Swiss Ord<strong>in</strong>ance about the Identification and Pric<strong>in</strong>g of<br />
Foodstuffs (LKV) conta<strong>in</strong>s very strict regulations on the <strong>in</strong><strong>for</strong>mation<br />
that must be declared. All <strong>in</strong>gredients must be named and<br />
listed on the packag<strong>in</strong>g or labels of pre-packed foodstuffs <strong>in</strong> descend<strong>in</strong>g<br />
order of quantity. Foodstuffs which are not transcribed<br />
<strong>in</strong> an Ord<strong>in</strong>ance must be authorized by the Federal Office of Public<br />
Health (FOPH). FOPH approval is mandatory <strong>for</strong> foodstuffs,<br />
additives and process<strong>in</strong>g agents which are genetically modified<br />
organisms (GMO), conta<strong>in</strong> such or have been obta<strong>in</strong>ed from such,<br />
and which are <strong>in</strong>tended <strong>for</strong> offer<strong>in</strong>g to consumers. The presence<br />
of GMO is tolerated, if the share <strong>in</strong> an <strong>in</strong>gredient does not exceed<br />
0.9 %. All other products require approval. It is <strong>for</strong>bidden to market<br />
foodstuffs as hav<strong>in</strong>g a therapeutic effect. Nutritional values<br />
and health-related <strong>in</strong><strong>for</strong>mation must conta<strong>in</strong> the legal conditions<br />
as per the Foodstuffs Identification Ord<strong>in</strong>ance (LKV).Products<br />
with a therapeutic effect are medic<strong>in</strong>es and must be authorized<br />
by Swissmedic (see section 3.4.2).<br />
For foodstuffs parliament has passed a special resolution about<br />
the Cassis de Dijon pr<strong>in</strong>ciple: <strong>for</strong>eign foodstuffs which do not<br />
fully meet the technical regulations of <strong>Switzerland</strong>, have to be approved<br />
by the Federal Office of Public Health FOPH.<br />
In<strong>for</strong>mation of the Federal Office of Public Health FOPH<br />
www.bag.adm<strong>in</strong>.ch > Topics > Foodstuffs and commodities<br />
> Foodstuffs<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian<br />
Swiss Foodstuffs Book (SLMB)<br />
www.slmb.bag.adm<strong>in</strong>.ch<br />
Languages: German, French<br />
3.4.2 Pharmaceutical products<br />
The manufacture and sale of medic<strong>in</strong>es is subject to mandatory<br />
licens<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong>. It takes around ten months to license a<br />
new pharmaceutical product with Swissmedic (exclud<strong>in</strong>g company-<strong>in</strong>ternal<br />
process<strong>in</strong>g time), the Swiss Agency <strong>for</strong> Therapeutic<br />
Products, mak<strong>in</strong>g <strong>Switzerland</strong>’s registration process one of the<br />
quickest <strong>in</strong> the world. Normal evaluation of a license application<br />
<strong>Handbook</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Investors</strong> 2012<br />
33
<strong>for</strong> a human medic<strong>in</strong>e with a new active <strong>in</strong>gredient costs<br />
CHF 25,000 (CHF 60,000 under the fast-track procedure).<br />
The licens<strong>in</strong>g requirements are largely comparable with those<br />
<strong>in</strong> the EU, which makes it simple to apply <strong>for</strong> licens<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong><br />
and the EU simultaneously. Swiss registration enjoys<br />
high-level <strong>in</strong>ternational stand<strong>in</strong>g, thanks to the country’s exceptional<br />
scientific reputation, its strict criteria and the large number<br />
of renowned cl<strong>in</strong>ical-test<strong>in</strong>g hospitals. The fast-track procedure<br />
enables fast licens<strong>in</strong>g decisions to be made (with<strong>in</strong> 130 days,<br />
exclud<strong>in</strong>g company-<strong>in</strong>ternal process<strong>in</strong>g time) <strong>for</strong> vital medic<strong>in</strong>es<br />
(e.g. to treat AIDS or Alzheimer’s), despite rigorous test<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
Swiss Agency <strong>for</strong> Therapeutic Products<br />
www.swissmedic.ch<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian<br />
3.4.3 Medical devices<br />
In <strong>Switzerland</strong> the regulation of medical devices is ma<strong>in</strong>ly based on<br />
the Federal Law on Medical Products and Medical Devices (the Ord<strong>in</strong>ance<br />
on Therapeutic Products), the Medical Product Ord<strong>in</strong>ance<br />
and the Ord<strong>in</strong>ance on Cl<strong>in</strong>ical Tests with Therapeutic Products. The<br />
same regulations <strong>for</strong> medical devices apply <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong> as <strong>in</strong> the<br />
EU. Bilateral contracts thereby enable free trade <strong>in</strong> medical devices<br />
of Swiss manufacturers with<strong>in</strong> the European Union, <strong>in</strong> EFTA member<br />
states and Turkey. A medical equipment supplier wish<strong>in</strong>g to sell<br />
their product <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong> must be able to prove to the authorities<br />
that their product meets the fundamental requirements of the EU<br />
Directive, and has undergone a suitable con<strong>for</strong>mity assessment<br />
procedure <strong>in</strong> accordance with EU directives.<br />
Medical devices bear<strong>in</strong>g CE mark<strong>in</strong>g from a recognized European<br />
test office are also deemed to comply with Swiss law, provided all<br />
the product <strong>in</strong><strong>for</strong>mation is provided <strong>in</strong> three languages (German,<br />
French, Italian). A manufacturer <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong> may use CE mark<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>for</strong> their medical devices and sell them on the Swiss market<br />
or export them to the EU, EFTA or Turkey. Some of these states<br />
also demand the registration of certa<strong>in</strong> medical products and<br />
their manufacturers with national authorities, <strong>in</strong> addition to the CE<br />
mark<strong>in</strong>g. Some non-EU states demand export certificates from the<br />
country of orig<strong>in</strong> <strong>for</strong> medical products. Swiss companies can order<br />
these certificates from Swissmedic.<br />
34 <strong>Handbook</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Investors</strong> 2012<br />
Guidel<strong>in</strong>es on the regulation of medical devices<br />
www.swissmedic.ch > Market surveillance > Medical devices<br />
Languages: German, English, French<br />
3.5 Land use plann<strong>in</strong>g and<br />
environmental protection.<br />
3.5.1 Build<strong>in</strong>g and zon<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Thanks to progressive legislation on land use plann<strong>in</strong>g and environmental<br />
protection, densely populated economic areas can<br />
exist <strong>in</strong> harmony with rural and agricultural land. Because of high<br />
population densities, build<strong>in</strong>g development and environmental<br />
awareness have always gone hand <strong>in</strong> hand. Service and <strong>in</strong>dustrial<br />
build<strong>in</strong>gs are erected <strong>in</strong> special zones. Build<strong>in</strong>g and zon<strong>in</strong>g regulations<br />
are governed by cantonal law, and a build<strong>in</strong>g permit must be<br />
obta<strong>in</strong>ed. The duration and scope of this process depend on the<br />
type of <strong>in</strong>vestment be<strong>in</strong>g planned. In the <strong>in</strong>terests of occupational<br />
safety, <strong>in</strong>dustrial build<strong>in</strong>gs, <strong>for</strong> example, require both plann<strong>in</strong>g<br />
consent and an operat<strong>in</strong>g license.<br />
The duration of the build<strong>in</strong>g permit process depends on the type<br />
and complexity of the project. For straight<strong>for</strong>ward build<strong>in</strong>g projects,<br />
such as commercial/<strong>in</strong>dustrial projects with no particular<br />
level of difficulty or requirement <strong>for</strong> supplementary <strong>in</strong>vestigations<br />
or special approvals, it usually takes two to three months. This<br />
assumes that there are no grounds <strong>for</strong> appeal or protests. The<br />
process may vary from canton to canton.<br />
The cantonal economic development agencies (see chapter 15.1)<br />
provide <strong>in</strong><strong>for</strong>mation on commercial land development and available<br />
commercial build<strong>in</strong>gs, as well as on the necessary adm<strong>in</strong>istrative<br />
steps. Their job also <strong>in</strong>volves <strong>in</strong>itiat<strong>in</strong>g and, where necessary,<br />
coord<strong>in</strong>at<strong>in</strong>g this process.<br />
Federal Office <strong>for</strong> Spatial Development ARE<br />
www.are.adm<strong>in</strong>.ch<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian
3.5.2 Environment<br />
Swiss environmental legislation largely con<strong>for</strong>ms to EU rules.<br />
Environmental law and the protective measures this gives rise to<br />
are based on the pr<strong>in</strong>ciple of cooperation. In cooperation with<br />
the bus<strong>in</strong>ess community, solutions are developed to meet both<br />
economic and environmental considerations. The measures<br />
<strong>in</strong>itiated are seen as exemplary around the world. When erect<strong>in</strong>g<br />
and operat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>dustrial and commercial sites, there are a variety<br />
of federal and cantonal decrees to consider. The federal laws<br />
on the protection of the environment, controll<strong>in</strong>g water pollution<br />
and nature and cultural heritage are especially important. The<br />
Environmental Protection Act sets <strong>for</strong>th regulations on air and soil<br />
contam<strong>in</strong>ation, noise, non-ioniz<strong>in</strong>g radiation, waste and environmentally<br />
harmful substances. Based on the pr<strong>in</strong>ciples of «precaution»<br />
and «polluter pays», this act requires environmental damage<br />
to be kept to a m<strong>in</strong>imum and the costs of prevent<strong>in</strong>g damage to<br />
be borne by the polluter. Emissions are limited by means of regulations<br />
on standards, build<strong>in</strong>g, equipment, traffic and operations,<br />
although the technology to be employed is not prescribed. Companies<br />
are granted a specific period of time to undertake remedial<br />
action, thereby allow<strong>in</strong>g them to determ<strong>in</strong>e how and when they<br />
make the necessary <strong>in</strong>vestments.<br />
Environmental impact tests are conducted <strong>for</strong> projects <strong>in</strong>volv<strong>in</strong>g<br />
the plann<strong>in</strong>g, erection or modification of <strong>in</strong>stallations that could<br />
have a serious impact on the environment. Although these tests<br />
are a tool <strong>for</strong> protect<strong>in</strong>g the environment, they only apply to specific<br />
projects as part of the regular build<strong>in</strong>g and plann<strong>in</strong>g consent<br />
process. Projects that require an environmental impact test are<br />
listed <strong>in</strong> the relevant ord<strong>in</strong>ances. Such projects <strong>in</strong>clude transport<br />
systems, power generat<strong>in</strong>g plants and high-pollut<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>dustrial<br />
plants.<br />
Federal Office <strong>for</strong> the Environment (FOEN)<br />
www.bafu.adm<strong>in</strong>.ch<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian<br />
Environmental Impact Assessment EIA<br />
www.bafu.adm<strong>in</strong>.ch/uvp<br />
Languages: German, French, Italian<br />
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35
4. <strong>Switzerland</strong> and Europe.<br />
Culturally and geographically, <strong>Switzerland</strong> lies at the heart of<br />
Europe. Although it is not a member of the European Union,<br />
it shares close economic and political ties with its European<br />
neighbors. A solid foundation of bilateral agreements and a<br />
dynamic European policy <strong>for</strong>m the basis <strong>for</strong> a deep-rooted<br />
political partnership and a substantial amount of economic<br />
<strong>in</strong>tegration, which benefit both the Swiss economy and the<br />
f<strong>in</strong>ancial center, as well as the EU.<br />
4.1 Trade and direct <strong>in</strong>vestments.<br />
<strong>Switzerland</strong> and Europe share close economic ties. As the dest<strong>in</strong>ation<br />
<strong>for</strong> 59 % percent of Swiss exports and with a share of 77 %<br />
of Swiss imports (as per 2010), the EU is by far <strong>Switzerland</strong>’s<br />
most important trad<strong>in</strong>g partner. For its part, <strong>Switzerland</strong> was the<br />
EU’s second largest customer <strong>in</strong> 2009 (8.1 % of all exports) after<br />
the USA, and the fourth-largest supplier of goods (6.2 % of all<br />
imports). In 2010, 33.9 % of Swiss direct <strong>in</strong>vestments were made<br />
<strong>in</strong> the EU.<br />
With the exception of agricultural and food products, there are<br />
no restrictions on trade between <strong>Switzerland</strong> and the members<br />
of the EU. Goods with a certificate of orig<strong>in</strong> from one of the 31<br />
member states of the EU and EFTA (<strong>Switzerland</strong> belongs to the<br />
latter, along with Iceland, Liechtenste<strong>in</strong> and Norway) can circulate<br />
freely without quotas and customs barriers. In addition to the free<br />
exchange of goods with the EU, there is also a strongly liberalized<br />
labor market (<strong>for</strong> example <strong>for</strong> specialists, researchers and managers),<br />
and a somewhat liberalized trade of services.<br />
36 <strong>Handbook</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Investors</strong> 2012<br />
Eurostat Statistical Office of the European Union<br />
www.epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu<br />
Languages: German, English, French<br />
Professional mobility <strong>in</strong> Europe<br />
www.swissemigration.ch > Topics > European Employment<br />
Services<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian.<br />
Source: www.europa.adm<strong>in</strong>.ch<br />
4.2 Political and economic<br />
cooperation.<br />
For numerous Swiss companies, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g branches of <strong>for</strong>eign<br />
firms, the European market is very important. Various agreements<br />
to liberalize the market create almost equal access to the European<br />
common market under stable framework conditions. These<br />
agreements make it possible <strong>for</strong> companies from <strong>Switzerland</strong> to<br />
better tap and work a market of almost 500 million consumers.<br />
With the extension of these bilateral agreements to the new EU<br />
member states, <strong>Switzerland</strong> ga<strong>in</strong>s access to the growth markets<br />
of Eastern Europe.
The bilateral agreements between <strong>Switzerland</strong> and the EU have<br />
been broadly expanded. Various barriers to market access were<br />
elim<strong>in</strong>ated by the Free Trade Agreement of 1972 and the Bilateral<br />
Agreements I of 1999. Bilateral I <strong>in</strong>cludes agreements cover<strong>in</strong>g<br />
technical barriers to trade, public procurement, the free movement<br />
of persons, agriculture, research, and overland and air<br />
transport. Bilateral II, the second round of more extensive agreements<br />
of 2004, <strong>in</strong>cludes additional economic advantages as well<br />
as cross-border cooperation <strong>in</strong> other political areas. The follow<strong>in</strong>g<br />
sections expla<strong>in</strong> the most important agreements and their<br />
significance.<br />
European website of the federal government<br />
www.europa.adm<strong>in</strong>.ch<br />
Languages: German, English, French<br />
4.2.1 Free movement of persons<br />
With the Swiss-EU Freedom of Movement Agreement (FZA), the<br />
basic rules <strong>for</strong> the freedom of movement of people, as they are<br />
applied <strong>in</strong> the EU, are gradually <strong>in</strong>troduced <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong> and the<br />
EU. Citizens of <strong>Switzerland</strong> and the EU States have the right to<br />
choose their place of work and residence with<strong>in</strong> the territory of<br />
the contractual partners. The prerequisite is that they have a valid<br />
employment contract, are self-employed or – if they are unable<br />
to work – can provide evidence that that have adequate f<strong>in</strong>ancial<br />
resources and have comprehensive medical <strong>in</strong>surance. The<br />
agreement also liberalizes the per<strong>for</strong>mance of services by <strong>in</strong>dividuals<br />
<strong>for</strong> up to 90 days per calendar year. Service providers can<br />
there<strong>for</strong>e per<strong>for</strong>m their service <strong>in</strong> a guest country <strong>for</strong> a maximum<br />
of 90 work<strong>in</strong>g days.<br />
This freedom of movement of people is re<strong>in</strong><strong>for</strong>ced by the mutual<br />
recognition of vocational qualifications and the coord<strong>in</strong>ation of<br />
the national social <strong>in</strong>surance systems. Thanks to the agreement,<br />
the Swiss economy can recruit employees <strong>in</strong> the EU region, <strong>in</strong><br />
areas where the Swiss economy is lack<strong>in</strong>g, and use the education<br />
and tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g facilities there. The agreement boosts the efficiency<br />
of the labor market and promotes the availability of highly qualified<br />
personnel. The free movement of people also, of course,<br />
works <strong>in</strong> the other direction: Swiss nationals can also work and<br />
take up residence freely <strong>in</strong> the EU. At the moment around 430,000<br />
Swiss people, which comprises around 60 % of all Swiss abroad,<br />
live <strong>in</strong> the EU.<br />
The agreement specifies transition periods. Dur<strong>in</strong>g these periods<br />
the immigration restrictions, such as preference of national<br />
residence and temporary control of the wage and employment<br />
conditions, can be ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong>ed and the number of residence permits<br />
can be limited (quotas). After the expiry of the quota regulation<br />
the agreement also allows, based on a safeguard clause,<br />
the number of residence permits to be limited aga<strong>in</strong> <strong>for</strong> a period<br />
of time, if there is an undesirably large, above-average level of<br />
immigration. The transition regulations guarantee a gradual and<br />
controlled open<strong>in</strong>g of the labor markets, while <strong>in</strong> addition the accompany<strong>in</strong>g<br />
measures to counter wage and social dump<strong>in</strong>g also<br />
apply.<br />
• The quota regulations <strong>for</strong> the 15 «old» EU States (the EU 15)<br />
and Malta and Cyprus, as well as <strong>for</strong> the eight Eastern European<br />
countries (EU 8) who jo<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> 2004, were lifted on June<br />
1, 2007 and May 1, 2011 respectively. There is still, however, a<br />
safeguard clause <strong>in</strong> place until May 31, 2014.<br />
• For Bulgaria and Romania, who jo<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> 2007, the option of<br />
impos<strong>in</strong>g immigration restrictions has been stipulated until May<br />
31, 2016 at the latest. After the lift<strong>in</strong>g of these restrictions a<br />
safeguard clause also applies to both countries until May 31,<br />
2019 at the latest.<br />
4.2.2 Schengen Agreement<br />
The Schengen cooperation has made travel easier, by abolish<strong>in</strong>g<br />
identity checks at the borders between Schengen countries<br />
(<strong>in</strong>ternal borders). At the same time a range of measures have<br />
improved <strong>in</strong>ternational cooperation between courts and the police<br />
<strong>in</strong> the fight aga<strong>in</strong>st crime. This cooperation <strong>in</strong>cludes safety measures<br />
such as strengthened controls on the Schengen external<br />
borders, <strong>in</strong>creased cross-border police cooperation, <strong>for</strong> example<br />
through the European search system SIS, or more efficient cooperation<br />
between judicial authorities. The Schengen visa is also<br />
valid <strong>for</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong>. Tourists from India, Ch<strong>in</strong>a, Russia or other<br />
countries that require a visa no longer need an additional Swiss<br />
visa <strong>for</strong> a short visit to <strong>Switzerland</strong> dur<strong>in</strong>g their travel through Europe,<br />
which <strong>in</strong>creases <strong>Switzerland</strong>’s attractiveness as a vacation<br />
dest<strong>in</strong>ation.<br />
4.2.3 Elim<strong>in</strong>ation of technical barriers to trade<br />
For most <strong>in</strong>dustrial products, con<strong>for</strong>mity evaluations – such as<br />
tests, certificates and product approvals – are mutually recognized.<br />
Re-certification upon export to the EU is no longer necessary<br />
because product <strong>in</strong>spections by Swiss test<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>stitutes<br />
recognized by the EU are sufficient. Accord<strong>in</strong>gly, double <strong>in</strong>spection<br />
accord<strong>in</strong>g to Swiss and EU requirements is elim<strong>in</strong>ated. In<br />
<strong>Handbook</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Investors</strong> 2012<br />
37
areas where EU and Swiss regulations differ and two con<strong>for</strong>mity<br />
certificates are still required, both can be issued by the Swiss<br />
test<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>stitute. This process simplifies adm<strong>in</strong>istrative procedures,<br />
reduces costs and strengthens the competitive position of<br />
the export <strong>in</strong>dustry.<br />
4.2.4 Research<br />
Swiss research <strong>in</strong>stitutes, universities, the private sector and<br />
<strong>in</strong>dividuals can fully participate <strong>in</strong> all of EU’s Framework Research<br />
Programs (FRP), provid<strong>in</strong>g the country with scientific, technological<br />
and economic benefits. The FRPs are the ma<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong>strument<br />
of the European Union to implement their common science and<br />
technology policy. The funds <strong>for</strong> the 7th FRP comprise around<br />
EUR 54.6 billion <strong>for</strong> the seven-year term (2007 – 2013). The core<br />
areas of research of the 7th FRP <strong>in</strong>clude <strong>in</strong><strong>for</strong>mation and communication<br />
technology, health, energy, nanotechnology, the environment<br />
and basic research, areas <strong>in</strong> which Swiss research has high<br />
competencies <strong>in</strong> comparison with Europe. Private <strong>in</strong>dustry is able<br />
to participate as well, which means Swiss researchers can implement<br />
and manage their own projects. Small and medium-sized<br />
Swiss companies with experience <strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong>ternational cooperation will<br />
have unhampered access to EU know-how, which they can utilize<br />
<strong>in</strong> the market.<br />
4.2.5 Rail, road and air transport<br />
The bilateral agreements with the EU have regulated the open<strong>in</strong>g<br />
of passenger and freight transport by road and rail. Charges<br />
based on the «polluter pays» pr<strong>in</strong>ciple were <strong>in</strong>troduced at the<br />
same time. Network access <strong>in</strong> the EU is <strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>g the competitiveness<br />
of the railways and open<strong>in</strong>g up new market opportunities<br />
<strong>for</strong> Swiss transport companies. Swiss airl<strong>in</strong>es have access to<br />
the liberalized European air transport market, subject to mutual<br />
concessions, putt<strong>in</strong>g them on a more or less equal foot<strong>in</strong>g with<br />
their European counterparts. Duty-free sales at Swiss airports or<br />
on flights to and from <strong>Switzerland</strong> are still available.<br />
4.2.6 Public procurement<br />
Based on the comprehensive plurilateral agreements between<br />
the 40 current member states on the public procurement of the<br />
World Trade Organization of April 15, 1994 (GPA), an <strong>in</strong>ternational<br />
request <strong>for</strong> a proposal <strong>for</strong> the procurement of goods and services<br />
and construction projects by certa<strong>in</strong> clients over a certa<strong>in</strong> amount<br />
– termed the threshold value – must be made <strong>in</strong> order to promote<br />
transparency and competition with<strong>in</strong> public procurement. Based<br />
on the agreement on public procurement, the scope of application<br />
of the WTO rules has been extended. This now comprises<br />
38 <strong>Handbook</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Investors</strong> 2012<br />
procurement by districts and communities, procurement by<br />
public and private clients <strong>in</strong> the sectors rail transport, gas and<br />
water supply as well as procurement by private companies that<br />
operate on the basis of a special or exclusive right, which they<br />
have received from authorities operat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the sectors of dr<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g<br />
water and power supply, municipal transportation, airports as<br />
well as river and maritime navigation. The agreement provides <strong>for</strong><br />
the option of remov<strong>in</strong>g procurement or commission<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> certa<strong>in</strong><br />
sectors, <strong>in</strong> which there is verifiable competition, from the scope<br />
of application. Accord<strong>in</strong>gly, the telecommunication sector was<br />
already removed <strong>in</strong> 2002.<br />
The rules <strong>for</strong> commission<strong>in</strong>g are based on three pr<strong>in</strong>ciples:<br />
• Equal treatment of all providers (non-discrim<strong>in</strong>ation)<br />
• Transparency of the process<br />
• Right of recourse aga<strong>in</strong>st decisions with<strong>in</strong> the scope of the<br />
tender and award<strong>in</strong>g process (above certa<strong>in</strong> threshold values).<br />
The public sector and affected companies are obliged to issue<br />
and carry out tenders <strong>for</strong> procurement and orders, which exceed<br />
a certa<strong>in</strong> threshold level, <strong>in</strong> accordance with WTO regulations. In<br />
pr<strong>in</strong>ciple the most economic or best value offer has to be selected,<br />
as long as the offered goods or services are of a comparable<br />
level. The selection criteria can, however, also be the lead times,<br />
the quality of service or environmental friendl<strong>in</strong>ess. The client can<br />
also def<strong>in</strong>e requirements <strong>for</strong> the observance of regional or sectorwide<br />
wage and work<strong>in</strong>g conditions. Public tenders by the federal<br />
government and cantons are posted on an electronic <strong>in</strong><strong>for</strong>mation<br />
system. With regard to the considerable expenses <strong>in</strong>curred by<br />
the public sector <strong>in</strong> the EU and <strong>Switzerland</strong>, this further open<strong>in</strong>g<br />
of the procurement market creates opportunities <strong>for</strong> the export<br />
<strong>in</strong>dustry (e.g. mach<strong>in</strong>e construction) and the services sector<br />
(e.g. eng<strong>in</strong>eer<strong>in</strong>g and architecture companies). Furthermore, the<br />
<strong>in</strong>creased competition among providers at reduced prices leads<br />
to considerable sav<strong>in</strong>gs <strong>for</strong> the states issu<strong>in</strong>g the orders.<br />
Public procurement <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong><br />
www.simap.ch<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian
4.2.7 Trade <strong>in</strong> agricultural products<br />
The agreement on processed agricultural products governs trade<br />
<strong>in</strong> products from the foodstuffs <strong>in</strong>dustry (e.g. chocolate, cookies<br />
and pasta). The EU does not impose import or export duties on<br />
trade with <strong>Switzerland</strong>. In response, <strong>Switzerland</strong> has reduced its<br />
import and export duties accord<strong>in</strong>gly. There is free trade of sugar<br />
and of products which do not conta<strong>in</strong> any raw materials besides<br />
sugar, which are relevant to agricultural policy. The simplification<br />
of technical regulations is still beneficial to consumers and will<br />
<strong>in</strong>crease opportunities <strong>for</strong> export<strong>in</strong>g quality agricultural products. A<br />
comprehensive agreement on the agricultural and foodstuffs sector<br />
is still be<strong>in</strong>g negotiated, which should fully open the markets <strong>for</strong><br />
agricultural products and foodstuffs <strong>for</strong> both sides. The agreement<br />
would lift both tariff barriers to trade (such as duties and quotas) as<br />
well as non-tariff barriers (such as various product regulations and<br />
import requirements). This lift<strong>in</strong>g will confront the agriculture sector<br />
with considerable challenges. To ensure that the new market opportunities<br />
are seized and the affected sectors can be supported <strong>in</strong><br />
the new market situation, free trade should be <strong>in</strong>troduced gradually<br />
and supported by accompany<strong>in</strong>g measures.<br />
4.2.8 Taxation of sav<strong>in</strong>gs <strong>in</strong>come<br />
In order to tax the sav<strong>in</strong>gs <strong>in</strong>come of EU citizens liv<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong>,<br />
Swiss banks operate a system of tax retention on sav<strong>in</strong>gs<br />
<strong>in</strong>come of 35 %. Three quarters of the receipts from this tax are<br />
paid out to EU countries. This withhold<strong>in</strong>g tax guarantees bank<strong>in</strong>g<br />
secrecy. Related companies with their pr<strong>in</strong>cipal base <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong>,<br />
as well as subsidiaries <strong>in</strong> EU member states, no longer pay<br />
withhold<strong>in</strong>g tax on payments of dividends, <strong>in</strong>terest and license<br />
fees. This <strong>in</strong>creases <strong>Switzerland</strong>’s appeal as a bus<strong>in</strong>ess location.<br />
4.3 The euro.<br />
Even though the official currency of <strong>Switzerland</strong> is the Swiss franc,<br />
the euro is an accepted <strong>for</strong>m of payment at practically all hotels and<br />
<strong>in</strong> many bus<strong>in</strong>esses. Swiss banks and exchanges offer euro accounts,<br />
and cash withdrawals <strong>in</strong> euros are possible at most ATMs.<br />
The Swiss f<strong>in</strong>ancial center is set up to conduct all bank transactions<br />
<strong>in</strong> euros. Due to its location <strong>in</strong> the heart of the European Monetary<br />
Union and the fact that the EU is its largest trad<strong>in</strong>g partner, the euro<br />
is extremely important <strong>for</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong>. This is particularly the case<br />
<strong>in</strong> the tourism sector and <strong>for</strong> companies active <strong>in</strong> the import/export<br />
bus<strong>in</strong>ess.<br />
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39
5. Establish<strong>in</strong>g and manag<strong>in</strong>g a company.<br />
Establish<strong>in</strong>g a company can be done quickly and easily. Numerous<br />
official and private organizations assist entrepreneurs<br />
<strong>in</strong> select<strong>in</strong>g the appropriate legal <strong>for</strong>m <strong>for</strong> their company and<br />
can provide advice and support. The federal government’s<br />
various websites offer a wide range of <strong>in</strong><strong>for</strong>mation on all<br />
aspects of the company <strong>for</strong>mation process – from bus<strong>in</strong>ess<br />
plan to official registration.<br />
5.1 Corporate structures.<br />
Economic freedom, which is guaranteed under the Swiss Constitution,<br />
allows anyone, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g <strong>for</strong>eign nationals, to operate a bus<strong>in</strong>ess<br />
<strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong>, to <strong>for</strong>m a company or to hold an <strong>in</strong>terest <strong>in</strong><br />
one. No approval by the authorities, no membership of chambers<br />
of commerce or professional associations and no annual report<strong>in</strong>g<br />
of operat<strong>in</strong>g figures are required to establish a bus<strong>in</strong>ess. However,<br />
<strong>for</strong>eign nationals must have both work and residence permits<br />
<strong>in</strong> order to conduct a bus<strong>in</strong>ess personally on a permanent basis.<br />
Swiss law dist<strong>in</strong>guishes between the follow<strong>in</strong>g types of bus<strong>in</strong>ess<br />
entities: partnership-type un<strong>in</strong>corporated companies (sole proprietorship,<br />
limited partnership or general partnership) and capitalbased<br />
<strong>in</strong>corporated companies (stock corporation or AG, limited<br />
liability company or GmbH). The «limited partnership <strong>for</strong> collective<br />
<strong>in</strong>vestment» (KkK) corresponds to the «limited partnership» <strong>for</strong>m<br />
common <strong>in</strong> English-speak<strong>in</strong>g countries. The legal <strong>for</strong>m referred to<br />
as GmbH & Co. KG, which is common <strong>in</strong> Germany and Austria,<br />
does not exist <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong>.<br />
40 <strong>Handbook</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Investors</strong> 2012<br />
The appropriate <strong>for</strong>m of bus<strong>in</strong>ess entity <strong>for</strong> a <strong>for</strong>eign company<br />
establish<strong>in</strong>g a location <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong> depends on many factors,<br />
<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g the nature and time horizon of the bus<strong>in</strong>ess, general<br />
legal and tax conditions, and the strategic goals of management<br />
(headquarters, production facility, sales office, f<strong>in</strong>ancial or<br />
service company, etc.). Companies and private <strong>in</strong>dividuals from<br />
<strong>for</strong>eign countries are allowed to determ<strong>in</strong>e the legal <strong>for</strong>m that is<br />
right <strong>for</strong> their bus<strong>in</strong>ess. This requires careful evaluation, <strong>in</strong> which<br />
tax considerations play a crucial role. It is there<strong>for</strong>e advisable to<br />
engage an advisor or consultant familiar with the Swiss legal and<br />
tax system at an early stage <strong>in</strong> the process.<br />
The follow<strong>in</strong>g basic options are available <strong>for</strong> establish<strong>in</strong>g a bus<strong>in</strong>ess<br />
<strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong>:<br />
• Form<strong>in</strong>g an un<strong>in</strong>corporated or <strong>in</strong>corporated company<br />
• Sett<strong>in</strong>g up a branch office<br />
• Acquir<strong>in</strong>g an exist<strong>in</strong>g company <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong> (either un<strong>in</strong>corporated<br />
or <strong>in</strong>corporated)<br />
• Formation of a jo<strong>in</strong>t venture (un<strong>in</strong>corporated or <strong>in</strong>corporated<br />
company)<br />
• Form<strong>in</strong>g a strategic alliance with or without an equity <strong>in</strong>terest<br />
The most common choices <strong>for</strong> a <strong>for</strong>eign company located <strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>Switzerland</strong> are subsidiaries (<strong>in</strong> the <strong>for</strong>m of a stock corporation or<br />
limited liability company, i.e. an AG or GmbH) and branch offices.<br />
The newly created limited partnership <strong>for</strong> collective <strong>in</strong>vestment is<br />
also an attractive option <strong>for</strong> risk capital.
The follow<strong>in</strong>g criteria are crucial when select<strong>in</strong>g the right <strong>for</strong>m of<br />
bus<strong>in</strong>ess entity:<br />
• Capital: organization or <strong>in</strong>corporation expenses, capital needed<br />
and m<strong>in</strong>imum capital required<br />
• Risk/liability: the higher the entrepreneurial risk or f<strong>in</strong>ancial<br />
<strong>in</strong>vestment, the more advisable it is to select a limited liability<br />
<strong>for</strong>m of company<br />
• Independence: freedom of action may be restricted depend<strong>in</strong>g<br />
on the corporate structure<br />
• Taxes: the bus<strong>in</strong>ess <strong>in</strong>come and assets of the company or<br />
owner(s) are taxed either separately or together, depend<strong>in</strong>g on<br />
the corporate structure<br />
• Social security: certa<strong>in</strong> social <strong>in</strong>surance plans are obligatory,<br />
voluntary or non-existent, depend<strong>in</strong>g on the legal <strong>for</strong>m<br />
Swiss government SME portal<br />
www.kmu.adm<strong>in</strong>.ch<br />
Languages: German, French, Italian<br />
5.1.1 Stock corporation (AG)<br />
The stock corporation – Aktiengesellschaft (AG) <strong>in</strong> German, Société<br />
anonyme (SA) <strong>in</strong> French and Società anonima (SA) <strong>in</strong> Italian<br />
– is a jo<strong>in</strong>t stock company (corporation limited by shares) similar<br />
to a corporation <strong>in</strong> the United States or a public limited company<br />
<strong>in</strong> the UK. It is the most important and most common type of corporate<br />
structure <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong>. In addition, it is often chosen by<br />
<strong>for</strong>eign companies as the legal <strong>for</strong>m <strong>for</strong> their Swiss subsidiaries.<br />
The AG is a dist<strong>in</strong>ct legal entity (with its own legal personality),<br />
and its liability is limited to company assets. The registered share<br />
capital is determ<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> advance and subdivided <strong>in</strong>to shares. The<br />
AG is an appropriate legal <strong>for</strong>m not just <strong>for</strong> large companies but<br />
also <strong>for</strong> small and medium-sized bus<strong>in</strong>esses. It is the customary<br />
legal <strong>for</strong>m <strong>for</strong> hold<strong>in</strong>g companies and f<strong>in</strong>ancial enterprises.<br />
A stock corporation can be founded by one or more <strong>in</strong>dividuals<br />
or legal entities, whereby at least one person has to be a shareholder.<br />
The share capital must be at least CHF 100,000. In order<br />
to found a stock corporation at least CHF 50,000 must have been<br />
paid <strong>in</strong>, while the <strong>in</strong>crease <strong>in</strong> stock capital to at least CHF 100,000<br />
has to be paid <strong>in</strong> fully at a later date.<br />
The AG’s supreme body is the board of directors. It consists of<br />
one or more members, who are not required to be shareholders.<br />
There are no requirements regard<strong>in</strong>g the nationality or legal<br />
residence of the directors. At least one member (of the board<br />
of directors or the executive board) authorized to represent the<br />
company must reside <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong>. The compensation paid to<br />
the members of an AG’s board of directors varies widely depend<strong>in</strong>g<br />
on the <strong>in</strong>dustry, size of the company and sales revenue. The<br />
average fee <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong> <strong>for</strong> a member of the board of directors<br />
<strong>in</strong> companies with up to 1,000 employees is about CHF 26,000<br />
per annum. The most common <strong>for</strong>ms of compensation are annual<br />
lump-sum payments and reimbursement of expenses. On average<br />
the board of directors <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong> consists of 3.6 people.<br />
5.1.2 Limited liability company (GmbH)<br />
A limited liability company (GmbH) is a separate bus<strong>in</strong>ess entity<br />
with its own legal personality. It can be <strong>for</strong>med by one or more<br />
<strong>in</strong>dividuals or commercial companies, and its stated capital<br />
(nom<strong>in</strong>al capital) is specified <strong>in</strong> advance. Each shareholder has an<br />
<strong>in</strong>terest <strong>in</strong> the nom<strong>in</strong>al capital <strong>in</strong> the <strong>for</strong>m of one or more nom<strong>in</strong>al<br />
shares hav<strong>in</strong>g a nom<strong>in</strong>al value of at least CHF 100. The nom<strong>in</strong>al<br />
capital must total at least CHF 20,000 and must be fully paid <strong>in</strong>.<br />
A nom<strong>in</strong>al share can be easily transferred <strong>in</strong> writ<strong>in</strong>g. The owner of<br />
the <strong>in</strong>vested capital must, however, be entered <strong>in</strong> the commercial<br />
register. Essentially all shareholders are entitled to jo<strong>in</strong>t management<br />
of the company, whereby at least one of them must have<br />
their place of residence <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong>.<br />
The GmbH is an attractive alternative to the stock corporation,<br />
<strong>in</strong> particular <strong>for</strong> small and medium-sized enterprises. Due to the<br />
fact that a board of directors is not required, the structural costs<br />
of a GmbH can be kept comparatively low. On the other hand this<br />
means that the whole responsibility is concentrated on the Manag<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Director. Depend<strong>in</strong>g on the size, there is only one limited<br />
audit<strong>in</strong>g obligation. In addition the GmbH has the advantage of<br />
less share capital compared to an AG, but the disadvantage of<br />
the lack of anonymity: each shareholder, even those who jo<strong>in</strong> the<br />
company at a later date, is publicized.<br />
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41
Fig. 17: Overview of legal <strong>for</strong>ms<br />
Formation<br />
requirements<br />
Sole proprietorship General partnership Jo<strong>in</strong>t stock company<br />
(AG)<br />
Self-employment,<br />
economic activity as a<br />
means of permanent<br />
ga<strong>in</strong>ful employment<br />
Purpose Small bus<strong>in</strong>esses, activities<br />
carried out by s<strong>in</strong>gle<br />
<strong>in</strong>dividuals (e.g. artists)<br />
Name • Last name of the<br />
owner (with or without<br />
first name)<br />
• Additional words possible<br />
(activity, <strong>in</strong>vented<br />
name, etc.)<br />
Legal nature Sole property of the<br />
firm's owner<br />
Entry <strong>in</strong> the<br />
commercial<br />
register<br />
Mandatory <strong>for</strong> bus<strong>in</strong>esses<br />
pursu<strong>in</strong>g commercial<br />
aims (otherwise: optional)<br />
Founders One <strong>in</strong>dividual is the sole<br />
proprietor<br />
Executive<br />
bodies<br />
42 <strong>Handbook</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Investors</strong> 2012<br />
Sign<strong>in</strong>g of articles of<br />
partnership (<strong>in</strong><strong>for</strong>mal)<br />
If no commercial activity<br />
is pursued, the partnership<br />
does not become<br />
a legal entity until it is<br />
entered <strong>in</strong> the commercial<br />
register<br />
Small, permanent bus<strong>in</strong>esses<br />
center<strong>in</strong>g on<br />
specific <strong>in</strong>dividuals<br />
• Last name of at least<br />
one partner with a<br />
suffix <strong>in</strong>dicat<strong>in</strong>g the<br />
relationship between<br />
the partners<br />
• Additional words possible<br />
(activity, <strong>in</strong>vented<br />
name, etc.)<br />
Public act of sign<strong>in</strong>g<br />
when company is<br />
founded, adoption of articles<br />
of <strong>in</strong>corporation or<br />
association, appo<strong>in</strong>tment<br />
of a board of directors,<br />
appo<strong>in</strong>tment of auditors<br />
(unless dispensed with<br />
pursuant to CO 727a II)<br />
Entry <strong>in</strong> the commercial<br />
register<br />
Suitable <strong>for</strong> almost all<br />
types of <strong>for</strong>-profit bus<strong>in</strong>esses<br />
• Freely chosen (personal<br />
names, activity,<br />
<strong>in</strong>vented names, etc.)<br />
• The legal <strong>for</strong>m must<br />
be <strong>in</strong>cluded <strong>in</strong> the<br />
company name<br />
Limited liability<br />
company (GmbH)<br />
Public act of sign<strong>in</strong>g<br />
when company is founded,<br />
adoption of articles<br />
of <strong>in</strong>corporation or association,<br />
appo<strong>in</strong>tment of<br />
a board of management<br />
and representatives,<br />
appo<strong>in</strong>tment of auditors<br />
(unless dispensed with<br />
pursuant to CO 727a II)<br />
Entry <strong>in</strong> the commercial<br />
register<br />
Small bus<strong>in</strong>esses center<strong>in</strong>g<br />
on <strong>in</strong>dividuals<br />
• Freely chosen (personal<br />
names, activity,<br />
<strong>in</strong>vented names, etc.)<br />
• The legal <strong>for</strong>m must<br />
be <strong>in</strong>cluded <strong>in</strong> the<br />
company name<br />
Branch office<br />
Entry <strong>in</strong> the commercial<br />
register<br />
Partnership Legal entity Legal entity Legal entity<br />
Mandatory <strong>for</strong> bus<strong>in</strong>esses<br />
pursu<strong>in</strong>g commercial<br />
aims<br />
Becomes a legal entity<br />
upon entry <strong>in</strong> the CR<br />
Two or more <strong>in</strong>dividuals At least one shareholder<br />
(<strong>in</strong>dividual or legal entity)<br />
None Partners • Annual general<br />
meet<strong>in</strong>g<br />
• Board of directors (at<br />
least 1 member)<br />
Becomes a legal entity<br />
upon entry <strong>in</strong> the CR<br />
At least one shareholder<br />
(<strong>in</strong>dividual or legal entity)<br />
• General meet<strong>in</strong>g of<br />
shareholders<br />
• Management (a m<strong>in</strong>imum<br />
of 1 member)<br />
<strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> operation<br />
that is legally part of a<br />
ma<strong>in</strong> enterprise but has<br />
a degree of economic<br />
<strong>in</strong>dependence<br />
• The same name as<br />
ma<strong>in</strong> company<br />
• Special extra words<br />
permitted<br />
• If the ma<strong>in</strong> company<br />
is <strong>for</strong>eign: the place<br />
where the ma<strong>in</strong><br />
company is registered,<br />
place of the branch<br />
office<br />
• Specification of legal<br />
<strong>for</strong>m<br />
Entry is mandatory<br />
Ma<strong>in</strong> company (head<br />
office)<br />
• Bodies of the ma<strong>in</strong><br />
company<br />
• Management by own<br />
manager; authorized<br />
representative resid<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong><br />
Auditors May be appo<strong>in</strong>ted May be appo<strong>in</strong>ted Yes, unless dispensed with as per CO 727a II, depend<strong>in</strong>g on size: atta<strong>in</strong>ment of<br />
two of the three follow<strong>in</strong>g measures <strong>in</strong> two consecutive fiscal years:<br />
• Total assets of CHF 10 million;<br />
• Sales of CHF 20 million;<br />
• An average work<strong>for</strong>ce of 50 or more over the year
Sole proprietorship General partnership Jo<strong>in</strong>t stock company<br />
(AG)<br />
Liability Unlimited liability of the<br />
proprietor with personal<br />
assets<br />
M<strong>in</strong>imum<br />
capital<br />
Consult<strong>in</strong>g<br />
costs, <strong>for</strong>mation,<br />
registration,<br />
public<br />
notary<br />
Primary liability to the<br />
level of company assets<br />
(capital); subsidiary jo<strong>in</strong>t<br />
and several unlimited<br />
liability of each partner<br />
with personal assets<br />
Liability limited exclusively<br />
to company<br />
assets; each shareholder<br />
is solely obliged to pay<br />
<strong>in</strong> his/her/its share of the<br />
share capital (payment<br />
under subscription)<br />
No stipulations No stipulations M<strong>in</strong>imum: CHF 100,000,<br />
m<strong>in</strong>imum paid <strong>in</strong>:<br />
CHF 50,000<br />
CHF 700 – 1,200 CHF 2,400 – 4,400 From CHF 1,900<br />
(electronic)<br />
From CHF 7,000<br />
(traditional)<br />
(see chapter 5.4.3)<br />
Advantages • Simple and <strong>in</strong>expensive <strong>for</strong>mation procedure<br />
• Few <strong>for</strong>mal requirements<br />
• Shareholders can take on roles <strong>in</strong> the govern<strong>in</strong>g<br />
bodies<br />
• No double taxation (only the <strong>in</strong>come of the<br />
shareholders is taxed, as the company is not a<br />
legal entity)<br />
• Suitable <strong>for</strong> very small companies<br />
Disadvantages<br />
• Partners have unlimited liability<br />
• Ownership shares are difficult to transfer<br />
• No anonymity, the partners have to be named and<br />
entered <strong>in</strong> the commercial register<br />
• Access to the capital market is more difficult<br />
• The social <strong>in</strong>surance premiums must be paid<br />
Source: Own diagram Generis AG, Schaffhausen<br />
Limited liability<br />
company (GmbH)<br />
Liability limited exclusively<br />
to company's<br />
assets: optional limited<br />
liability to make further<br />
contributions accord<strong>in</strong>g<br />
to articles of association;<br />
liability only <strong>for</strong> further<br />
contributions l<strong>in</strong>ked to<br />
own share <strong>in</strong> equity<br />
• Limited liability and risk capital<br />
• Company shares are easily transferable<br />
• Regulated representation rights<br />
• Foreign nationals may hold all stocks or shares<br />
(however: at least one person must be resident of<br />
<strong>Switzerland</strong>, who can handle all legal matters)<br />
• Easier access to the capital market<br />
• Suitable <strong>for</strong> more capital-<strong>in</strong>tensive bus<strong>in</strong>esses<br />
• The company is a Swiss company<br />
• Anonymity of shareholders<br />
– no disclosure<br />
obligation<br />
• Unlimited share capital<br />
• Limitation of the<br />
shareholders’ obligation<br />
to contribute additional<br />
capital<br />
• Simple <strong>in</strong>heritance<br />
arrangements<br />
• Publication of annual<br />
f<strong>in</strong>ancial statements is<br />
only required if the AG<br />
has outstand<strong>in</strong>g bonds<br />
or is listed on the<br />
stock exchange.<br />
Branch office<br />
Ma<strong>in</strong> company (head<br />
office)<br />
M<strong>in</strong>imum: CHF 20,000 No separate equity is required<br />
(capital resources<br />
of <strong>for</strong>eign head office are<br />
sufficient)<br />
From CHF 1,800 From CHF 1,000<br />
(electronic)<br />
From CHF 6,000<br />
(traditional)<br />
(see chapter 5.4.3)<br />
• Low m<strong>in</strong>imum capital<br />
requirement<br />
• Some double taxation (taxation of company profits<br />
and dividends)<br />
• More complicated and more expensive <strong>for</strong>mation<br />
procedure; professional consultant recommended<br />
• Amount of share<br />
capital<br />
• Shareholders have no<br />
anonymity<br />
• No separate equity<br />
required<br />
• Simpler and less expensive<br />
to <strong>for</strong>m than a<br />
corporation (no stamp<br />
and withhold<strong>in</strong>g tax on<br />
profit transfers)<br />
• The head office can<br />
exercise <strong>in</strong>fluence<br />
directly<br />
• Low tax burden<br />
• Profits of the Swiss<br />
branch are exempt<br />
from taxation <strong>in</strong> the<br />
country of the head office<br />
(parent company)<br />
accord<strong>in</strong>g to many<br />
double-taxation agreements<br />
• The <strong>for</strong>eign head office<br />
is jo<strong>in</strong>tly liable <strong>for</strong> the<br />
branch office<br />
• Subsequent trans<strong>for</strong>mation<br />
to a subsidiary<br />
poses fiscal problems<br />
• Not a Swiss legal<br />
entity<br />
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43
5.1.3 Branch office<br />
Instead of found<strong>in</strong>g a subsidiary <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong>, a <strong>for</strong>eign company<br />
can also set up a branch office (which is the third most common<br />
corporate structure <strong>for</strong> <strong>for</strong>eign companies <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong>).<br />
These branch offices have a certa<strong>in</strong> organizational and f<strong>in</strong>ancial<br />
<strong>in</strong>dependence from the parent company. From a legal po<strong>in</strong>t of<br />
view the branch office is a part of the <strong>for</strong>eign company, although<br />
it can conclude contracts on its own behalf, per<strong>for</strong>m transactions<br />
and also appear <strong>in</strong> court at its place of bus<strong>in</strong>ess as a pla<strong>in</strong>tiff<br />
and defendant. As soon as a branch office is <strong>for</strong>med, it must be<br />
registered <strong>in</strong> the commercial register. As far as licens<strong>in</strong>g, registration,<br />
taxation and account<strong>in</strong>g records are concerned, a branch is<br />
treated like any Swiss company. In order <strong>for</strong> a <strong>for</strong>eign company to<br />
establish a branch office <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong>, it must have an authorized<br />
representative whose legal residence is <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong>.<br />
5.1.4 Limited partnership <strong>for</strong> collective <strong>in</strong>vestments<br />
The limited partnership <strong>for</strong> collective <strong>in</strong>vestments (abbreviated<br />
as KkK <strong>in</strong> German or SCPC <strong>in</strong> French) corresponds to the limited<br />
liability partnership (LLP) common <strong>in</strong> English-speak<strong>in</strong>g countries.<br />
As an <strong>in</strong>strument <strong>for</strong> risk capital <strong>in</strong>vestment, this <strong>for</strong>m of company<br />
is reserved exclusively <strong>for</strong> qualified <strong>in</strong>vestors. In contrast to the<br />
provisions of the Swiss Code of Obligations regard<strong>in</strong>g limited<br />
partnerships, accord<strong>in</strong>g to which the partner with unlimited liability<br />
must be an <strong>in</strong>dividual (and not a corporate <strong>in</strong>vestor), the liable<br />
partner <strong>in</strong> a limited partnership <strong>for</strong> collective <strong>in</strong>vestments must be<br />
a corporation.<br />
This legal <strong>for</strong>m has existed <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong> s<strong>in</strong>ce 2006. For <strong>in</strong>vestors<br />
and limited partners who want to establish a <strong>for</strong>m of LLP it is<br />
an alternative to sett<strong>in</strong>g up their company <strong>in</strong> Luxemburg, Ireland<br />
or the Channel Islands (specifically Jersey and Guernsey). This<br />
has strengthened <strong>Switzerland</strong>’s status as a f<strong>in</strong>ancial center and<br />
created the conditions <strong>for</strong> an <strong>in</strong>crease <strong>in</strong> professional services<br />
<strong>for</strong> specialized risk capital, private equity and even hedge fund<br />
managers <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong>.<br />
5.1.5 Sole proprietorship<br />
The <strong>in</strong>dividually owned enterprise – sole proprietorship or s<strong>in</strong>gleowner<br />
company – is the most popular corporate structure <strong>for</strong><br />
small bus<strong>in</strong>esses. It exists legally whenever an <strong>in</strong>dividual conducts<br />
commercial activities alone or, <strong>in</strong> other words, operates<br />
a bus<strong>in</strong>ess or a company. The owner of the sole proprietorship<br />
bears the entrepreneurial risk and is liable <strong>for</strong> that risk with his<br />
or her entire private and bus<strong>in</strong>ess assets. On the other hand, the<br />
owner also has the sole power to determ<strong>in</strong>e bus<strong>in</strong>ess policy.<br />
44 <strong>Handbook</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Investors</strong> 2012<br />
If the bus<strong>in</strong>ess is successful, it can be easily trans<strong>for</strong>med <strong>in</strong>to<br />
a corporation. If it fails, liquidation is easier than <strong>for</strong> other legal<br />
<strong>for</strong>ms. The sole proprietorship does not need to be registered <strong>in</strong><br />
the commercial register unless annual sales exceed CHF 100,000.<br />
5.1.6 General partnership<br />
If two or more <strong>in</strong>dividuals come together to operate a bus<strong>in</strong>ess<br />
under a jo<strong>in</strong>t name <strong>in</strong> accordance with standard commercial<br />
practice, this type of operation is called a general partnership. A<br />
general partnership is created by a partnership agreement between<br />
the participants. S<strong>in</strong>ce it (like a sole proprietorship) is not a dist<strong>in</strong>ct<br />
legal entity, it is not required to pay taxes. Taxes are paid by the<br />
<strong>in</strong>dividual partners. The partners have unlimited jo<strong>in</strong>t liability <strong>for</strong> any<br />
bus<strong>in</strong>ess debts or obligations of the partnership to the extent of<br />
their own assets. Entry <strong>in</strong> the commercial register is required.<br />
5.1.7 Jo<strong>in</strong>t venture<br />
The jo<strong>in</strong>t venture is becom<strong>in</strong>g more and more important as a <strong>for</strong>m<br />
of partnership. It is not regulated by law and is an appropriate<br />
<strong>for</strong>m <strong>for</strong> a jo<strong>in</strong>t activity with a Swiss partner. A jo<strong>in</strong>t venture is<br />
often operated as a jo<strong>in</strong>t <strong>in</strong>vestment <strong>in</strong> a newly <strong>for</strong>med corporation<br />
(a <strong>for</strong>eign supplier, <strong>for</strong> example, establishes a manufactur<strong>in</strong>g<br />
or sales company together with the Swiss seller). Jo<strong>in</strong>t ventures<br />
can also be operated as an ord<strong>in</strong>ary partnership <strong>in</strong> the case of<br />
small projects (e.g. a research project <strong>for</strong> a limited time period).<br />
5.1.8 Ord<strong>in</strong>ary partnership<br />
The ord<strong>in</strong>ary partnership is a contractual association of several <strong>in</strong>dividuals<br />
or legal entities <strong>for</strong> a bus<strong>in</strong>ess purpose that is not required<br />
to be entered <strong>in</strong> the commercial register. Anonymity is preserved<br />
but each partner is jo<strong>in</strong>tly and personally liable <strong>for</strong> the jo<strong>in</strong>t project.<br />
5.2 Account<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
The general account<strong>in</strong>g regulations <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong> are brief and to<br />
the po<strong>in</strong>t. The accounts required <strong>for</strong> the type and scope of bus<strong>in</strong>ess<br />
must be kept <strong>in</strong> an orderly manner and allow identification of<br />
bus<strong>in</strong>ess assets and of receivables and payables associated with<br />
bus<strong>in</strong>ess operations as well as operat<strong>in</strong>g results (profit or loss) <strong>in</strong><br />
each bus<strong>in</strong>ess year. The law requires that the <strong>in</strong>come statement<br />
(profit and loss account) and the balance sheet be drawn up annually<br />
accord<strong>in</strong>g to generally accepted account<strong>in</strong>g pr<strong>in</strong>ciples and that<br />
they be complete, clear and easily understood. This means that the<br />
account<strong>in</strong>g system can be based on any <strong>in</strong>ternationally accepted<br />
standards (such as US-GAAP, IFRS, Swiss GAAP or FER).
Corporations (AGs) must meet detailed m<strong>in</strong>imum requirements<br />
concern<strong>in</strong>g the structure of the annual f<strong>in</strong>ancial statements <strong>in</strong> order<br />
to <strong>in</strong>crease transparency. They must <strong>in</strong>clude, as a m<strong>in</strong>imum, a<br />
balance sheet and an <strong>in</strong>come statement with previous-year comparisons<br />
and explanatory notes. The annual f<strong>in</strong>ancial statements<br />
of subsidiaries, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> particular those of listed companies,<br />
must be consolidated <strong>in</strong> a s<strong>in</strong>gle set of group f<strong>in</strong>ancial statements<br />
if two of the follow<strong>in</strong>g measures are reached <strong>in</strong> two successive<br />
fiscal years:<br />
• Total assets of CHF 10 million<br />
• Annual sales of CHF 20 million<br />
• An average headcount over the year of 200 employees<br />
5.3 Audit<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
Annual f<strong>in</strong>ancial statements are audited <strong>for</strong> correctness and accuracy<br />
by people and companies, which have the required state<br />
license. Normally they are fiduciaries, fiduciary or audit<strong>in</strong>g companies.<br />
The audit<strong>in</strong>g obligation depends on the size and economic<br />
importance of the corporation (AG) or limited liability company<br />
(GmbH). Regular audits apply to companies that are required to<br />
prepare consolidated f<strong>in</strong>ancial statements and also to companies<br />
listed on the stock exchange, or if two of the three measures<br />
below are reached <strong>in</strong> two successive fiscal years:<br />
• Total assets of CHF 10 million<br />
• Annual sales of CHF 20 million<br />
• An average headcount over the year of 50 employees or more<br />
If these conditions are not met, then the annual f<strong>in</strong>ancial statements<br />
are only subject to a limited audit (question<strong>in</strong>g of management,<br />
appropriate detailed checks, analytical audit procedures,<br />
etc.). The audit may also be dispensed with entirely, subject to the<br />
approval of the shareholders, if the company has no more than an<br />
average of ten full-time positions over the year.<br />
Swiss Fiduciary Association<br />
www.stv-usf.ch<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian<br />
Swiss Institute of Certified Accountants and<br />
Tax Consultants<br />
www.treuhand-kammer.ch<br />
Languages: German, French<br />
5.4 Establish<strong>in</strong>g a bus<strong>in</strong>ess.<br />
5.4.1 Procedure<br />
Parties who <strong>in</strong>tend to establish a company <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong> can<br />
move more quickly from the plann<strong>in</strong>g stage to implementation if<br />
a clear and concrete bus<strong>in</strong>ess strategy has been worked out <strong>in</strong><br />
advance. Once the decision to locate <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong> has been<br />
made, the economic development agency of the selected canton<br />
can help to coord<strong>in</strong>ate the project locally until the start of operations.<br />
Banks, consult<strong>in</strong>g companies, fiduciary companies and attorneys<br />
specializ<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> company law are also available to answer<br />
specific questions.<br />
The <strong>for</strong>mation of a company takes two to four weeks from the<br />
submission of required documents to the date when the company<br />
is considered legally established (when it has legal effect with<br />
respect to third parties). The time required can be less <strong>in</strong> simple<br />
cases and depend<strong>in</strong>g on the location canton.<br />
<strong>Handbook</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Investors</strong> 2010<br />
45
Fig. 18: Procedure <strong>for</strong> establish<strong>in</strong>g a company (AG, GmbH)<br />
Procedure Required time <strong>in</strong> weeks<br />
1 2 3 4 5 6<br />
Prelim<strong>in</strong>ary search, registration and approval of the company name<br />
Preparation of required <strong>for</strong>mation documents: articles of agreement, articles of association,<br />
application <strong>for</strong> registration, etc.<br />
Payment of company capital at a prescribed depositary (bank). The depositor must show<br />
proof of identity. For <strong>for</strong>eign nationals, it may be useful to present letters of reference<br />
from Swiss partners.<br />
Formation of company and preparation of <strong>for</strong>mation documents: articles of association or<br />
bylaws, acceptance by statutory auditors, confirmation by recognized depositary (bank)<br />
that the share capital has been paid <strong>in</strong> and is at the disposal of the company. In the event<br />
that the company after <strong>for</strong>mation does not have its own offices: domicile acceptance<br />
statement.<br />
Publication <strong>in</strong> the respective canton's official gazette<br />
Entry of the responsible person(s) <strong>in</strong> the correspond<strong>in</strong>g registers (commercial register and<br />
possibly land register)<br />
Registration as a taxable enterprise<br />
Source: Documentation provided by cantonal economic development agencies<br />
S<strong>in</strong>ce April 15, 2010 the State Secretariat <strong>for</strong> Economic Affairs<br />
has provided an onl<strong>in</strong>e desk <strong>for</strong> found<strong>in</strong>g companies <strong>in</strong> the <strong>for</strong>m<br />
of «StartBiz». With this eGovernment solution, sole proprietorships,<br />
limited liability companies, stock corporations, general<br />
partnerships and limited partnerships can register with OASI<br />
offices, VAT authorities and accident <strong>in</strong>surance companies. It is<br />
also possible <strong>for</strong> sole proprietorships, general partnerships and<br />
limited partnerships to be entered <strong>in</strong>to the commercial register, so<br />
that the complete foundation of these companies can be carried<br />
out via “StartBiz”. Normally <strong>for</strong>eign companies <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong> are<br />
founded with the legal <strong>for</strong>m of a company with limited liability<br />
(GmbH and AG). Furthermore, the foundation of a stock corporation<br />
and a limited liability company (AG and GmbH) requires an<br />
entry <strong>in</strong>to the commercial register, which has to be done by a<br />
public notary (this can also be done onl<strong>in</strong>e).<br />
Electronic registration <strong>for</strong> found<strong>in</strong>g a company<br />
www.startbiz.ch<br />
Languages: German, French, Italian<br />
46 <strong>Handbook</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Investors</strong> 2012<br />
Onl<strong>in</strong>e public notary <strong>for</strong> company foundation (AG/GmbH)<br />
www.kmu.adm<strong>in</strong>.ch > Onl<strong>in</strong>e services > Foundation desk<br />
Languages: German, French, Italian<br />
Private plat<strong>for</strong>m <strong>for</strong> found<strong>in</strong>g companies<br />
www.start-ups.ch<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian<br />
Official <strong>in</strong><strong>for</strong>mation <strong>for</strong> companies<br />
www.ch.ch/unternehmen<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian
5.4.2 Entry <strong>in</strong> the commercial register<br />
The commercial register <strong>in</strong>cludes all commercial enterprises do<strong>in</strong>g<br />
bus<strong>in</strong>ess <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong>. It specifies each company’s extent of<br />
liability and its authorized representatives. Its central focus is its<br />
public disclosure role. Accord<strong>in</strong>gly, the Central <strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> Names<br />
Index, Zefix, which is ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong>ed onl<strong>in</strong>e by the Federal Commercial<br />
Registry Office, is open to anyone <strong>for</strong> <strong>in</strong>spection and can also<br />
respond to <strong>in</strong>quiries as to whether a company name is available.<br />
All entries <strong>in</strong> and deletions from the commercial register are published<br />
<strong>in</strong> the Swiss Official Gazette of Commerce (SOGC).<br />
As a rule, any trad<strong>in</strong>g, manufactur<strong>in</strong>g or other <strong>for</strong>m of commercial<br />
enterprise is required to be registered <strong>in</strong> the commercial register.<br />
Registration guarantees that the company name is protected. It is<br />
only after registration <strong>in</strong> the commercial register that legal entities<br />
receive their own legal personality and status. The company or<br />
bus<strong>in</strong>ess name under which a commercial enterprise is operated<br />
can be freely chosen, as long as it complies with legal regulations.<br />
Stock corporations (AGs) and limited liability companies<br />
(GmbHs) must specify the legal <strong>for</strong>m as part of the company<br />
name. If the company name of a general partnership does not<br />
list all partners by name, it must conta<strong>in</strong> the last name of at least<br />
one partner along with word<strong>in</strong>g that <strong>in</strong>dicates the relationship between<br />
partners. The company name of a sole proprietorship must<br />
<strong>in</strong>clude the owner’s last name but may not conta<strong>in</strong> any additional<br />
word<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>dicat<strong>in</strong>g a relationship between partners or associates.<br />
Application <strong>for</strong> registration <strong>in</strong> the commercial register can be done<br />
electronically via the company <strong>for</strong>mation portal <strong>for</strong> all legal company<br />
<strong>for</strong>ms, provided that the applicable requirements are met.<br />
Central <strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> Names Index<br />
www.zefix.ch<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian<br />
Swiss Official Gazette of Commerce<br />
www.shab.ch<br />
Languages: German, English, Italian<br />
5.4.3 Foundation costs<br />
The costs <strong>for</strong> <strong>for</strong>m<strong>in</strong>g a stock corporation (<strong>for</strong> a limited liability<br />
company the fees and consult<strong>in</strong>g costs are slightly lower) comprise<br />
various fees, whereby the costs vary depend<strong>in</strong>g on whether<br />
the foundation process is carried out traditionally or via an electronic<br />
plat<strong>for</strong>m of the SECO (see 5.4.1).<br />
Fig. 19: Foundation costs <strong>for</strong> stock corporations (AG),<br />
<strong>in</strong> Swiss francs<br />
Foundation costs Traditional Electronic<br />
Share capital<br />
Consult<strong>in</strong>g (articles of <strong>in</strong>corpora-<br />
100,000 100,000<br />
tion, taxes, commercial register,<br />
share certificates, foundation acts,<br />
foundation meet<strong>in</strong>gs etc.)<br />
5,000 – 7,000 300 – 850<br />
Commercial register fee 1,000 1,000<br />
Fees <strong>for</strong> public notaries 1,000 600<br />
Securities issue tax – –<br />
Total costs 7,000 – 9,000 1,900 – 2,450<br />
Source: State Secretariat <strong>for</strong> Economic Affairs SECO, 2011<br />
Fig. 20: Foundation costs <strong>for</strong> companies with limited liability<br />
(GmbH), <strong>in</strong> Swiss francs<br />
Foundation costs Traditional Electronic<br />
Share capital<br />
Consult<strong>in</strong>g (articles of <strong>in</strong>corporation,<br />
taxes, commercial register,<br />
20,000 20,000<br />
share certificates, foundation acts,<br />
foundation meet<strong>in</strong>gs etc. -depend<strong>in</strong>g<br />
on complexity)<br />
4,000 – 6,000 200 – 550<br />
Commercial register fee 1,000 1,000<br />
Fees <strong>for</strong> public notaries 1,000 600<br />
Stamp duty – –<br />
Total costs 6,000 – 8,000 1,800 – 2,150<br />
Source: State Secretariat <strong>for</strong> Economic Affairs SECO, 2011<br />
The purpose of the securities issue tax is the non-gratuitous or<br />
free foundation and <strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>g of the nom<strong>in</strong>al value of participation<br />
rights. The tax is levied at 1 % of the amount accru<strong>in</strong>g to the company<br />
as consideration <strong>for</strong> the participation rights but at least 1 %<br />
of the nom<strong>in</strong>al value, with an exemption <strong>for</strong> the first CHF 1 million.<br />
This exemption applies generally to the <strong>for</strong>mation of corporations<br />
and to capital <strong>in</strong>creases up to CHF 1 million. Exist<strong>in</strong>g companies<br />
may there<strong>for</strong>e <strong>in</strong>crease their nom<strong>in</strong>al capital to CHF 1 million without<br />
ow<strong>in</strong>g any securities issue tax.<br />
<strong>Handbook</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Investors</strong> 2010<br />
47
Exclud<strong>in</strong>g the securities issue tax, the fixed <strong>for</strong>mation costs there<strong>for</strong>e<br />
total CHF 6,000 to 8,000 <strong>for</strong> traditional foundation and approx.<br />
CHF 2,000 <strong>for</strong> electronic foundation. For a small bus<strong>in</strong>ess that<br />
does not need to provide extensive documentation, the foundation<br />
costs are a maximum of CHF 3,000. The total costs <strong>for</strong> <strong>for</strong>m<strong>in</strong>g a<br />
company, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g professional consult<strong>in</strong>g fees, vary, depend<strong>in</strong>g<br />
on the nom<strong>in</strong>al capital. Establish<strong>in</strong>g a corporation is more timeconsum<strong>in</strong>g<br />
and generally costs more than <strong>for</strong>m<strong>in</strong>g a partnership.<br />
Foundation costs per legal <strong>for</strong>m<br />
www.kmu.adm<strong>in</strong>.ch > SME topics > Company foundation ><br />
Legal <strong>for</strong>m > Stock corporation<br />
Languages: German, French, Italian<br />
48 <strong>Handbook</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Investors</strong> 2012
6. Visas, residence and work permits.<br />
<strong>Switzerland</strong>’s prosperity is partly due to the immigration of<br />
<strong>for</strong>eign workers. Not only do they boost the economy, they<br />
also enrich the culture. Thanks to the free movement of<br />
persons between <strong>Switzerland</strong> and the EU, EU/EFTA citizens<br />
can now rema<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong> without a lot of red tape. In<br />
the labor market they have the same rights as Swiss workers.<br />
For people from other countries who wish to work and live <strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>Switzerland</strong>, certa<strong>in</strong> provisions apply.<br />
Federal Office <strong>for</strong> Migration BFM<br />
www.bfm.adm<strong>in</strong>.ch<br />
Languages: German, English French, Italian Swiss consulates abroad<br />
6.1 Enter<strong>in</strong>g the country and visas.<br />
Generally a valid travel document recognized by <strong>Switzerland</strong> is<br />
sufficient to enter the country. Only citizens of certa<strong>in</strong> countries<br />
require an entry visa <strong>for</strong> stays of up to three months. A visa is<br />
generally required <strong>for</strong> longer stays. The Federal Office <strong>for</strong> Migration<br />
publishes the latest requirements on its homepage.<br />
6.1.1 Visa regulations<br />
Foreigners who require a visa must obta<strong>in</strong> an entry visa from the<br />
Swiss consulate where they live be<strong>for</strong>e they enter <strong>Switzerland</strong>. The<br />
consulate can only issue the visa if the Swiss federal or cantonal<br />
office <strong>in</strong> charge has granted approval to do so. The type of visa<br />
and the documents required depend on the purpose of the stay.<br />
One of the visa requirements is that applicants must prove that<br />
they have enough funds available or can legally obta<strong>in</strong> them to pay<br />
<strong>for</strong> liv<strong>in</strong>g expenses dur<strong>in</strong>g their trip through or stay <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong>.<br />
The Swiss consulate may require the submission of a letter of<br />
sponsorship be<strong>for</strong>e it issues the visa if the applicant does not have<br />
sufficient f<strong>in</strong>ancial funds or if there is some doubt on this po<strong>in</strong>t. The<br />
relevant authorities will require that travel <strong>in</strong>surance be concluded<br />
regardless of whether a letter of sponsorship has been submitted.<br />
The m<strong>in</strong>imum coverage <strong>for</strong> this <strong>in</strong>surance is EUR 30,000.<br />
www.eda.adm<strong>in</strong>.ch > Representations<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian<br />
In<strong>for</strong>mation on enter<strong>in</strong>g <strong>Switzerland</strong><br />
www.bfm.adm<strong>in</strong>.ch > Topics/Entry<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian<br />
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49
Fig. 21: Do I need a visa?<br />
Are you a citizen of one of the<br />
follow<strong>in</strong>g countries? Albania*,<br />
Antigua and Barbuda, Argent<strong>in</strong>a,<br />
Australia, Bahamas, Barbados,<br />
Bosnia-Herzegov<strong>in</strong>a*, Brazil, Chile,<br />
Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala,<br />
Honduras, Israel, Canada,<br />
Croatia, Mauritius, Mexico,<br />
Montenegro*, Nicaragua, Panama,<br />
Paraguay, Serbia*, Seychelles,<br />
St. Kitts and Nevis, Uruguay,<br />
Venezuela, USA<br />
* Holders of biometric passports<br />
* In<strong>for</strong>mation provided without a guarantee: please also consult the responsible Swiss consulate.<br />
Source: Own diagram Generis AG, Schaffhausen<br />
50 <strong>Handbook</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Investors</strong> 2012<br />
No<br />
Yes<br />
No<br />
No<br />
No No<br />
You do not need a visa.<br />
Welcome to <strong>Switzerland</strong>!<br />
You need a visa. Please contact the<br />
Swiss consulate <strong>in</strong> your area <strong>for</strong> more detailed<br />
<strong>in</strong><strong>for</strong>mation.<br />
www.eda.adm<strong>in</strong>.ch<br />
Search under: Representations<br />
Fig. 22: Visa regulations <strong>for</strong> certa<strong>in</strong> countries<br />
Country Visa required <strong>for</strong><br />
a stay of up to<br />
3 months<br />
Visa required <strong>for</strong><br />
a stay of over<br />
3 months<br />
I would like to travel to <strong>Switzerland</strong>.<br />
Do I need a visa?<br />
Are you a citizen of one of the follow<strong>in</strong>g<br />
countries? EU-25, EFTA, Andorra, Brunei,<br />
Japan, Liechtenste<strong>in</strong>, Malaysia, New Zealand,<br />
San Mar<strong>in</strong>o, S<strong>in</strong>gapore, Vatican city<br />
Will you be stay<strong>in</strong>g more than three months?<br />
Do you plan to work?<br />
No<br />
Exceptions/comments<br />
Yes<br />
Yes<br />
For more than eight days per calendar year?<br />
You do not need a visa.<br />
Welcome to <strong>Switzerland</strong>!<br />
In one of the follow<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>dustries:<br />
construction and construction-related<br />
sectors, gastronomy, commercial and residential<br />
clean<strong>in</strong>g services, surveillance and security<br />
services, erotic services?<br />
Brazil No (V1) Yes V1 Work visa requirement <strong>for</strong>:<br />
• Construction and construction-related sectors, gastronomy, commercial<br />
and residential clean<strong>in</strong>g services, surveillance and security services<br />
and erotic services<br />
• Work of another k<strong>in</strong>d, if this lasts longer than eight days per calendar year.<br />
A work visa is waived <strong>in</strong> the follow<strong>in</strong>g situations:<br />
• If the person holds a long-term residency permit issued by a Schengen<br />
member state <strong>in</strong> connection with the possession of a valid passport.<br />
Yes<br />
Yes<br />
Yes
Country Visa required <strong>for</strong><br />
a stay of up to 3<br />
months<br />
Visa required <strong>for</strong><br />
a stay of over 3<br />
months<br />
Exceptions/comments<br />
Ch<strong>in</strong>a Yes (V) Yes V Third-country nationals with a valid long-term residence permit from<br />
a Schengen member state along with a recognized travel document<br />
do not require a visa.<br />
EU-25/EFTA No No<br />
India Yes (V) Yes V Third-country nationals with a valid long-term residence permit from<br />
a Schengen member state along with a recognized travel document<br />
do not require a visa.<br />
Japan No No<br />
Canada No (V1) Yes V1 Work visa requirement <strong>for</strong>:<br />
• Construction and construction-related sectors, gastronomy, commercial<br />
and residential clean<strong>in</strong>g services, surveillance and security<br />
services and erotic services<br />
• Work of another k<strong>in</strong>d, if this lasts longer than eight days per calendar<br />
year.<br />
A work visa is waived <strong>in</strong> the follow<strong>in</strong>g situations:<br />
• If the person holds a long-term residency permit issued by a<br />
Schengen member state <strong>in</strong> connection with the possession of a<br />
valid passport.<br />
Russia Yes (V)<br />
(M: D)<br />
Yes V Citizens from third countries are exempt from the visa requirement<br />
if they have a valid long-term residence permit from a Schengen<br />
member state <strong>in</strong> connection with a valid travel document.<br />
M: D Holders of diplomatic passports are exempt from the visa requirement<br />
<strong>for</strong> the follow<strong>in</strong>g travel purposes: the official mission and other<br />
travel reasons, without per<strong>for</strong>m<strong>in</strong>g work.<br />
Kazakhstan Yes (V) Yes V Third-country nationals with a valid long-term residence permit from<br />
a Schengen member state along with a recognized travel document<br />
do not require a visa.<br />
Hong Kong No (V1) Yes V1 Work visa requirement <strong>for</strong>:<br />
• Construction and construction-related sectors, gastronomy, commercial<br />
and residential clean<strong>in</strong>g services, surveillance and security<br />
services and erotic services<br />
• Work of another k<strong>in</strong>d, if this lasts longer than eight days per calendar<br />
year.<br />
A work visa is waived <strong>in</strong> the follow<strong>in</strong>g situations:<br />
• If the person holds a long-term residency permit issued by a<br />
Schengen member state <strong>in</strong> connection with the possession of a<br />
valid passport.<br />
The follow<strong>in</strong>g documents are accepted <strong>for</strong> travel to <strong>Switzerland</strong>:<br />
• Hong Kong Special Adm<strong>in</strong>istrative Region People’s Republic<br />
of Ch<strong>in</strong>a Passport (HKSAR-Pass); visa exemption (V1)<br />
• Hong Kong British National Overseas Passport (BNO passport);<br />
visa exemption (V1)<br />
• Hong Kong Certificate of Identity; vise requirement (V)<br />
• Document of Identity <strong>for</strong> visa purposes with the «Ch<strong>in</strong>ese»<br />
entered under «Nationality». In this case the document is classed<br />
as a Ch<strong>in</strong>ese passport (without enter<strong>in</strong>g the nationality of the<br />
holder it is not accepted <strong>for</strong> entry <strong>in</strong>to <strong>Switzerland</strong>;<br />
visa requirement (V)<br />
(The «Hong Kong British Dependent Territories Citizens Passport»<br />
is no longer accepted.)<br />
<strong>Handbook</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Investors</strong> 2012<br />
51
Country Visa required <strong>for</strong><br />
a stay of up to<br />
3 months<br />
6.1.2 Application procedure<br />
1. Persons requir<strong>in</strong>g a visa must submit the visa application to<br />
the Swiss consulate that is responsible <strong>for</strong> the area where they<br />
live. Travel documents and any other requested documents<br />
which expla<strong>in</strong> the reason <strong>for</strong> the journey must be submitted<br />
along with the application. The consulate homepage provides<br />
detailed <strong>in</strong><strong>for</strong>mation about the required documents and the<br />
relevant application <strong>for</strong>ms. All documents, letters or certificates<br />
that are not <strong>in</strong> German, French, Italian or English must<br />
be submitted with a translation.<br />
2. If the consulate requires a letter of sponsorship, the <strong>for</strong>eign visitor<br />
must complete the relevant <strong>for</strong>m and submit it to the sponsor.<br />
3. The sponsor completes and signs the <strong>for</strong>m and submits it<br />
along with the required documents to the cantonal or municipal<br />
authorities <strong>in</strong> charge.<br />
4. The letter of sponsorship is checked by the relevant cantonal<br />
or municipal authorities and is entered <strong>in</strong>to the Central Migration<br />
In<strong>for</strong>mation System.<br />
52 <strong>Handbook</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Investors</strong> 2012<br />
Visa required <strong>for</strong><br />
a stay of over<br />
3 months<br />
Exceptions/comments<br />
USA No (V1) Yes V1 Work visa requirement <strong>for</strong>:<br />
• Construction and construction-related sectors, gastronomy, commercial<br />
and residential clean<strong>in</strong>g services, surveillance and security<br />
services and erotic services<br />
• Work of another k<strong>in</strong>d, if this lasts longer than eight days per calendar<br />
year.<br />
A work visa is waived <strong>in</strong> the follow<strong>in</strong>g situations:<br />
• If the person holds a long-term residency permit issued by a<br />
Schengen member state <strong>in</strong> connection with the possession of a<br />
valid passport.<br />
Taiwan No (V14) Yes V14 There is a visa requirement:<br />
• For owners of a passport, which does not conta<strong>in</strong> a personal ID<br />
number (see V)<br />
• If work is per<strong>for</strong>med (even if this lasts <strong>for</strong> less than eight days per<br />
calendar year)<br />
V Citizens of third countries with a valid residence permit from a<br />
Schengen member state <strong>in</strong> connection with a recognized travel<br />
document are exempt from the visa requirement.<br />
Ukra<strong>in</strong>e Yes (V),<br />
Yes (F: D, S, SP) M: D, S Holders of diplomatic passports are exempt from the visa<br />
(M: D, S)<br />
requirement <strong>for</strong> the follow<strong>in</strong>g travel purposes: the official mission<br />
and other travel reasons, without per<strong>for</strong>m<strong>in</strong>g work.<br />
F: D, S, SP Holders of diplomatic, service and special passports are<br />
exempt from the visa requirement, who are travell<strong>in</strong>g to take<br />
on a position <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong>.<br />
Source: Federal Office <strong>for</strong> Migration BFM – Visa <strong>in</strong>structions. List 1: permit and visa regulations per citizenship<br />
5. The results of this check are presented to the consulate without<br />
delay, after which the consulate decides whether to issue<br />
the visa.<br />
If the visa is denied, the applicant can appeal to the Federal<br />
Adm<strong>in</strong>istrative Court <strong>in</strong> Berne with<strong>in</strong> 30 days after notification<br />
by request<strong>in</strong>g the decision <strong>for</strong> a fee from the Federal Office <strong>for</strong><br />
Migration.<br />
Visa application <strong>for</strong>m<br />
www.bfm.adm<strong>in</strong>.ch > Topics, Arrival<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian, Spanish,<br />
Portuguese, Russian, Ch<strong>in</strong>ese
6.2 Resid<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong>.<br />
Residence and permanent residence permits are issued by the<br />
cantonal and migration offices. Stays of up to three months do<br />
not require a permit, while stays of over three months do. It may<br />
be possible to work depend<strong>in</strong>g on the type of permit issued.<br />
Foreigners who reside <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong> receive a residence permit<br />
<strong>in</strong>dicat<strong>in</strong>g which type of authorization has been granted.<br />
Fig. 23: Types of permits<br />
B permit<br />
(residence permit)<br />
C permit<br />
(permanent residence permit)<br />
Ci permit<br />
(residence permit with<br />
permission to work)<br />
G permit<br />
(cross-border permit)<br />
L permit<br />
(short-term residency permit)<br />
F permit<br />
(provisionally received <strong>for</strong>eigners)<br />
N permit<br />
(asylum seekers)<br />
S permit<br />
(people requir<strong>in</strong>g protection)<br />
Source: Federal Office <strong>for</strong> Migration<br />
Overview of residency<br />
www.bfm.adm<strong>in</strong>.ch > Topics > Residence<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian<br />
Cantonal Migrations and Labour Market authorities<br />
www.bfm.adm<strong>in</strong>.ch > The BFM, Contact addresses<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian<br />
Foreign nationals <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong><br />
www.ch.ch > About <strong>Switzerland</strong>, Foreign nationals<br />
<strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong><br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian<br />
For residents (<strong>for</strong>eigners who are <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong> <strong>for</strong> a specific purpose <strong>for</strong> a longer period of time<br />
with or without employment)<br />
For permanent residents (<strong>for</strong>eigners who have received a permanent residence permit after<br />
liv<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong> <strong>for</strong> five or ten years. There is no limit on the amount of time they may stay <strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>Switzerland</strong>.)<br />
This permit is issued by the cantonal authorities to the employed spouses and children of members<br />
of <strong>for</strong>eign consulates or <strong>in</strong>tergovernmental organizations<br />
For cross-border commuters (<strong>for</strong>eigners who reside near the Swiss border and work <strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>Switzerland</strong>)<br />
For a temporary position and other temporary stays<br />
For <strong>for</strong>eigners permitted to stay <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong> provisionally. This permit is issued by the cantonal<br />
authorities based on approval by the Federal Office <strong>for</strong> Migration.<br />
For asylum seekers. This permit is issued by the cantonal authorities based on approval by the<br />
Federal Office <strong>for</strong> Migration.<br />
For people <strong>in</strong> need of protection. This permit is issued by the cantonal authorities based on<br />
approval by the Federal Office <strong>for</strong> Migration.<br />
<strong>Handbook</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Investors</strong> 2012<br />
53
6.2.1 Reunification of families<br />
Citizens of <strong>Switzerland</strong> and EU/EFTA citizens with a residence<br />
permit or a short-term residence permit are allowed to have their<br />
families jo<strong>in</strong> them, regardless of their nationality. The follow<strong>in</strong>g are<br />
classed as family:<br />
• Spouses and children who have not yet reached the age of 21,<br />
or who are entitled to ma<strong>in</strong>tenance,<br />
• Parents and parents of the spouse, who are provided with<br />
ma<strong>in</strong>tenance.<br />
Students are only allowed to be jo<strong>in</strong>ed by their spouses and children<br />
who are entitled to ma<strong>in</strong>tenance.<br />
People from third countries with permanent residence permits<br />
(permit C) have the right to allow their children and husband/<br />
wife to jo<strong>in</strong> them. People with residence permits (permit B) have<br />
no legal right to this. The cantonal migration authorities can,<br />
however, permit the move, if people from third countries can<br />
prove that they have a sufficient apartment, sufficient <strong>in</strong>come and<br />
an established residence (a residency which has not caused any<br />
compla<strong>in</strong>ts). Husbands, wives and children of Swiss nationals and<br />
people with permanent residence permits or residence permits<br />
can take up self-employed or employed work all over <strong>Switzerland</strong>.<br />
Reunification of families <strong>for</strong> EU/EFTA citizens<br />
www.bfm.adm<strong>in</strong>.ch > Topics > Freedom of movement of<br />
people, <strong>Switzerland</strong> - EU/EFTA > FAQ<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian<br />
Reunification of families <strong>for</strong> third countries<br />
www.ch.ch > Individuals > Your life > Residence permits ><br />
Immigrat<strong>in</strong>g to <strong>Switzerland</strong><br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian<br />
54 <strong>Handbook</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Investors</strong> 2012<br />
6.3 Resid<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong> without<br />
ga<strong>in</strong>ful employment.<br />
6.3.1. Stays of up to three months<br />
<strong>Switzerland</strong> has been an associate member of the Schengen<br />
Agreement, and thus part of the Schengen Area, s<strong>in</strong>ce December<br />
12, 2008. The provisions of the Schengen Agreement govern<br />
entry and stays that do not require a visa <strong>for</strong> up to three months.<br />
Generally, stay<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong> without employment (e.g. <strong>for</strong> a<br />
visit, tourism) <strong>for</strong> up to three months does not require a permit.<br />
However, a visa is necessary <strong>for</strong> nationals of certa<strong>in</strong> countries.<br />
Foreigners may stay <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong> <strong>for</strong> no more than three months<br />
with<strong>in</strong> a six-month period calculated from the first time of entry.<br />
Persons requir<strong>in</strong>g a visa must comply with the amount of time<br />
they are permitted to stay as stipulated on their visa.<br />
To enter the country, <strong>for</strong>eigners must have a valid travel document<br />
that is recognized by <strong>Switzerland</strong>. For persons requir<strong>in</strong>g a<br />
visa, <strong>Switzerland</strong> issues Schengen visas, which are generally valid<br />
<strong>for</strong> the entire Schengen Area <strong>for</strong> stays of up to three months.<br />
6.3.2. Longer stays<br />
Stays of more than three months also require a permit <strong>for</strong> persons<br />
who are not ga<strong>in</strong>fully employed (retirees, students, job seekers<br />
and others). Permits are issued by the cantonal migration offices.<br />
A dist<strong>in</strong>ction is made between short stays (less than one year),<br />
temporary stays (of limited duration) and permanent stays (of<br />
unlimited duration).<br />
Non-EU/EFTA nationals must submit the application <strong>for</strong> a residence<br />
permit (together with the visa application) to the relevant<br />
Swiss consulate be<strong>for</strong>e enter<strong>in</strong>g <strong>Switzerland</strong>. Depend<strong>in</strong>g on the<br />
purpose of the stay (school<strong>in</strong>g, retirement, medical purposes,<br />
etc.), different documents will be required. If the conditions <strong>for</strong> a<br />
permit are fulfilled, then a short stay permit (L permit) <strong>for</strong> a stay of<br />
less than one year will be issued, or a residence permit (B permit)<br />
valid <strong>for</strong> one year will be issued if the applicant is to stay longer<br />
than one year. After enter<strong>in</strong>g the country, the permit holder must<br />
register with the relevant municipality.<br />
EU/EFTA nationals who are not ga<strong>in</strong>fully employed are granted<br />
the right to stay <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong> based on the free movement of<br />
persons agreement. After arrival, a residence permit must be<br />
applied <strong>for</strong> at the municipality and will be granted if the follow<strong>in</strong>g<br />
requirements are met:
• The unemployed person must have sufficient f<strong>in</strong>ancial funds to<br />
prevent them from becom<strong>in</strong>g dependent on state aid so they do<br />
not become a burden on their new country of residence.<br />
• They must have health <strong>in</strong>surance that covers all risks (even<br />
accidents).<br />
The EC/EFTA residence permit is valid throughout <strong>Switzerland</strong> <strong>for</strong><br />
five years and is automatically extended by the relevant authorities<br />
if the above-mentioned requirements cont<strong>in</strong>ue to be met. Unemployed<br />
persons may br<strong>in</strong>g their families with them, if they have<br />
sufficient f<strong>in</strong>ancial funds to care <strong>for</strong> them<br />
6.3.3 Special case: Students<br />
The procedure described <strong>in</strong> 6.3.2 also applies to students. The<br />
follow<strong>in</strong>g conditions also apply:<br />
Students who are citizens of EU or EFTA states, the US, Canada,<br />
Australia or New Zealand must generally provide credible proof<br />
that they will not become a welfare case dur<strong>in</strong>g stays of more than<br />
three months (at the relevant Swiss consulate or municipality upon<br />
registration). Students must also prove that they are enrolled at a<br />
recognized school <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong> and will be attend<strong>in</strong>g general<br />
<strong>in</strong>struction classes or a program prepar<strong>in</strong>g them <strong>for</strong> a profession.<br />
If these requirements are met, the student will receive a residence<br />
permit <strong>for</strong> the duration of their studies or <strong>for</strong> the period of one<br />
year if their studies last longer than one year. The permit will be<br />
extended until the student has received a regular degree if the<br />
requirements <strong>for</strong> the permit cont<strong>in</strong>ue to be met.<br />
Students who are not citizens of EU or EFTA member states, the<br />
US, Canada, Australia or New Zealand must also <strong>in</strong>clude the follow<strong>in</strong>g<br />
documents together with their personal entry application,<br />
which they submit to the relevant Swiss consulate:<br />
• Letter of acceptance from the school<br />
• Proof of payment of tuition fees<br />
• Proof of sufficient f<strong>in</strong>ancial fund<strong>in</strong>g <strong>for</strong> liv<strong>in</strong>g expenses <strong>for</strong> the<br />
duration of the course of study<br />
• Diplomas/school certificates<br />
• Written agreement to leave <strong>Switzerland</strong> after completion of<br />
studies<br />
• Additional sheet document<strong>in</strong>g language proficiency. Language<br />
proficiency is judged based on a short <strong>in</strong>terview at the consulate.<br />
The Swiss consulate sends the entry application, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g<br />
documentation and assessment of language proficiency, to the<br />
relevant cantonal migration authorities <strong>for</strong> their approval.<br />
6.4 Resid<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong> with<br />
ga<strong>in</strong>ful employment.<br />
People work<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong> dur<strong>in</strong>g their stay <strong>in</strong> the country or<br />
people stay<strong>in</strong>g <strong>for</strong> more than three months need a permit from<br />
the cantonal migration office. A dist<strong>in</strong>ction is made between short<br />
stays (less than one year), temporary stays (of limited duration)<br />
and permanent stays (of unlimited duration).<br />
The employer is responsible <strong>for</strong> obta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g a work permit from the<br />
cantonal migration office.<br />
S<strong>in</strong>ce the bilateral agreements on the free movement of persons<br />
and the revised EFTA convention have entered <strong>in</strong>to <strong>for</strong>ce, different<br />
conditions apply to nationals of the EU-25/EFTA than to people<br />
from other countries. EU/EFTA citizens are on equal foot<strong>in</strong>g with<br />
Swiss employees. Other countries, and until May 31, 2016 at the<br />
latest Romania and Bulgaria, are subject to immigration restrictions<br />
and the rule of priority <strong>for</strong> Swiss nationals. Foreign asylum<br />
seekers may stay <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong> <strong>in</strong> accordance with the provisions<br />
of asylum legislation.<br />
The cantons are responsible <strong>for</strong> decid<strong>in</strong>g on whether <strong>for</strong>eigners<br />
may stay and reside <strong>in</strong> the country. However, the federal government<br />
has the right of veto. The cantonal migration authorities are<br />
responsible <strong>for</strong> alien control. Foreigners must register with the<br />
Residents Registration Office <strong>in</strong> the municipality <strong>in</strong> which they<br />
reside with<strong>in</strong> one week.<br />
For anyone <strong>in</strong>tend<strong>in</strong>g to relocate to <strong>Switzerland</strong>, it can be advantageous<br />
to bundle the permit applications and to discuss them<br />
be<strong>for</strong>ehand. The cantonal economic development agencies provide<br />
advice on how to proceed and how long the process takes.<br />
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55
6.4.1 Recognition of professional qualification<br />
Certa<strong>in</strong> professions, particularly <strong>in</strong> the health, teach<strong>in</strong>g and technical<br />
sectors and <strong>in</strong> the adm<strong>in</strong>istration of justice, are regulated. In<br />
these cases it is necessary to possess a qualification, certificate<br />
or certificate of competence. Foreign qualifications have to be<br />
recognized by the responsible authorities. Different authorities<br />
may be responsible <strong>for</strong> recognition, depend<strong>in</strong>g on the profession,<br />
whereby <strong>in</strong> normal cases the authorities which regulate<br />
the education are also responsible <strong>for</strong> the recognition of <strong>for</strong>eign<br />
qualifications.<br />
With<strong>in</strong> the scope of the Agreement on the free movement of persons,<br />
<strong>Switzerland</strong> works closely with the EU and participates <strong>in</strong><br />
the European qualification recognition system. People from third<br />
countries also have the opportunity to have their qualifications<br />
recognized <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong>.<br />
Fig. 24: Work and residence permits: rules and procedures<br />
56 <strong>Handbook</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Investors</strong> 2012<br />
Regulated professions / Recognition of <strong>for</strong>eign<br />
qualifications<br />
www.bbt.adm<strong>in</strong>.ch/diploma<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian<br />
www.crus.ch > Recognition / Swiss ENIC<br />
> Regulated professions<br />
Languages: German, English, French<br />
Regime <strong>for</strong> EU/EFTA citizens Regime <strong>for</strong> citizens of non-EU/EFTA<br />
countries<br />
EU-25 EU-2: Romania and Bulgaria<br />
Temporary residence permit<br />
(L permit <strong>for</strong> EC/EFTA)<br />
• Entitlement to permit, provided that employment<br />
<strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong> <strong>for</strong> three months<br />
to one year can be proved (employment<br />
of less than three months <strong>in</strong> one calendar<br />
year: registration only)<br />
• Possibility to br<strong>in</strong>g family<br />
Cross-border commuter permit<br />
(G permit <strong>for</strong> EC/EFTA)<br />
• No travel restrictions<br />
• Obligation to return home to ma<strong>in</strong> residence<br />
<strong>in</strong> EU/EFTA country every week<br />
• Self-employment possible<br />
• Validity based on employment contract,<br />
with maximum of five years, after which<br />
renewable<br />
Temporary residence permit<br />
(L permit <strong>for</strong> EC/EFTA)<br />
• Entitlement to permit, provided that employment<br />
<strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong> can be proved.<br />
For extensions of up to one year <strong>in</strong> case<br />
of secured work, subject to the quota<br />
• Annual quota of 6,355 (2011/12) or 7,722<br />
(2012/2013) permits<br />
• Priority to Swiss nationals, checks of<br />
salary and work<strong>in</strong>g conditions<br />
• Possibility to br<strong>in</strong>g family<br />
Cross-border commuter permit<br />
(G permit <strong>for</strong> EC/EFTA)<br />
• Travel with<strong>in</strong> all Swiss border zones<br />
• Priority to Swiss nationals, checks of<br />
salary and employment conditions<br />
• Rest same as <strong>for</strong> EU-25<br />
Short-term residence permit<br />
(L permit)<br />
• For key positions (found<strong>in</strong>g a company,<br />
tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g new staff, specialists from <strong>in</strong>ternational<br />
companies): 12 months, can be<br />
renewed <strong>for</strong> 24 months<br />
• Possibility to br<strong>in</strong>g family<br />
• Annual quota of 5,000 permits<br />
• Tra<strong>in</strong>ees (<strong>in</strong>terns): valid 12-18 months,<br />
no option of br<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g family<br />
Cross-border commuter permit<br />
(G permit)<br />
• Valid <strong>for</strong> 12 months <strong>for</strong> border zones of<br />
the canton issu<strong>in</strong>g the permit, must be<br />
renewed every year<br />
• Resident at least six months with permanent<br />
residence permit <strong>in</strong> the border<br />
zone of a country neighbour<strong>in</strong>g <strong>Switzerland</strong><br />
• Weekly return to this residence<br />
• Possible to change place of work or<br />
profession with permit
Regime <strong>for</strong> EU/EFTA citizens Regime <strong>for</strong> citizens of non-EU/EFTA<br />
countries<br />
EU-25 EU-2: Romania and Bulgaria<br />
Residence permits<br />
(B permit <strong>for</strong> EC/EFTA)<br />
• Valid <strong>for</strong> five years, after submission of<br />
confirmation of employment last<strong>in</strong>g a<br />
year or more or without time restriction<br />
• Year-round purpose-related stay with<br />
permanent home life and residence <strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>Switzerland</strong><br />
• Possibility to br<strong>in</strong>g family<br />
• Entitled to take up self-employment<br />
Permanent residence permit<br />
(C permit <strong>for</strong> EC/EFTA)<br />
• Basically issued after a stay of five<br />
years <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong> based on residence<br />
agreements or equivalent rights considerations<br />
• Basically equal to Swiss nationals on<br />
labour market<br />
Source: Own diagram Generis AG, Schaffhausen<br />
6.4.2 Residence and employment of EU/EFTA citizens<br />
EU/EFTA nationals are treated the same as Swiss nationals <strong>in</strong> the<br />
labour market as a result of the free movement of persons agreement.<br />
Job seekers may rema<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong> <strong>for</strong> three months<br />
without a permit. Citizens of the EU-25 member states already enjoy<br />
completely free movement – citizens of Romania and Bulgaria<br />
are still subject to restrictions until the permanent transition on<br />
May 31, 2016 (priority of Swiss nationals, controls, quotas). These<br />
permits can be extended if needed. By no later than June 1, 2016,<br />
however, citizens of all 25 EU countries will enjoy unrestricted free<br />
movement.<br />
Currently EU-25 nationals do not need a work permit, but they<br />
must still obta<strong>in</strong> a residence permit, which is issued by the cantonal<br />
migration office upon confirmation of employment/submission<br />
of an employment contract. No permit is needed <strong>for</strong> stays of<br />
less than 90 days, but these workers are still required to register.<br />
Self-employed service providers whose headquarters are based<br />
<strong>in</strong> the EU or EFTA region no longer require a license <strong>for</strong> activities<br />
<strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong> last<strong>in</strong>g less than 90 days per calendar year.<br />
They simply need to register, which can be done via the Internet.<br />
Exceptions to this are Romanian and Bulgarian providers <strong>in</strong> the<br />
Residence permits<br />
(B permit <strong>for</strong> EC/EFTA)<br />
• Annually ris<strong>in</strong>g quota on permits: 684<br />
(2011/12) to 885 (2012/13) permits<br />
• Switch from self-employment to employment<br />
at a company requires permit<br />
• Priority to Swiss nationals, checks of salary<br />
and employment conditions<br />
• Possibility to br<strong>in</strong>g family<br />
• Rest same as <strong>for</strong> EU-25<br />
Permanent residence permit<br />
(C permit <strong>for</strong> EC/EFTA)<br />
• Same as EU-25<br />
Residence permits<br />
(B permit)<br />
• Full-year stay <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong> with employment<br />
and permanent home life and<br />
residence <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong><br />
• Priority to Swiss nationals, checks of<br />
salary and employment conditions<br />
• Possibility to br<strong>in</strong>g family<br />
• Annual renewal of permit is a <strong>for</strong>mality<br />
• Annual quota of 3,500 permits<br />
Permanent residence permit<br />
(C permit)<br />
• Can generally be applied <strong>for</strong> after stay<br />
of 10 consecutive years <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong><br />
(<strong>for</strong> US citizens: 5 consecutive years <strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>Switzerland</strong>)<br />
• The holder is generally no longer subject<br />
to labour market restrictions, entitled to<br />
take up self-employment<br />
fields of construction, landscap<strong>in</strong>g, clean<strong>in</strong>g and surveillance/security,<br />
who still require a license.<br />
The <strong>in</strong>troduction of the free movement of persons is be<strong>in</strong>g accompanied<br />
by a series of measures designed to prevent wage<br />
and social dump<strong>in</strong>g, as well as by the mutual recognition of<br />
professional qualifications and the coord<strong>in</strong>ation of social <strong>in</strong>surance<br />
issues. This simplifies recruit<strong>in</strong>g employees from EU/EFTA<br />
countries and attend<strong>in</strong>g and us<strong>in</strong>g academic <strong>in</strong>stitutions <strong>in</strong> these<br />
countries, and it boosts the efficiency of the labor market and<br />
<strong>in</strong>creases the availability of highly qualified staff.<br />
Free Movement of Persons <strong>Switzerland</strong> – EU/EFTA<br />
www.bfm.adm<strong>in</strong>.ch > Topics<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian<br />
<strong>Handbook</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Investors</strong> 2012<br />
57
Brochure «EU citizens <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong>»<br />
www.europa.adm<strong>in</strong>.ch > Services > Publications<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian<br />
6.4.3 Residence and employment of non-EU/EFTA citizens<br />
Citizens from countries outside the EU/EFTA require a work and a<br />
residence permit. They are still subject to the exist<strong>in</strong>g admissions<br />
regulations (priority <strong>for</strong> nationals, control of wages, quotas), but<br />
they have been granted significantly more mobility <strong>in</strong> the <strong>in</strong>terest<br />
of labor market flexibility. Holders of a long-term residence permit<br />
are free to change jobs and place of employment, and to be selfemployed<br />
anywhere <strong>in</strong> the country without requir<strong>in</strong>g special authorization.<br />
In important cases, holders of a short-term residence<br />
permit may also work <strong>for</strong> an employer <strong>in</strong> another canton.<br />
Priority is given to highly qualified and specialized professionals,<br />
as well as to entrepreneurs and executives, recognized scientists<br />
and key persons <strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong> cultural events, employees of<br />
<strong>in</strong>ternationally active corporations and people with <strong>in</strong>ternational<br />
bus<strong>in</strong>ess relations. This approach aims to promote economic,<br />
scientific and cultural exchanges and to support the transfer<br />
of decision-makers and specialists of <strong>in</strong>ternational companies.<br />
Qualified scientists should, <strong>in</strong> particular, be given the opportunity<br />
to cont<strong>in</strong>ue work<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong> after complet<strong>in</strong>g their studies.<br />
It is ultimately <strong>in</strong> the <strong>in</strong>terest of the Swiss economy that <strong>for</strong>eigners<br />
temporarily work<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong> be permitted to br<strong>in</strong>g their<br />
family to <strong>Switzerland</strong>, and that partners and children of holders<br />
of a long-term residence permit have the right to be employed or<br />
self-employed <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong>.<br />
Key regulations:<br />
• B residence permit: generally valid <strong>for</strong> one year. Option to<br />
change jobs and cantons with permission, source tax, quotas<br />
(certa<strong>in</strong> exceptions: e.g. spouses of Swiss citizens have the<br />
same rights as Swiss citizens).<br />
• C residence permit: same rights as Swiss nationals <strong>in</strong> labor<br />
market, no source tax.<br />
• Cross-border commuter permit: possible to change jobs with<br />
permission, not possible to change cantons, source tax.<br />
• L short stay residence permit: not possible to change jobs or<br />
cantons, source tax.<br />
• Intern permit: maximum of 18 months, only <strong>for</strong> tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g young<br />
professionals.<br />
58 <strong>Handbook</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Investors</strong> 2012<br />
• Asylum seekers: Work permit one month follow<strong>in</strong>g submission<br />
of application <strong>for</strong> asylum. Possible to change jobs with permit,<br />
not possible to change cantons. Source tax, 10 % of salary is<br />
reta<strong>in</strong>ed as security.<br />
• Transfer of managerial staff: Essential management staff may<br />
reside <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong> <strong>for</strong> three years <strong>in</strong> accordance with the<br />
General Agreement on Trade <strong>in</strong> Services (GATS). The permit<br />
can be prolonged <strong>for</strong> one year.<br />
The employer is responsible <strong>for</strong> checks and due diligence, as well<br />
as <strong>for</strong> ensur<strong>in</strong>g that a <strong>for</strong>eign employee has permission to assume<br />
the position. In order to obta<strong>in</strong> an entry visa, the employer<br />
must prove that it was not possible to f<strong>in</strong>d a suitable candidate <strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>Switzerland</strong> and that the tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g of a suitable employee with<strong>in</strong> a<br />
reasonable period was not possible.<br />
Employment of non-EU/EFTA citizens<br />
www.bfm.adm<strong>in</strong>.ch<br />
Search under: Topics/Labour/Work permits<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian<br />
6.4.4 Tra<strong>in</strong>ees/<strong>in</strong>terns<br />
<strong>Switzerland</strong> has negotiated agreements with numerous countries<br />
on the exchange of tra<strong>in</strong>ees/<strong>in</strong>terns. These tra<strong>in</strong>ee agreements<br />
make it easier to obta<strong>in</strong> residence and work permits of limited duration.<br />
Tra<strong>in</strong>ees from countries which have no special agreement<br />
with <strong>Switzerland</strong> must follow the normal application procedure <strong>for</strong><br />
work and residence permits.<br />
Tra<strong>in</strong>ees/<strong>in</strong>terns are def<strong>in</strong>ed as people who can provide evidence<br />
of complet<strong>in</strong>g vocational tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g or a degree. The age limit is<br />
35 years (exceptions: Australia, New Zealand, Poland, Russia<br />
and Hungary: 30 years). The job must be <strong>in</strong> the profession<br />
learned or <strong>in</strong> the area of study/tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g and may last no more than<br />
18 months. Canadian students who would like to complete their<br />
education with an <strong>in</strong>ternship are also admitted, while <strong>for</strong> Japanese<br />
students only university graduates are permitted. There are<br />
special quotas <strong>for</strong> tra<strong>in</strong>ees, and national legislation giv<strong>in</strong>g priority<br />
to Swiss nationals does not apply. There is no provision <strong>for</strong> tra<strong>in</strong>ees<br />
to br<strong>in</strong>g their families with them.
Fig. 25: Countries with which <strong>Switzerland</strong> has a tra<strong>in</strong>ee<br />
Argent<strong>in</strong>a<br />
Australia<br />
Bulgaria<br />
Japan<br />
Canada<br />
agreement<br />
Monaco<br />
New Zealand<br />
Philipp<strong>in</strong>es<br />
Poland<br />
Romania<br />
Russia<br />
Slovakia<br />
South Africa<br />
Czech Rep.<br />
Ukra<strong>in</strong>e<br />
Hungary<br />
USA<br />
Source: Foreign tra<strong>in</strong>ees <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong>: a guide <strong>for</strong> <strong>for</strong>eign tra<strong>in</strong>ees and Swiss<br />
employers, www.swissemigration.ch.<br />
As a result of the free movement of persons between <strong>Switzerland</strong><br />
and the EU, nationals of the 25 EU countries and EFTA states no<br />
longer need official work or tra<strong>in</strong>ee permits. Anyone resid<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>Switzerland</strong> <strong>for</strong> more than four months has to officially register<br />
with the cantonal labor market office <strong>in</strong> order to work.<br />
www.swissemigration.ch provides a guide <strong>for</strong> <strong>for</strong>eign tra<strong>in</strong>ees and<br />
potential employers, as well as addresses, a standard employment<br />
contract and application <strong>for</strong>ms.<br />
Guide <strong>for</strong> <strong>for</strong>eign tra<strong>in</strong>ees and Swiss employers<br />
www.swissemigration.ch > Topics > Tra<strong>in</strong>ee programme<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian<br />
6.5 Naturalization.<br />
The naturalization process consists of three levels. It is possible<br />
to apply <strong>for</strong> Swiss citizenship <strong>in</strong> your municipality or canton, each<br />
of which has its own requirements <strong>for</strong> naturalization <strong>in</strong> addition to<br />
those imposed by the federal government (see below).<br />
The follow<strong>in</strong>g requirements must be met to become a naturalized<br />
Swiss:<br />
• Resident <strong>for</strong> 12 years <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong> (years of residency between<br />
ages 10 and 20 count double)<br />
• Integration <strong>in</strong>to Swiss life<br />
• Familiarity with the Swiss lifestyle, customs and traditions<br />
• Observance of Swiss laws<br />
• No threat to the domestic or <strong>in</strong>ternational security of <strong>Switzerland</strong><br />
Foreign spouses of Swiss citizens (simplified naturalization after<br />
five whole years of residence <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong> and after three years<br />
of marriage) and children of Swiss parents who are not yet Swiss<br />
citizens benefit from simplified naturalization.<br />
Swiss citizenship/naturalization<br />
www.bfm.adm<strong>in</strong>.ch > Topics<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian<br />
Naturalization: <strong>in</strong><strong>for</strong>mation<br />
www.ch.ch > For <strong>in</strong>dividuals > Your life<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian<br />
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59
7. Real estate.<br />
Although <strong>Switzerland</strong> has many different types of real estate<br />
available <strong>for</strong> commercial purposes, there is a shortage of<br />
residential real estate, especially <strong>in</strong> city centers, much like <strong>in</strong><br />
other <strong>in</strong>ternational cities. People look<strong>in</strong>g <strong>for</strong> suitable properties<br />
to rent or buy will f<strong>in</strong>d the Internet and newspapers very<br />
useful. Even <strong>in</strong>dividuals resident <strong>in</strong> <strong>for</strong>eign countries can<br />
purchase commercial real estate <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong> without prior<br />
authorization. When it comes to residential property, however,<br />
they are subject to certa<strong>in</strong> restrictions.<br />
7.1 Look<strong>in</strong>g <strong>for</strong> the right property.<br />
7.1.1 Residential and commercial properties<br />
The Internet and newspapers are the most important sources of<br />
<strong>in</strong><strong>for</strong>mation when you are search<strong>in</strong>g <strong>for</strong> a suitable property. Local<br />
acqua<strong>in</strong>tances can also be a big help. The range of real estate on<br />
offer <strong>in</strong>cludes apartments, s<strong>in</strong>gle-family and multi-family residences,<br />
offices and commercial properties, and even park<strong>in</strong>g lots and<br />
garages – <strong>for</strong> rent<strong>in</strong>g or buy<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
Another good source of <strong>in</strong><strong>for</strong>mation are the websites of real estate<br />
fiduciary agencies. You can f<strong>in</strong>d them through real estate search<br />
portals or via the website of the SVIT Real Estate Association<br />
(www.svit.ch), <strong>for</strong> example. Municipalities’ websites are also useful:<br />
Many of them now <strong>in</strong>clude <strong>in</strong><strong>for</strong>mation about future build<strong>in</strong>g projects,<br />
<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g both rental properties and properties <strong>for</strong> sale.<br />
60 <strong>Handbook</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Investors</strong> 2012<br />
Swiss Real Estate Association SVIT<br />
www.svit.ch<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian<br />
The cantonal economic development agencies support <strong>in</strong>vestors<br />
<strong>in</strong> all adm<strong>in</strong>istrative matters and offer assistance <strong>in</strong> f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>g<br />
construction sites or other real estate.<br />
Fig. 26: Onl<strong>in</strong>e sources of <strong>in</strong><strong>for</strong>mation on real estate<br />
www.alle-immobilien.ch Search eng<strong>in</strong>e <strong>for</strong> real estate<br />
offers<br />
Languages: German, English,<br />
French, Italian<br />
www.comparis.ch/immobilien Real estate website with price<br />
comparison function.<br />
Languages: German, English,<br />
French, Italian<br />
immo.search.ch Real estate website with lots of<br />
additional <strong>in</strong><strong>for</strong>mation<br />
Languages: German, English,<br />
French, Italian<br />
www.swiss<strong>in</strong>fo.ch<br />
> Services > Swissl<strong>in</strong>ks ><br />
Real Estate<br />
www.mieterverband.ch<br />
> Residential search<br />
www.homegate.ch<br />
www.immoscout24.ch<br />
List of real estate market l<strong>in</strong>ks.<br />
Languages: German, English,<br />
French, Italian, Portuguese,<br />
Russian, Ch<strong>in</strong>ese, Japanese<br />
List of l<strong>in</strong>ks with comments.<br />
Languages: German<br />
Real estate portals.<br />
Languages: German, English,<br />
French, Italian
7.1.2 Temporary accommodation and furnished apartments<br />
The range of available hotels and vacation accommodation <strong>in</strong><br />
every price category is very broad <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong>, due to the fact<br />
that <strong>Switzerland</strong> is a tourist dest<strong>in</strong>ation. The best start<strong>in</strong>g po<strong>in</strong>t<br />
<strong>for</strong> anyone search<strong>in</strong>g <strong>for</strong> appropriate accommodation is aga<strong>in</strong><br />
the Internet. The <strong>Switzerland</strong> Tourism website «My<strong>Switzerland</strong>.<br />
com» gives you a good overview. Furnished homes or apartments<br />
and serviced apartments are fairly rare and can be expensive.<br />
However, there are real estate providers and firms specializ<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong><br />
expatriate services that can offer assistance. There is no nationwide<br />
overview of all providers, so it is a good idea to search<br />
onl<strong>in</strong>e us<strong>in</strong>g keywords such as serviced apartments, furnished,<br />
studio, apartments, temporary hous<strong>in</strong>g, or holiday or vacation<br />
apartments.<br />
7.2 Commercial properties.<br />
7.2.1 Rental<br />
Geneva<br />
Lausanne<br />
Neuchâtel<br />
Fribourg<br />
Berne<br />
Sion<br />
Sarnen<br />
Hotels and holiday homes<br />
www.myswitzerland.com<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian, Spanish, Russian,<br />
Ch<strong>in</strong>ese, Japanese<br />
Relocation agencies, providers of furnished apartments<br />
as well as serviced apartments<br />
www.xpatxchange.ch > Mov<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Language: English<br />
Fig. 27: Market prices <strong>for</strong> office space, as of 4<br />
Basel<br />
Schaffhausen<br />
280<br />
over<br />
to<br />
320<br />
320<br />
Liestal<br />
Zurich<br />
Frauenfeld St. Gallen<br />
250<br />
200<br />
to<br />
to<br />
280<br />
250<br />
Delémont<br />
Aarau<br />
Herisau<br />
Appenzell<br />
150 to 200<br />
Zug<br />
under 150<br />
Solothurn<br />
Lucerne<br />
Glarus<br />
Schwyz<br />
th quarter 2011<br />
Net rents <strong>in</strong> CHF per square meter area of usable floor space per year (median)<br />
Large cities: figures <strong>for</strong> city centre<br />
Source: Wüest & Partner AG, www.wuestundpartner.com<br />
Stans<br />
Altdorf<br />
Bell<strong>in</strong>zona<br />
Chur<br />
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61
7.2.2 Purchase<br />
There are no restrictions on <strong>in</strong>dividuals resid<strong>in</strong>g outside <strong>Switzerland</strong> purchas<strong>in</strong>g commercial real estate.<br />
Fig. 28: Steps <strong>in</strong> a purchase transaction<br />
Clarifications to be made<br />
prior to purchas<strong>in</strong>g:<br />
legal affairs fall<strong>in</strong>g under<br />
public and private law<br />
Sales negotiations<br />
completed<br />
Official registration by a<br />
notary of that town/city<br />
Land registry <strong>for</strong>malities<br />
per<strong>for</strong>med by the competent<br />
land register district<br />
Source: Immobilien Kaufen und Verkaufen (Buy<strong>in</strong>g and Sell<strong>in</strong>g Real Estate). Bürgi Nägeli Attorneys. www.schweizerische-immobilien.ch<br />
62 <strong>Handbook</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Investors</strong> 2012<br />
• Plann<strong>in</strong>g/build<strong>in</strong>g law issues<br />
• Evaluation of statistics<br />
• Land survey registry plans of encumbered locations<br />
• Road-build<strong>in</strong>g projects<br />
• <strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> permits<br />
• Air-quality action plan<br />
• Noise pollution level<br />
• Taxes<br />
• Checks on all land registry entries (rights-of-way, cautions, notices)<br />
• Land survey registry plan<br />
• Build<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>surance<br />
• Property valuation commissioned<br />
• F<strong>in</strong>anc<strong>in</strong>g<br />
• Verification of seller’s identity<br />
• Lease and tenure situation<br />
• Purchase property precisely def<strong>in</strong>ed<br />
• Price f<strong>in</strong>alized<br />
• Date of transfer of rights and obligations<br />
• F<strong>in</strong>anc<strong>in</strong>g confirmed<br />
• F<strong>in</strong>ancial collateral<br />
• Contract signed <strong>in</strong> the presence of a notary<br />
• Any f<strong>in</strong>ancial collateral paid<br />
• Exchange: the property is exchanged <strong>in</strong> return <strong>for</strong> the payment<br />
• Land registry entry signed
Fig. 29: Construction sites: market prices <strong>for</strong> commercial build<strong>in</strong>gs, 4<br />
In CHF per square meter (average location, no build<strong>in</strong>gs, with roads and services)<br />
th quarter 2011<br />
over 1,500<br />
1,000 to 1,500<br />
500 to 1,000<br />
250 to 500<br />
150 to 250<br />
under 150<br />
Geneva<br />
Lausanne<br />
Neuchâtel<br />
Fribourg<br />
Source: Wüest & Partner AG, www.wuestundpartner.com<br />
7.3 Residential property.<br />
Delémont<br />
Berne<br />
Sion<br />
Basel<br />
Solothurn<br />
Liestal<br />
7.3.1 Rental<br />
Two out of three people <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong> live <strong>in</strong> rented accommodation.<br />
Demand is high and availability of space scarce, especially<br />
<strong>in</strong> cities and large urban areas. S<strong>in</strong>ce 2003, the vacancy rate has<br />
been vary<strong>in</strong>g around the 1 % mark (2010: 0.94 %). It there<strong>for</strong>e<br />
takes some patience and luck to f<strong>in</strong>d the right apartment.<br />
Apartments <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong> are usually rented unfurnished.<br />
Kitchens are fully equipped and generally <strong>in</strong>clude a dishwasher<br />
<strong>in</strong> addition to an oven and refrigerator. For a four-room apartment<br />
(three bedrooms, one liv<strong>in</strong>g room, kitchen and bathroom) <strong>in</strong> big<br />
or medium-sized Swiss cities, the average rent is CHF 1,546 per<br />
month (as of first quarter 2011), although rents vary widely by<br />
Aarau<br />
Sarnen<br />
Lucerne<br />
Schaffhausen<br />
Zurich<br />
Zug<br />
Stans<br />
Altdorf<br />
Frauenfeld St. Gallen<br />
Schwyz<br />
Herisau<br />
Glarus<br />
Bell<strong>in</strong>zona<br />
Appenzell<br />
Chur<br />
region. Prices also depend on the age of the apartment and the<br />
quality of the <strong>in</strong>terior.<br />
A number of factors can affect rents. The cantons with the highest<br />
rents are usually prime locations with<strong>in</strong> reach of major urban<br />
centers. Another factor that expla<strong>in</strong>s high rents is a low tax<br />
burden.<br />
7.3.2 Purchase<br />
The acquisition of residential property by <strong>in</strong>dividuals resident<br />
abroad («persons abroad») is subject to certa<strong>in</strong> legal restrictions<br />
(see chapter 7.5). The home ownership rate <strong>in</strong> 2010 <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong><br />
was about 40 %. It is especially high among families with<br />
children and older people and <strong>in</strong> the higher <strong>in</strong>come brackets.<br />
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63
Fig. 30: Market prices <strong>for</strong> rental apartments, 4<br />
Net rents <strong>in</strong> CHF per square meter of net <strong>in</strong>ternal area per year (median)<br />
th quarter 2011<br />
over 220<br />
200 to 220<br />
180 to 200<br />
160 to 180<br />
140 to 160<br />
under 140<br />
Geneva<br />
Lausanne<br />
64 <strong>Handbook</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Investors</strong> 2012<br />
Neuchâtel<br />
Fribourg<br />
Delémont<br />
Source: Wüest & Partner AG, www.wuestundpartner.com<br />
Berne<br />
Sion<br />
Basel<br />
Solothurn<br />
Liestal<br />
Once the right property has been found, the next step is to sign a<br />
contract of sale. This contract <strong>for</strong>ms the basis <strong>for</strong> any real estate<br />
acquisition and must be drawn up and notarized by a notary. It<br />
obliges the seller to transfer the property and the buyer to pay the<br />
agreed purchase price. The contract also describes the property<br />
and stipulates the date on which the property will be handed over<br />
and the secur<strong>in</strong>g of any capital ga<strong>in</strong>s tax on the property.<br />
Be<strong>for</strong>e sign<strong>in</strong>g the contract, it is advisable to check the land register<br />
to see whether any rights and encumbrances are associated<br />
with the land on which the property stands or will be built. By<br />
provid<strong>in</strong>g proof of <strong>in</strong>terest, you can obta<strong>in</strong> detailed <strong>in</strong><strong>for</strong>mation <strong>in</strong><br />
the <strong>for</strong>m of an extract from the land register, <strong>for</strong> which there is a<br />
fee. The <strong>in</strong><strong>for</strong>mation recorded <strong>in</strong> the land register can be complex.<br />
Although a right-of-way is easy <strong>for</strong> the layperson to understand,<br />
Aarau<br />
Sarnen<br />
Lucerne<br />
Schaffhausen<br />
Zurich<br />
Zug<br />
Stans<br />
Altdorf<br />
Frauenfeld St. Gallen<br />
Schwyz<br />
Herisau<br />
Glarus<br />
Bell<strong>in</strong>zona<br />
Appenzell<br />
Chur<br />
the situation is much more complicated when it <strong>in</strong>volves build<strong>in</strong>g<br />
law or regulations apply<strong>in</strong>g to condom<strong>in</strong>iums. In these cases, it<br />
may be advisable to consult an expert. The notary who handles<br />
the sale can also provide further <strong>in</strong><strong>for</strong>mation. The contract of sale,<br />
which must always be publicly notarized, represents the actual<br />
underly<strong>in</strong>g transaction and is required <strong>for</strong> subsequent registration<br />
<strong>in</strong> the local land register. Ownership actually passes to the buyer<br />
when the land register entry is made. There is no centralized land<br />
register <strong>for</strong> all of <strong>Switzerland</strong>; each canton ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong>s its own register<br />
under the supervision of the Federal Office of Justice.
Fig. 31: Market prices <strong>for</strong> owner-occupied apartments, 4 th quarter 2011<br />
Net rents <strong>in</strong> CHF per square meter of usable floor space per year (median)<br />
over 5,500<br />
5,000 to 5,500<br />
4,500 to 5,000<br />
4,000 to 4,500<br />
3,500 to 4,000<br />
under 3,500<br />
Geneva<br />
Lausanne<br />
Neuchâtel<br />
Fribourg<br />
Source: Wüest & Partner AG, www.wuestundpartner.com<br />
Land register overview<br />
Delémont<br />
Berne<br />
Sion<br />
Basel<br />
Solothurn<br />
www.ch.ch > Individuals > Environment and construction<br />
> Land register<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian<br />
Liestal<br />
Verband Schweizerischer Grundbuchverwalter (Federation<br />
of Swiss Land Register Adm<strong>in</strong>istrators)<br />
www.grundbuchverwalter.ch<br />
Languages: German, French, Italian<br />
Aarau<br />
Sarnen<br />
Lucerne<br />
Schaffhausen<br />
Zurich<br />
Zug<br />
Stans<br />
Altdorf<br />
Frauenfeld St. Gallen<br />
Schwyz<br />
Herisau<br />
Glarus<br />
Bell<strong>in</strong>zona<br />
Appenzell<br />
Chur<br />
Extra costs <strong>for</strong> purchase of residential property<br />
www.haus<strong>in</strong>fo.ch > F<strong>in</strong>anzen und Steuern/Kauf und Verkauf<br />
(F<strong>in</strong>ances & Taxes/Buy<strong>in</strong>g & Sell<strong>in</strong>g)<br />
Languages: German, French<br />
<strong>Handbook</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Investors</strong> 2012<br />
65
7.4 Legal aspects: build<strong>in</strong>g<br />
permits.<br />
Build<strong>in</strong>gs and <strong>in</strong>stalled systems may only be erected or altered<br />
with the consent of the appropriate authorities. The construction<br />
project must first comply with the municipality’s zone use plan,<br />
and then must also meet other requirements based on plann<strong>in</strong>g<br />
law and environmental regulations (water, air, waste and noise) or<br />
requirements <strong>in</strong> the <strong>in</strong>terests of public health and safety.<br />
The build<strong>in</strong>g permit process takes an average of three months.<br />
Submitt<strong>in</strong>g a plann<strong>in</strong>g application (application <strong>for</strong> a build<strong>in</strong>g permit)<br />
is basically a standardized process. In addition to the project<br />
plans, a number of other <strong>for</strong>ms and types of evidence must be<br />
submitted, depend<strong>in</strong>g on the particular project. It is <strong>in</strong> the owner’s<br />
<strong>in</strong>terest to obta<strong>in</strong> a legal build<strong>in</strong>g permit as quickly as possible<br />
s<strong>in</strong>ce the owner must bear the f<strong>in</strong>anc<strong>in</strong>g costs dur<strong>in</strong>g the plann<strong>in</strong>g<br />
and build<strong>in</strong>g permit phases. The typical build<strong>in</strong>g permit process<br />
has four stages:<br />
1. Notification of the authorities<br />
2. Submission of plann<strong>in</strong>g application, prelim<strong>in</strong>ary exam<strong>in</strong>ation,<br />
additional <strong>in</strong>vestigation (environmental impact assessments,<br />
historic preservation, etc.)<br />
3. Exam<strong>in</strong>ation of the application, public notification (publish<strong>in</strong>g<br />
a notice and stak<strong>in</strong>g out the extent of the structure), issue of<br />
the build<strong>in</strong>g permit (<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g conditions and deadl<strong>in</strong>es)<br />
4. Period <strong>in</strong> which objections to the project can be submitted;<br />
construction approval<br />
66 <strong>Handbook</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Investors</strong> 2012<br />
The purchase of land <strong>for</strong> residential construction is subject to the<br />
provisions described <strong>in</strong> chapter 7.5.<br />
7.5 Legal aspects: purchase of real<br />
estate by persons abroad.<br />
Acquisition of real estate <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong> by «persons abroad» is<br />
restricted by law and may require a permit. However, the permit<br />
requirement basically applies only to the purchase of vacation<br />
homes and residential property that will not be used directly by the<br />
party <strong>in</strong> question. As such, <strong>for</strong>eign nationals actually resident <strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>Switzerland</strong> may purchase residential or commercial properties.<br />
7.5.1 No permit required<br />
The follow<strong>in</strong>g groups of <strong>in</strong>dividuals and entities may purchase<br />
property without first obta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g a permit:<br />
Fig. 32: Permit requirement by group<br />
Group Property that can be acquired<br />
without authorization per …<br />
All persons Commercial real estate<br />
Nationals of member states of the European Union (EU) or of the European Free Trade<br />
All types of real estate<br />
Association (EFTA) resid<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong> (generally <strong>in</strong>dividuals with an EU/EFTA B residence<br />
permit or an EU/EFTA C settlement permit)<br />
Non-EU or non-EFTA nationals who have permanent residency status <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong> (<strong>in</strong>dividuals with a All types of real estate<br />
C settlement permit)<br />
Non-EU or non-EFTA nationals resid<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong> who do not yet have permanent residency status Ma<strong>in</strong> residence<br />
<strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong> (usually with a B residence permit)<br />
Companies domiciled <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong> and controled by persons not subject to permit authorization All types of real estate<br />
EU and EFTA cross-border commuters (with an EU/EFTA G cross-border commuter permit) Second home <strong>in</strong> the area <strong>in</strong> which<br />
their workplace is located<br />
Source: Own diagram Generis AG, Schaffhausen<br />
Plann<strong>in</strong>g applications and build<strong>in</strong>g permits<br />
www.ch.ch > Individuals > Environment and construction<br />
> Build<strong>in</strong>g permits<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian
No permit is required <strong>for</strong> real estate that is used <strong>for</strong> the pursuit of<br />
a bus<strong>in</strong>ess activity, i.e. a professional, commercial or <strong>in</strong>dustrial<br />
activity (with the exception of land <strong>for</strong> the construction, trade or<br />
lett<strong>in</strong>g of hous<strong>in</strong>g). The concept of bus<strong>in</strong>ess activity is very broad.<br />
It applies not only to the classic <strong>for</strong>ms of trade, <strong>in</strong>dustry and commerce<br />
but also to the f<strong>in</strong>ancial and services sector. It there<strong>for</strong>e<br />
covers self-employed professionals such as IT specialists or hotel<br />
owners, as well as the operation of a trade or service center and<br />
even <strong>in</strong>dustrial production. The acquisition of an <strong>in</strong>terest <strong>in</strong> real estate<br />
companies engaged <strong>in</strong> the buy<strong>in</strong>g and sell<strong>in</strong>g of such properties<br />
is also possible. Residential property can also be acquired<br />
under the «bus<strong>in</strong>ess establishment» head<strong>in</strong>g if it is necessary <strong>for</strong><br />
bus<strong>in</strong>ess purposes (such as accommodation <strong>for</strong> caretakers or<br />
technicians whose permanent on-site presence is required) or if<br />
separation from the bus<strong>in</strong>ess property would be impractical or<br />
unreasonable.<br />
7.5.2 Permit required<br />
A permit is required <strong>for</strong> purchase of non-commercial property by<br />
the follow<strong>in</strong>g groups:<br />
• Foreign nationals resident outside <strong>Switzerland</strong><br />
• Non-EU/non-EFTA nationals resident <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong> who do not<br />
have a settlement permit (i.e. permanent resident status)<br />
• Companies with their head office outside <strong>Switzerland</strong> (even if<br />
the owner is a Swiss citizen)<br />
• Companies that have their legally registered and actual head<br />
office <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong> but are controlled by non-Swiss nationals<br />
resident outside <strong>Switzerland</strong>. This is the case if <strong>for</strong>eign nationals<br />
hold more than one-third of the company capital, have more<br />
than one-third of the vot<strong>in</strong>g rights or have provided significant<br />
loans.<br />
• Buyers who purchase a piece of property <strong>for</strong> the account of a<br />
person abroad (fiduciary transaction)<br />
The permit requirements apply not only to the transfer of real estate<br />
ownership requir<strong>in</strong>g land register entries but also to any legal<br />
transaction that gives a non-resident actual control over any real<br />
estate <strong>for</strong> which a permit is required. For this reason, these groups<br />
are not allowed to <strong>in</strong>vest directly <strong>in</strong> the hous<strong>in</strong>g market or conduct<br />
real estate deal<strong>in</strong>gs <strong>in</strong>volv<strong>in</strong>g residential properties.<br />
7.5.3 Reasons <strong>for</strong> permit<br />
Permission <strong>for</strong> the acquisition of properties <strong>for</strong> which a permit is<br />
required may be granted <strong>in</strong> the follow<strong>in</strong>g cases on the grounds<br />
provided <strong>for</strong> by law:<br />
• Banks and <strong>in</strong>surance companies licensed <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong> <strong>for</strong> acquir<strong>in</strong>g<br />
real estate <strong>in</strong> compulsory en<strong>for</strong>cements and liquidation<br />
proceed<strong>in</strong>gs if the real estate is encumbered with a mortgage <strong>in</strong><br />
their favor;<br />
• Insurance companies <strong>for</strong> actuarial reserves <strong>for</strong> domestic bus<strong>in</strong>ess<br />
• A permit may be issued if the real estate acquisition is used by<br />
a Swiss company <strong>for</strong> the purposes of retirement plans <strong>for</strong> staff<br />
work<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong><br />
• A permit will be granted if the property will be used specifically<br />
<strong>for</strong> a charitable purpose<br />
• Heirs and legatees: a permit is granted with the stipulation that<br />
the property must be sold with<strong>in</strong> two years (exception: close<br />
relationship to the property worthy of protection)<br />
• Hardship case: a permit may be granted <strong>for</strong> a vacation home or<br />
a hotel condom<strong>in</strong>ium unit if the seller is <strong>in</strong> f<strong>in</strong>ancial difficulty and<br />
has offered the property without success to <strong>in</strong>dividuals who are<br />
not required to obta<strong>in</strong> a permit<br />
• Certa<strong>in</strong> cantons only: the acquisition of a holiday residence by<br />
an <strong>in</strong>dividual abroad <strong>in</strong> a tourist resort<br />
• Certa<strong>in</strong> cantons only: A <strong>for</strong>eign national not resident <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong><br />
may receive a permit to purchase a second home <strong>in</strong><br />
a town with which he/she has close economic, scientific/academic<br />
or cultural ties<br />
• Certa<strong>in</strong> cantons only: Persons abroad <strong>for</strong> the construction of<br />
subsidized hous<strong>in</strong>g<br />
7.5.4 Execution<br />
En<strong>for</strong>cement of the law is primarily the responsibility of the canton<br />
<strong>in</strong> which the real estate is located. The authority designated by<br />
the canton decides whether or not a transaction requires a permit<br />
and whether or not a permit should be granted. Under certa<strong>in</strong><br />
conditions, persons abroad can also be permitted to purchase a<br />
vacation home. However, ownership of real estate <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong><br />
does not entitle a <strong>for</strong>eign owner to a residence permit.<br />
<strong>Handbook</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Investors</strong> 2012<br />
67
8. Labor market and labor laws.<br />
<strong>Switzerland</strong> has one of the most productive work<strong>for</strong>ces of<br />
any national economy. Its labor market is characterized by<br />
liberal legislation, light-touch regulation and exceptional social<br />
stability. Labor conflicts are solved through the productive<br />
relationship between labor and management. Strikes are<br />
rare. The social <strong>in</strong>surance system <strong>for</strong> workers is based on the<br />
pr<strong>in</strong>ciples of solidarity and personal responsibility. The high<br />
wages attract qualified workers, and employers benefit from<br />
competitive unit labor costs thanks to low social security<br />
deductions.<br />
8.1 Employment and<br />
unemployment.<br />
<strong>Switzerland</strong> has around 6 million employed people (as per first<br />
quarter 2011, exclud<strong>in</strong>g cross-border commuters and short-term<br />
residents), around two million of whom are women. The labor<br />
<strong>for</strong>ce participation rate (people <strong>in</strong> or seek<strong>in</strong>g as a percentage of<br />
the population aged 15 and over) is 68.2 %, one of the highest<br />
<strong>in</strong> the whole of Europe. Foreigners account <strong>for</strong> 30 % of the<br />
employed population. 35 % of employed people work part-time.<br />
58 % of women work part-time, compared to just 15 % of men.<br />
<strong>Switzerland</strong> has consistently had low unemployment, which has<br />
rema<strong>in</strong>ed between 1 % and 4 % over the past ten years (2011:<br />
3.1 %).<br />
Swiss workers are highly qualified – around one-third have a<br />
higher education degree. <strong>Switzerland</strong> is famous <strong>for</strong> its multil<strong>in</strong>gual<br />
employees, and Swiss managers have more <strong>in</strong>ternational experi-<br />
68 <strong>Handbook</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Investors</strong> 2012<br />
ence than average. In terms of worker motivation, the Swiss rank<br />
second only to the Danish. Swiss employees are very loyal to<br />
their companies, partly because most companies are small or<br />
medium-sized.<br />
Fig. 33: International comparison of worker motivation, 2011<br />
1 = low, 10 = high<br />
1 Denmark 8.09<br />
2 <strong>Switzerland</strong> 7.92<br />
3 Austria 7.73<br />
4 Taiwan 7.67<br />
5 Norway 7.49<br />
8 Germany 7.24<br />
10 Hong Kong SAR 7.18<br />
11 Netherlands 7.14<br />
14 Ireland 6.94<br />
15 Japan 6.88<br />
18 S<strong>in</strong>gapore 6.63<br />
19 Brazil 6.59<br />
21 USA 6.47<br />
23 Belgium 6.42<br />
24 Luxemburg 6.39<br />
26 India 6.17<br />
29 Ch<strong>in</strong>a 5.96<br />
35 Great Brita<strong>in</strong> 5.70<br />
48 Italy 4.77<br />
51 France 4.42<br />
55 Russia 4.14<br />
Source: IMD World Competitiveness Onl<strong>in</strong>e 2011
Fig. 34: International experience (2011)<br />
1 = low, 10 = high<br />
1 <strong>Switzerland</strong> 7.82<br />
2 Hong Kong SAR 7.80<br />
3 Luxemburg 7.38<br />
4 Sweden 7.18<br />
5 Qatar 7.05<br />
6 S<strong>in</strong>gapore 7.01<br />
7 Netherlands 6.98<br />
10 Germany 6.63<br />
11 Ireland 6.56<br />
14 Belgium 6.32<br />
19 Denmark 5.98<br />
21 Great Brita<strong>in</strong> 5.91<br />
27 Brazil 5.72<br />
28 India 5.71<br />
34 USA 5.50<br />
41 Norway 4.83<br />
44 France 4.71<br />
52 Italy 4.17<br />
53 Russia 4.08<br />
54 Japan 4.04<br />
56 Ch<strong>in</strong>a 3.92<br />
Source: IMD World Competitiveness Onl<strong>in</strong>e 2011<br />
Fig. 35: Monthly gross salary (central value) per sector and region, 2008<br />
Sector of the economy <strong>Switzerland</strong><br />
Lake<br />
Geneva<br />
area<br />
8.2 Labor costs.<br />
8.2.1 Salaries<br />
Salaries are relatively high <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong>, reflect<strong>in</strong>g the country’s<br />
high levels of prosperity and output. Generous salaries are a symbol<br />
of success and make the country attractive to qualified workers.<br />
Compared to other cities (<strong>in</strong> 2010), gross wages <strong>in</strong> Zurich and<br />
Geneva are just ahead of Copenhagen and Oslo. Due to the lower<br />
deductions (taxes, social <strong>in</strong>surance) compared to other countries,<br />
<strong>Switzerland</strong> also holds first place when it comes to net <strong>in</strong>come.<br />
Regular official surveys of wage levels and structures show<br />
considerable difference both with<strong>in</strong> and between the <strong>in</strong>dividual<br />
sectors.<br />
Central<br />
Plateau<br />
Northwestern<strong>Switzerland</strong><br />
Zurich Eastern<br />
<strong>Switzerland</strong><br />
Central<br />
<strong>Switzerland</strong><br />
TOTAL 5,786 5,952 5,610 6,084 6,236 5,414 5,651 4,929<br />
SECTOR 2: PRODUCTION 5,935 6,106 5,742 6,557 6,309 5,659 5,829 5,041<br />
M<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g, quarry<strong>in</strong>g of stone/soil 5,823 5,679 5,951 6,310 5,649 5,778 6,148 5,383<br />
Manufactur<strong>in</strong>g; <strong>in</strong>dustry 6,041 6,417 5,742 6,885 6,480 5,715 5,952 4,651<br />
Energy and water supply 7,520 7,421 7,378 8,410 8,043 7,256 7,036 6,308<br />
Construction 5,695 5,754 5,638 5,897 6,012 5,460 5,602 5,318<br />
SECTOR 3 SERVICES 5,688 5,860 5,491 5,696 6,228 5,080 5,472 4,832<br />
Trade, repair 5,344 5,574 4,979 5,344 5,792 4,954 5,333 4,504<br />
Hospitality 4,000 3,902 3,931 4,098 4,236 3,895 4,036 3,660<br />
Transport, communications 5,664 5,417 6,643 5,302 6,025 5,083 5,006 4,942<br />
Bank<strong>in</strong>g and <strong>in</strong>surance 8,656 9,352 6,761 8,111 9,127 7,454 7,130 7,500<br />
IT, R&D, corporate services 6,802 7,243 6,197 7,000 7,222 6,056 6,819 5,600<br />
Education 7,137 6,666 7,259 7,901 7,579 7,653 7,150 5,857<br />
Healthcare and social services 5,854 5,964 5,751 5,765 6,314 5,692 5,801 5,422<br />
Other public and private services 5,742 5,953 5,532 5,465 7,034 4,667 5,033 4,754<br />
Standardized monthly salary: full-time equivalents based on 4 1/3 weeks of 40 work<strong>in</strong>g hours per week<br />
Source: Swiss Federal Statistical Office, Swiss Earn<strong>in</strong>gs Structure Survey<br />
<strong>Handbook</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Investors</strong> 2012<br />
Tic<strong>in</strong>o<br />
69
Fig. 36: Gross annual earned <strong>in</strong>come (median) <strong>in</strong> each occupational<br />
group <strong>in</strong> CHF (first quarter 2011)<br />
Self-Employed<br />
Full time + part time<br />
Women + Men<br />
62,500<br />
Managers 80,000<br />
Academic professions 84,000<br />
Technicians and similar 66,300<br />
Office staff, commercial occupations 36,000<br />
Service and sales 41,400<br />
Agricultural specialists 54,000<br />
Skilled craftsmen and similar 65,000<br />
Equipment and mach<strong>in</strong>e operators 59,700<br />
Unskilled workers 26,000<br />
Employees 66,200<br />
Managers 108,600<br />
Academic professions 84,500<br />
Technicians and similar 74,700<br />
Office staff, commercial occupations 58,500<br />
Service and sales 43,200<br />
Agricultural specialists 56,600<br />
Skilled craftsmen and similar 65,900<br />
Equipment and mach<strong>in</strong>e operators 65,000<br />
Unskilled workers 26,000<br />
Source: Swiss Federal Statistical Office, Swiss Labor Force Survey<br />
UBS Prices and Earn<strong>in</strong>gs Survey<br />
www.ubs.com/research<br />
Languages: German, English, French<br />
Salary and wage level<br />
www.bfs.adm<strong>in</strong>.ch > Topics > Employment and <strong>in</strong>come<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian<br />
70 <strong>Handbook</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Investors</strong> 2012<br />
8.2.2 Non-wage labor costs<br />
The decid<strong>in</strong>g factor <strong>for</strong> employers is not the salary that they<br />
pay but rather the unit labor cost. Although salaries are high <strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>Switzerland</strong>, the non-wage labor costs that employers must bear<br />
<strong>in</strong> addition to gross salary (employer social security contributions)<br />
add up to just 15 %. Coupled with high productivity, modest taxes<br />
and low capital costs, this means that at the end of the day many<br />
employers pay less than <strong>in</strong> other European countries.<br />
Fig. 37: Industry labor costs: direct remuneration and non-wage<br />
labor costs (2009)*<br />
Labor costs <strong>in</strong> EUR/hour<br />
Norway 43.64<br />
Belgium 38.59<br />
<strong>Switzerland</strong> 37.14<br />
Denmark 35.08<br />
Germany 34.28<br />
France 33.31<br />
Luxemburg 33.09<br />
Sweden 32.88<br />
Netherlands 32.75<br />
Ireland 29.62<br />
Italy 27.40<br />
USA 22.95<br />
Japan 22.86<br />
Great Brita<strong>in</strong> 22.21<br />
Russia 3.61<br />
Ch<strong>in</strong>a 2.25<br />
* Not available: Brazil and India<br />
Source: Institute <strong>for</strong> the German Economy (Institut der deutschen Wirtschaft),<br />
Cologne, Industry labor cost, <strong>in</strong>ternational comparison, IW-Trends<br />
2009<br />
Individual salary calculator<br />
www.lohnrechner.bfs.adm<strong>in</strong>.ch<br />
Languages: German, French, Italian
Fig. 38: Salary statement example: employer and employee contributions<br />
Example: employee with two children<br />
Employee <strong>in</strong> % <strong>in</strong> CHF <strong>in</strong> CHF<br />
Gross salary 10,000.00<br />
Social security (OASI/DI/IC) 5.15 515.00<br />
State-mandated unemployment <strong>in</strong>surance 1.10 110.00<br />
Non-occupational accident <strong>in</strong>surance 1 2.00 200.00<br />
State-mandated occupational pension fund 2 6.50 650.00<br />
Daily sickness benefits <strong>in</strong>surance 3 0.62 62.00<br />
Social deductions – 1’537.00<br />
Child/family allowance 4 200.00 400<br />
Net salary 8,863.00<br />
Employer<br />
Gross salary 10,000.00<br />
Social security (OASI/DI/IC) 5.15 515.00<br />
Adm<strong>in</strong>istrative costs 0.30 30.30<br />
State-mandated unemployment <strong>in</strong>surance 1.10 110.00<br />
Occupational accident <strong>in</strong>surance 1 0.50 50.00<br />
State-mandated occupational pension fund 2 6.50 650.00<br />
Daily sickness benefits <strong>in</strong>surance 3 0.62 62.00<br />
Family allowance (two children) 4 2.00 200.00<br />
Employer contributions –1,617.30<br />
Total staff costs 11,617.30<br />
1 Depends on sector and occupational risk Source: Own diagram Generis AG, Schaffhausen<br />
2 Amount varies accord<strong>in</strong>g to the age of the <strong>in</strong>sured person (and <strong>in</strong>surance)<br />
3 Voluntary <strong>in</strong>surance<br />
4 Amount varies depend<strong>in</strong>g on the family compensation fund/canton<br />
8.3 Labor contract and employee<br />
representation.<br />
The Swiss labor law comprises the rights and obligations of the<br />
employees and employers. It conta<strong>in</strong>s considerably less provisions<br />
than the legislations <strong>in</strong> the EU states and is set out <strong>in</strong> several<br />
laws – the Swiss Code of Obligations (<strong>in</strong>dividual employment<br />
contracts, collective barga<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g agreements, normal employment<br />
contracts), the Labor Act (general health and safety, work<strong>in</strong>g and<br />
rest times, young people, pregnant women and new mothers) as<br />
well as the Accident Prevention Law (safety at work).<br />
The mandatory law of the federal government and the cantons<br />
has precedence over the provisions of the collective barga<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g<br />
agreement, although different provisions can be specified to the<br />
benefit of the employee, provided noth<strong>in</strong>g else is stated <strong>in</strong> the<br />
compulsory law. If, on the other hand, the legal provisions are not<br />
mandatory, the agreements made between the parties have precedence.<br />
Some labor law regulations can be amended by the collective<br />
agreement, but they cannot be amended by an <strong>in</strong>dividual<br />
employment contract.<br />
Salaries are either negotiated directly between the employer and<br />
employee, or with<strong>in</strong> the scope of collective barga<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g agreements.<br />
Here the legislator also refra<strong>in</strong>s from strict regulations <strong>in</strong><br />
accordance with the liberal economic system. It allows a certa<strong>in</strong><br />
amount of room <strong>for</strong> direct agreements between the social partners.<br />
<strong>Handbook</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Investors</strong> 2012<br />
71
Fig. 39: Labor market deregulation, 2011<br />
Entrepreneurship is 1 = severely impaired,<br />
10 = not impaired at all<br />
1 Denmark 8.35<br />
2 <strong>Switzerland</strong> 7.96<br />
3 Iceland 7.91<br />
4 Hong Kong SAR 7.10<br />
5 S<strong>in</strong>gapore 7.05<br />
8 USA 6.48<br />
11 Ch<strong>in</strong>a 6.34<br />
19 Ireland 5.56<br />
22 Russia 5.46<br />
26 Japan 5.14<br />
31 Germany 4.95<br />
33 India 4.90<br />
42 Netherlands 4.38<br />
44 Great Brita<strong>in</strong> 4.28<br />
46 Luxemburg 4.23<br />
48 France 3.74<br />
49 Italy 3.70<br />
51 Belgium 3.44<br />
56 Brazil 2.28<br />
Source: IMD World Competitiveness Onl<strong>in</strong>e 2011<br />
8.3.1 Individual employment contracts<br />
Employers are required to provide employees with the key po<strong>in</strong>ts<br />
of the employment contract <strong>in</strong> writ<strong>in</strong>g by no later than one month<br />
after the employee starts work.<br />
In larger companies, it is recommended to have an employee<br />
handbook conta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g the most important employment provisions,<br />
as the employment contract itself only conta<strong>in</strong>s provisions on<br />
wages, notice period and special terms (e.g. non-competition<br />
clause). Employment contracts and employee handbooks must<br />
con<strong>for</strong>m to the mandatory provisions of the Swiss Code of Obligations<br />
and the provisions of any applicable collective barga<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g<br />
agreements, where applicable. Employee handbooks should not<br />
be confused with agreements between the employer and the<br />
works council, as practiced <strong>in</strong> EU countries (and which do not<br />
exist <strong>in</strong> this <strong>for</strong>m <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong>). However, <strong>in</strong>dustrial companies<br />
are required to establish «work rules» conta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g rules on occupational<br />
health protection and accident prevention. The employees<br />
or their representatives must be consulted be<strong>for</strong>e the rules are<br />
put <strong>in</strong>to <strong>for</strong>ce.<br />
72 <strong>Handbook</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Investors</strong> 2012<br />
Companies may <strong>in</strong>clude <strong>in</strong> the employment contract a noncompetition<br />
clause <strong>for</strong> the duration of the employment with the<br />
company and beyond. Through a non-competition clause, the<br />
employer prevents employees who leave the company from us<strong>in</strong>g<br />
special knowledge that they ga<strong>in</strong>ed while work<strong>in</strong>g there <strong>in</strong> a way<br />
that provides competition <strong>for</strong> their <strong>for</strong>mer employer. In practice,<br />
demand<strong>in</strong>g requirements are imposed on the word<strong>in</strong>g and<br />
en<strong>for</strong>cement of such clauses. There is no mandatory provision <strong>for</strong><br />
compensat<strong>in</strong>g employees <strong>for</strong> agree<strong>in</strong>g to such non-competition<br />
clauses. Non-competition clauses must:<br />
• be <strong>in</strong> written <strong>for</strong>m<br />
• clarify the def<strong>in</strong>ition (location, area, client group); a general<br />
restriction is not sufficient<br />
• specify the duration; <strong>in</strong> general not longer than three years<br />
8.3.2 Collective labor contracts<br />
Collective barga<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g agreements are concluded between employer<br />
and employee associations. By do<strong>in</strong>g so, these parties<br />
def<strong>in</strong>e the m<strong>in</strong>imum conditions (e.g. m<strong>in</strong>imum salaries, holiday<br />
entitlement, work<strong>in</strong>g hours, periods of notice or pension age) that<br />
<strong>in</strong>dividual employment contracts cannot go below. A collective<br />
barga<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g agreement is normally agreed with a set term. Dur<strong>in</strong>g<br />
the term both sides have an obligation not to engage <strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong>dustrial<br />
action.<br />
With the declarations of general applicability the scope of a<br />
collective barga<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g agreement is extended to all employees<br />
and employers <strong>in</strong> a particular sector. M<strong>in</strong>imum wages which<br />
have been negotiated with<strong>in</strong> the scope of a collective barga<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g<br />
agreement of this k<strong>in</strong>d, have to be observed by all employers.<br />
The approx. 1,500 collective barga<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g agreements that are<br />
non-b<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>g only have to be observed if the contractual parties<br />
are members of the respective associations. In <strong>Switzerland</strong> there<br />
are 36 collective barga<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g agreements that are generally b<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>g<br />
and have been issued by the federal government and 47 by the<br />
cantons (October 2011).<br />
If there are differences of op<strong>in</strong>ion between an employer and the<br />
work<strong>for</strong>ce, an amicable solution is sought <strong>in</strong>ternally. This fundamental<br />
approach dates back to the «peace agreement» between<br />
Swiss employers and employee organizations of 1937. In accordance<br />
with the mutual agreement to ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong> peace, workers<br />
and management seek to resolve conflicts through discussions.<br />
Solution-oriented labor market partnerships are still the norm<br />
today.
Fig. 40: Employer-employee understand<strong>in</strong>g, 2011<br />
1 = total confrontation, 7 = total cooperation<br />
Average: 4.4<br />
1 <strong>Switzerland</strong> 6.1<br />
2 S<strong>in</strong>gapore 6.1<br />
3 Denmark 5.9<br />
4 Norway 5.8<br />
5 Netherlands 5.7<br />
6 Japan 5.7<br />
9 Austria 5.6<br />
10 Luxemburg 5.5<br />
12 Hong Kong SAR 5.4<br />
22 Germany 5.1<br />
25 Great Brita<strong>in</strong> 5.0<br />
29 Ireland 4.9<br />
36 USA 4.8<br />
46 India 4.6<br />
51 Ch<strong>in</strong>a 4.5<br />
57 Belgium 4.4<br />
79 Brazil 4.2<br />
118 Italy 3.8<br />
125 Russia 3.6<br />
133 France 3.4<br />
Source: World Economic Forum, The Global Competitiveness Report<br />
2011 – 2012<br />
Declaration of general applicability of collective barga<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g<br />
agreements<br />
www.seco.adm<strong>in</strong>.ch > Topics > Labour > Labour Law<br />
Languages: German, French, Italian<br />
8.3.3 Employee participation and employee representation<br />
The Co-Determ<strong>in</strong>ation Act governs the participation of employees<br />
<strong>in</strong> a company and applies to all private companies with employees<br />
<strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong>, regardless of their size. Participation consists<br />
ma<strong>in</strong>ly of provid<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong><strong>for</strong>mation to and listen<strong>in</strong>g to employees. In<br />
the areas listed below, the employer must <strong>in</strong><strong>for</strong>m employees of<br />
all significant circumstances, new developments and/or changes.<br />
Employees have the right to take their questions and/or comments<br />
to their employer and make suggestions. The act also<br />
governs the elections of employee representation committees.<br />
In areas with at least 50 employees, the right to set-up employee<br />
representation exists. Employers need only <strong>in</strong><strong>for</strong>m or consult the<br />
employee representative or the affected employees <strong>in</strong> the follow<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>in</strong>stances:<br />
• <strong>in</strong> all matters relat<strong>in</strong>g to work safety and worker protection<br />
• on the transfer of operations<br />
• <strong>in</strong> the event of mass redundancies<br />
• when l<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g with a professional pension scheme<br />
In addition the employer must <strong>in</strong><strong>for</strong>m the employees at least once<br />
a year about the effects of the course of bus<strong>in</strong>ess on employment<br />
and the staff.<br />
Works councils <strong>in</strong> the EU have far greater powers than employee<br />
representation committees under Swiss law. The major difference<br />
is that, <strong>in</strong> contrast to works councils, Swiss employee representative<br />
committees are not able to push through their own views<br />
or to <strong>for</strong>ce a decision. Their rights are limited to be<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong><strong>for</strong>med,<br />
hav<strong>in</strong>g their views heard and provid<strong>in</strong>g decision-mak<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>put.<br />
8.4 Work<strong>in</strong>g hours and leisure time.<br />
8.4.1 Normal work<strong>in</strong>g hours, maximum work<strong>in</strong>g hours and<br />
work<strong>in</strong>g time models<br />
Employment contracts or collective barga<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g agreements<br />
generally stipulate that normal work<strong>in</strong>g hours <strong>for</strong> employees <strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>Switzerland</strong> are 40 to 44 hours per week. The legal maximum<br />
work<strong>in</strong>g time <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong> has rema<strong>in</strong>ed stable over many<br />
decades. The maximum number of work<strong>in</strong>g hours per week is<br />
45 hours <strong>for</strong> <strong>in</strong>dustrial companies (also applies to office staff and<br />
technical employees and sales personnel <strong>in</strong> large retail stores).<br />
For commercial operations, the maximum is 50 hours per week.<br />
This differentiation between normal and maximum work<strong>in</strong>g hours<br />
is important <strong>for</strong> the def<strong>in</strong>ition of overtime.<br />
In practice, there are many ways of adapt<strong>in</strong>g work<strong>in</strong>g hours to<br />
the needs of a bus<strong>in</strong>ess, <strong>for</strong> example, flex-time, the range model,<br />
two/multiple-shift operation or cont<strong>in</strong>uous operation (7 x 24 hours<br />
x 365 days) are all possibilities. In particular, <strong>in</strong> the case of the need<br />
<strong>for</strong> cont<strong>in</strong>uous operation, the daily and weekly maximum hours can<br />
be extended and break times can be distributed differently.<br />
8.4.2 Overtime and excess hours<br />
The difference between normal and maximum work<strong>in</strong>g hours is<br />
referred to as overtime. Employees are obliged to per<strong>for</strong>m such<br />
overtime to the extent that they are able to do so and which<br />
they may be reasonably expected to per<strong>for</strong>m. By law, overtime<br />
must be paid at a premium of 25 %. It is possible, however, <strong>for</strong><br />
the premium to be waived <strong>in</strong> writ<strong>in</strong>g. Instead of overtime pay, the<br />
<strong>Handbook</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Investors</strong> 2012<br />
73
employee may be compensated through time <strong>in</strong> lieu of at least<br />
the same duration, provided the employer and employee mutually<br />
agree to this. For employees <strong>in</strong> managerial positions it is possible<br />
to compensate overtime generally through normal salary.<br />
If the weekly maximum work<strong>in</strong>g hours are exceeded, this is referred<br />
to as overtime. Under the Labor Act, excess hours may not<br />
exceed two hours per day <strong>for</strong> an <strong>in</strong>dividual employee. In total, the<br />
excess hours may not exceed 170 hours per year <strong>for</strong> employees<br />
with a weekly maximum work<strong>in</strong>g time of 45 hours, or 140 hours<br />
<strong>for</strong> employees with a weekly maximum work<strong>in</strong>g time of 50 hours.<br />
Unless compensated by time <strong>in</strong> lieu with<strong>in</strong> a reasonable time,<br />
excess hours must be paid at a premium of 25 %.<br />
In contrast to many European countries, the consent of the employee<br />
representative committee is not necessary <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong><br />
<strong>for</strong> overtime or excess hours. Neither is it necessary to obta<strong>in</strong><br />
official approval, provided the above limits are not exceeded.<br />
8.4.3 Day work and even<strong>in</strong>g work<br />
Work<strong>in</strong>g hours from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. are considered day<br />
work; the hours from 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. constitute even<strong>in</strong>g<br />
work. Day and even<strong>in</strong>g work do not require approval. However,<br />
even<strong>in</strong>g work may be <strong>in</strong>troduced only after consultation with<br />
the employee representative committee, or if there is none, after<br />
consultation with the affected employees. This rule allows the<br />
<strong>in</strong>troduction of a two-shift operation without government approval.<br />
The work<strong>in</strong>g time of an <strong>in</strong>dividual employee, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g breaks and<br />
excess hours, must be with<strong>in</strong> a period of 14 hours.<br />
Fig. 41: Day, even<strong>in</strong>g and night periods<br />
6 a.m. 8 p.m. 11 p.m.<br />
N Day<br />
Even<strong>in</strong>g N<br />
B<br />
Max. 14 hours<br />
17 hours requires no approval<br />
N = night period B = requires approval<br />
Source: State Secretariat <strong>for</strong> Economic Affairs SECO<br />
74 <strong>Handbook</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Investors</strong> 2012<br />
B<br />
8.4.4 Night work, work<strong>in</strong>g on Sundays and public holidays<br />
Approval from the authorities is generally required if night work is<br />
needed (apart from companies where special conditions apply).<br />
For temporary night work, a premium of 25 % must be paid. For<br />
permanent or regularly recurr<strong>in</strong>g night work, employees are entitled<br />
to paid leave of 10 % of the time worked dur<strong>in</strong>g night hours.<br />
This leave must be granted with<strong>in</strong> one year. There is no entitlement<br />
<strong>for</strong> compensation <strong>in</strong> the <strong>for</strong>m of paid leave if the average<br />
shift time, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g breaks, does not exceed seven hours, or if<br />
the person work<strong>in</strong>g at night is employed <strong>for</strong> only four nights per<br />
week.<br />
Sunday is def<strong>in</strong>ed as the time between 11 p.m. on Saturday and<br />
11 p.m. on Sunday. Except where special regulations apply to<br />
certa<strong>in</strong> sectors, approval from the relevant authority is also needed<br />
<strong>for</strong> work on such days. Only one holiday – August 1st , Swiss<br />
National Day – is treated as equivalent to a Sunday throughout<br />
the whole country.<br />
The cantons may declare up to eight additional holidays as equivalent<br />
to a Sunday. They must be differentiated from the legally<br />
recognized public holidays: Although the same rules generally<br />
apply to these days as to holidays treated as Sundays, the legal<br />
basis <strong>for</strong> this is def<strong>in</strong>ed by the canton or municipality and so may<br />
differ <strong>in</strong> detail from the provisions regard<strong>in</strong>g Sundays.<br />
8.4.5 Holidays and public holidays<br />
All employees <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong> are entitled to at least four weeks’<br />
paid leave per year (young people under the age of 20 are entitled<br />
to five weeks), two of which must be taken consecutively.<br />
Part-time employees are also entitled to paid leave <strong>in</strong> proportion<br />
to the percentage of standard hours they work. Leave must be<br />
taken; it may not be compensated through payment. There are<br />
no further statutory leave entitlements. However, longer entitlements<br />
are customary <strong>in</strong> collective barga<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g agreements, and 25<br />
days per year are usually granted to employees over the age of<br />
50. Dur<strong>in</strong>g time off, salaries are paid <strong>in</strong> exactly the same manner<br />
as dur<strong>in</strong>g regular work<strong>in</strong>g time. Additional vacation pay, as<br />
frequently encountered <strong>in</strong> tariff agreements <strong>in</strong> the EU, is unknown<br />
<strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong>.
In addition employees normally have time-off on n<strong>in</strong>e legally stipulated<br />
public holidays. As cantons may stipulate their own public<br />
holidays, some cantons may have more public holidays. Only<br />
August 1st , New Year’s Day, Ascension Day (celebrated 40 days<br />
after Easter and mark<strong>in</strong>g the ascension of Jesus Christ to heaven)<br />
and Christmas Day are holidays throughout the country; all other<br />
public holidays vary from canton to canton. Employees also receive<br />
time-off <strong>for</strong> marriage, funerals, mov<strong>in</strong>g, dental appo<strong>in</strong>tments, etc.<br />
The law does not stipulate how much time may be taken off.<br />
Holiday calendar<br />
www.feiertagskalender.ch<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian<br />
8.5 Notice of term<strong>in</strong>ation and<br />
short-time work<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
An employment contract can be term<strong>in</strong>ated <strong>in</strong> writ<strong>in</strong>g or verbally<br />
at any time by either party and without valid reason. Under Swiss<br />
law, the employee representative committee does not have a say<br />
<strong>in</strong> this type of term<strong>in</strong>ation. Only <strong>in</strong> the case of mass redundancies<br />
does the employee representative committee have the right to be<br />
consulted by the employees. They must have the chance to submit<br />
proposals about how the redundancies can be avoided or the<br />
number of redundancies can be limited and how the effects can<br />
be alleviated. Essentially the recipient of the notice of term<strong>in</strong>ation<br />
has the right to demand that the reason <strong>for</strong> term<strong>in</strong>ation be stated<br />
<strong>in</strong> writ<strong>in</strong>g. There is no <strong>in</strong>vestigation of whether or not the term<strong>in</strong>ation<br />
is socially unjustified, i.e. whether the reasons are related<br />
to the per<strong>for</strong>mance or other characteristics of the employee or<br />
whether difficult bus<strong>in</strong>ess considerations made the redundancy<br />
necessary. An employment contract can be ended through:<br />
• Term<strong>in</strong>ation<br />
• Term<strong>in</strong>ation due to change of contract (employee new contract<br />
with altered conditions is signed)<br />
• Agreement to term<strong>in</strong>ate employment (mutual cancellation of<br />
employment contract)<br />
• Term<strong>in</strong>ation on a specific date (<strong>for</strong> fixed-term contracts)<br />
• Retirement<br />
• Death of employee<br />
8.5.1 Notice periods and protection aga<strong>in</strong>st dismissal<br />
In general, the notice period is def<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> the employment contract,<br />
<strong>in</strong> the standard employment contract, by the relevant profession<br />
or <strong>in</strong> the collective barga<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g agreement. If there is no contract or<br />
regulation, then the provisions of the Swiss Code of Obligations<br />
apply:<br />
• dur<strong>in</strong>g the probationary period (max. three months): seven days<br />
• dur<strong>in</strong>g the first year of service: one month<br />
• from the second to the n<strong>in</strong>th year of service: two months<br />
• from the tenth year of service onwards: three months<br />
The notice period can be changed <strong>in</strong> writ<strong>in</strong>g but may not be<br />
shorter than one month (except under a collective barga<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g<br />
agreement dur<strong>in</strong>g the first year of service). For employees <strong>in</strong><br />
managerial positions, notice periods of up to six months are often<br />
fixed from the very outset of employment. After the probationary<br />
period, notice of term<strong>in</strong>ation may only be given at the end of the<br />
month. In order <strong>for</strong> the term<strong>in</strong>ation notice to be legally valid, the<br />
person to be dismissed must receive it be<strong>for</strong>e the notice period<br />
beg<strong>in</strong>s. Even <strong>in</strong> the case of summary dismissal, the employee’s<br />
salary will cont<strong>in</strong>ue to be paid out until the end of the notice<br />
period.<br />
An employment contract can be term<strong>in</strong>ated summarily only <strong>in</strong><br />
serious exceptional circumstances, such as fraud, refusal to work<br />
or competition with the employer. In practice, summary dismissals<br />
are very difficult to carry out, as the reason <strong>for</strong> term<strong>in</strong>ation is<br />
often open to <strong>in</strong>terpretation.<br />
It is improper to dismiss an employee, <strong>for</strong> example, on the<br />
grounds of age, color, religion, political affiliation or membership<br />
of a trade union. Improper dismissals can be appealed aga<strong>in</strong>st<br />
and may give rise to claims <strong>for</strong> compensation.<br />
There are certa<strong>in</strong> times when it is not possible to dismiss an employee,<br />
such as when the employee is sick, has suffered an accident,<br />
is pregnant or is serv<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the military, civil defense, civilian<br />
service or aid campaigns abroad. Dismissals <strong>in</strong> these situations<br />
are not valid and are known as term<strong>in</strong>ation dur<strong>in</strong>g barred periods.<br />
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75
8.5.2 Short-time work<strong>in</strong>g and mass redundancies<br />
A company may be <strong>for</strong>ced to take measures to lower staff costs<br />
<strong>in</strong> the event of a deterioration <strong>in</strong> the order situation or <strong>for</strong> other<br />
reasons. Overcapacity may be alleviated through a temporary reduction<br />
<strong>in</strong> or complete halt to production. In order to ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong> jobs,<br />
the employer receives 80 % of the lost <strong>in</strong>come of the employees<br />
<strong>for</strong> a specific period from unemployment <strong>in</strong>surance by apply<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>for</strong> short-time work<strong>in</strong>g. This is done to prevent dismissal as a<br />
result of a temporary and unavoidable lack of work.<br />
However, employees have the right to reject the short-term work<br />
compensation and to cont<strong>in</strong>ue to receive the full salary. By do<strong>in</strong>g<br />
so, however, they take the risk of be<strong>in</strong>g dismissed. This is<br />
because dismissals are the last means that a company can resort<br />
to when utilization levels fluctuate. In the event of mass redundancies,<br />
Sections 335d – 335g of the Swiss Code of Obligations<br />
stipulate that the employer<br />
• must consult the employees, and<br />
• must <strong>in</strong><strong>for</strong>m the cantonal labor office <strong>in</strong> writ<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
Compared with other countries, <strong>Switzerland</strong> has highly <strong>in</strong>vestor<br />
friendly labor market provisions. It is relatively easy <strong>for</strong> companies<br />
to appo<strong>in</strong>t and dismiss employees.<br />
76 <strong>Handbook</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Investors</strong> 2012<br />
Fig. 42: Appo<strong>in</strong>tments and dismissals, 2011<br />
1 = hampered by regulation, 7 = employers have<br />
flexibility <strong>in</strong> decision-mak<strong>in</strong>g<br />
1 Denmark 6.1<br />
2 S<strong>in</strong>gapore 5.8<br />
3 <strong>Switzerland</strong> 5.8<br />
4 Hong Kong SAR 5.7<br />
5 Azerbaijan 5.3<br />
8 USA 5.1<br />
36 Great Brita<strong>in</strong> 4.4<br />
44 Ch<strong>in</strong>a 4.3<br />
66 India 4.0<br />
84 Ireland 3.7<br />
85 Russia 3.7<br />
108 Luxemburg 3.4<br />
121 Netherlands 3.1<br />
126 Italy 3.0<br />
128 Brazil 2.9<br />
131 Belgium 2.9<br />
132 Germany 2.8<br />
133 Japan 2.8<br />
136 France 2.7<br />
Source: World Economic Forum, The Global Competitiveness Report<br />
2011 – 2012<br />
Short term work: brochures, <strong>for</strong>ms, addresses<br />
www.treffpunkt-arbeit.ch > For employers > Insurance services<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian<br />
8.6 Social <strong>in</strong>surance.<br />
The Swiss social <strong>in</strong>surance system is based on three coord<strong>in</strong>ated<br />
pillars: state-sponsored, employer-sponsored and personal plans.<br />
Personal responsibility is a key factor <strong>in</strong> this system. As a result,<br />
the overall tax and contribution burden rema<strong>in</strong>s modest by <strong>in</strong>ternational<br />
standards.<br />
The three pillars of Swiss social security:<br />
• Pillar 1: This first level meets the basic needs of the <strong>in</strong>sured or<br />
beneficiary through the government-sponsored old age and<br />
survivors’ pension (OASI), as well as long-term disability <strong>in</strong>sur-
ance or <strong>in</strong>capacity benefit (DI). Both are compulsory and are<br />
funded jo<strong>in</strong>tly through contributions (percentage of salary) by<br />
the employer, the employee and taxes.<br />
• Pillar 2: The occupational pension plan (BVG), which supplements<br />
the first pillar, makes it possible <strong>for</strong> retired persons to<br />
ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong> their accustomed standard of liv<strong>in</strong>g after retirement.<br />
All persons work<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong> must be <strong>in</strong>sured. The plans<br />
are funded through contributions (percentage of salary) by the<br />
employer and the employee.<br />
• Pillar 3: Personal voluntary retirement plans of employees or<br />
self-employed <strong>in</strong>dividuals cover additional personal needs,<br />
ma<strong>in</strong>ly through bank and <strong>in</strong>surance sav<strong>in</strong>gs. Contributions to<br />
<strong>in</strong>dividual retirement plans enjoy preferential treatment under<br />
tax laws to some extent.<br />
Fig. 43: Overview of compulsory contributions<br />
These three basic pillars of social <strong>in</strong>surance are supplemented by<br />
unemployment <strong>in</strong>surance, the compensation system <strong>for</strong> loss of<br />
<strong>in</strong>come due to military service or civil protection, maternity benefits<br />
and family allowances, which are governed by cantonal law.<br />
Insurance Employee Employer Self-employed Not ga<strong>in</strong>fully employed<br />
Old age and survivors’ 4.2 % of earned <strong>in</strong>come 4.2 % of earned <strong>in</strong>come max. 7.8 %<br />
<strong>in</strong>surance (OASI)<br />
M<strong>in</strong>imum contribution:<br />
Disability <strong>in</strong>surance (DI) 0.7 % of earned <strong>in</strong>come 0.7 % of earned <strong>in</strong>come max. 1.4 %<br />
CHF 475 per annum<br />
Compensation <strong>for</strong> loss<br />
of <strong>in</strong>come and maternity<br />
benefits<br />
0.25 % of earned <strong>in</strong>come 0.25 % of earned <strong>in</strong>come max. 0.5 %<br />
M<strong>in</strong>imum contribution:<br />
CHF 10,300 per annum<br />
Occupational accidents none as a ‰ of <strong>in</strong>sured earn- Incurred by obligatory<br />
<strong>in</strong>gs (varies from company<br />
to company)<br />
health <strong>in</strong>surance<br />
Non-occupational as a ‰ of <strong>in</strong>sured none Incurred by obligatory Incurred by obligatory<br />
accidents<br />
earn<strong>in</strong>gs (varies from<br />
company to company)<br />
health <strong>in</strong>surance health <strong>in</strong>surance<br />
Health <strong>in</strong>surance per capita none (voluntary, if at all) per capita per capita<br />
Unemployment <strong>in</strong>surance 1.1 % <strong>for</strong> <strong>in</strong>come shares 1.1 % <strong>for</strong> <strong>in</strong>come shares (not <strong>in</strong>surable)<br />
of up to CHF 126,000; of up to CHF 126,000;<br />
0.5 % <strong>for</strong> salary shares of 0.5 % <strong>for</strong> salary shares of<br />
over CHF 126,000, up to over CHF 126,000, up to<br />
a limit of CHF 315,000; a limit of CHF 315,000;<br />
no contributions <strong>for</strong> sal- no contributions <strong>for</strong> salary<br />
components of over ary components of over<br />
CHF 315,000<br />
CHF 315,000<br />
Occupational pension max. 50 % of premiums. At least 50 % of the Voluntary<br />
fund<br />
Amount depends on bonus. The amount de-<br />
<strong>in</strong>surance provisions pends on the <strong>in</strong>surance<br />
regulations.<br />
Family allowances Only <strong>in</strong> the canton of 0.1 % – 4.0 % of the sal- In the cantons of Berne,<br />
Valais (0.3 % of the ary (depend<strong>in</strong>g on the Lucerne, Schwyz, Ni-<br />
salary)<br />
family compensation) dwalden, Glarus, Basel-<br />
City, Basel-Country,<br />
Schaffhausen, Appenzell<br />
AR, St. Gallen, Vaud,<br />
Valais and Geneva<br />
Source: Own diagram Generis AG, Schaffhausen<br />
Federal Social Insurance Office FSIO<br />
www.bsv.adm<strong>in</strong>.ch<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian<br />
<strong>Handbook</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Investors</strong> 2012<br />
77
Advice <strong>for</strong> SMEs on social <strong>in</strong>surance<br />
www.bag.adm<strong>in</strong>.ch > Insurance practices > SMEs/companies<br />
Languages: German, French, Italian<br />
Social <strong>in</strong>surance <strong>for</strong> SMEs<br />
www.kmu.adm<strong>in</strong>.ch > SME topics > Personnel<br />
Languages: German, French, Italian<br />
8.6.1 Old age and survivors’ <strong>in</strong>surance (OASI)<br />
OASI provides old-age benefits (retirement pension) or benefits<br />
to dependents (widows’ and orphans’ pensions). The benefits<br />
depend on the amount of previous <strong>in</strong>come and the amount of time<br />
<strong>for</strong> which contributions were made. OASI <strong>in</strong>surance is mandatory<br />
<strong>for</strong> everyone who lives or works <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong>. All men and<br />
women who work <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong> are required to contribute, with<br />
the employer pay<strong>in</strong>g half of the contribution and the employee the<br />
other half. The non-active population such as students, disabled<br />
people, pensioners or housewives, who live <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong>, also<br />
pay a contribution. The <strong>in</strong>surance is based on the pay as you go<br />
process: the current economically-active generation f<strong>in</strong>ances<br />
today’s pensioners.<br />
8.6.2 Disability <strong>in</strong>surance (DI)<br />
The aim of disability <strong>in</strong>surance is to help <strong>in</strong>tegrate or return persons<br />
who are disabled due to birth defects, illness or accidents (<strong>in</strong>)to the<br />
work<strong>for</strong>ce. A pension is paid out only when the person is unable<br />
to take up employment or return to his/her job. Contributions are<br />
mandatory and are levied together with OASI contributions.<br />
8.6.3 Accident <strong>in</strong>surance (AI)<br />
Accident <strong>in</strong>surance covers all persons employed <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong><br />
aga<strong>in</strong>st accidents <strong>in</strong> the workplace, occupational illnesses and<br />
aga<strong>in</strong>st non-occupational accidents. Healthcare and ancillary<br />
needs (treatment, required medical aid, travel and transport costs)<br />
and payments (daily benefits allowance, disability pensions, lumpsum<br />
compensation and perpetual care benefits and survivors’<br />
benefits) are all covered. The employer funds the premiums <strong>for</strong><br />
occupational accidents and illness, while the employee pays the<br />
premiums <strong>for</strong> non-occupational accidents. The employer must<br />
f<strong>in</strong>ance the entire premium amount, but part of this amount is<br />
78 <strong>Handbook</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Investors</strong> 2012<br />
deducted from the employee’s salary. The amount is based on the<br />
employee’s <strong>in</strong>sured salary. The maximum <strong>in</strong>sured salary is<br />
CHF 126,000 per year.<br />
In<strong>for</strong>mation of the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH)<br />
on accident <strong>in</strong>surance<br />
www.bag.adm<strong>in</strong>.ch > Topics > Accident and military <strong>in</strong>surance<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian<br />
8.6.4 Health <strong>in</strong>surance and daily sickness benefits<br />
Mandatory health <strong>in</strong>surance offers cover <strong>for</strong> illness, pregnancy<br />
and accidents, where there is no accident <strong>in</strong>surance <strong>for</strong> this.<br />
Employees are free to choose their policy. Everyone has the right<br />
to basic <strong>in</strong>surance regardless of their health or age. In addition,<br />
voluntary supplementary policies can be taken out (generally<br />
requir<strong>in</strong>g a health check). Premiums are charged per person,<br />
not based on <strong>in</strong>come. The amount of the premium depends,<br />
amongst other th<strong>in</strong>gs, on the amount of the division of costs<br />
(CHF 0 – 2,500) of the selected model and the municipality. Employers<br />
do not generally make health <strong>in</strong>surance contributions.<br />
In <strong>Switzerland</strong> there is no legal obligation <strong>for</strong> employers to conclude<br />
daily sickness <strong>in</strong>surance <strong>for</strong> their employees. The costs<br />
depend on the scope of cover (illness, maternity, accident). If<br />
group <strong>in</strong>surance is not arranged <strong>for</strong> employees, employers are<br />
obliged to pay employees their full salary <strong>for</strong> a certa<strong>in</strong> period<br />
(depend<strong>in</strong>g on years of service) if they are unable to work through<br />
no fault of their own. That is why many employers take out daily<br />
sickness benefits <strong>for</strong> their employees. Maternity benefits as per<br />
the Compensation <strong>for</strong> Loss of Earn<strong>in</strong>gs Act have precedence over<br />
daily sickness benefits, provided there is no over-compensation.<br />
If a pregnant woman cannot attend work <strong>for</strong> health reasons, she<br />
is entitled to her full salary <strong>for</strong> a certa<strong>in</strong> period of time.
In<strong>for</strong>mation of the Federal Office of Public Health on<br />
health <strong>in</strong>surance<br />
www.bag.adm<strong>in</strong>.ch > Topics > Health <strong>in</strong>surance<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian<br />
Federal Office of Public Health comparison of health<br />
<strong>in</strong>surance premiums<br />
www.prim<strong>in</strong>fo.ch<br />
Languages: German, French, Italian<br />
8.6.5 Compensation <strong>for</strong> loss of <strong>in</strong>come and maternity benefits<br />
The Ord<strong>in</strong>ance on Compensation <strong>for</strong> Loss of Income compensates<br />
people who have lost part of their <strong>in</strong>come due to military service<br />
or civil defense. The ord<strong>in</strong>ance also covers loss of <strong>in</strong>come dur<strong>in</strong>g<br />
pregnancy (maternity benefits). The <strong>in</strong>surance is mandatory, and<br />
everyone who makes OASI contributions must pay it (half is paid<br />
by the employer and half by the employee).<br />
Employed pregnant women receive 80 % of their average salary<br />
be<strong>for</strong>e delivery, up to a maximum of CHF 196 per day, <strong>for</strong> fourteen<br />
weeks. The requirement <strong>for</strong> this is that they had mandatory OASI<br />
-<strong>in</strong>surance <strong>for</strong> the n<strong>in</strong>e months immediately be<strong>for</strong>e birth, worked<br />
at least five months dur<strong>in</strong>g pregnancy and were still deemed able<br />
to work at the time of delivery. It is not possible to dismiss women<br />
while they are pregnant or <strong>for</strong> 16 weeks after delivery. Mothers may<br />
not work <strong>for</strong> up to eight weeks after delivery.<br />
In<strong>for</strong>mation from the FSIO about compensation <strong>for</strong><br />
loss of earn<strong>in</strong>gs<br />
www.bsv.adm<strong>in</strong>.ch > Topics > Compensation <strong>for</strong> Loss of<br />
Earn<strong>in</strong>gs Act/Maternity benefits<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian<br />
8.6.6 Unemployment <strong>in</strong>surance (UI)<br />
Unemployment <strong>in</strong>surance cont<strong>in</strong>ues to pay partial salary upon<br />
unemployment <strong>for</strong> a limited amount of time and promotes the<br />
re-entry of the unemployed person <strong>in</strong>to the job market. It is<br />
mandatory <strong>for</strong> employees. All workers who are not self-employed<br />
must make contributions. Unemployment <strong>in</strong>surance is f<strong>in</strong>anced<br />
equally by the employer and the employees (each pays 1.1 %). It<br />
is not possible <strong>for</strong> self-employed persons to <strong>in</strong>sure themselves<br />
aga<strong>in</strong>st unemployment, even voluntarily. In order to receive<br />
unemployment benefits, employees must be able to demonstrate<br />
payment of at least 12 monthly contributions with<strong>in</strong> the last two<br />
years, to show that they have worked. For EU/EFTA citizens the<br />
contributions made <strong>in</strong> their home country are also allowed <strong>for</strong> if<br />
employment requir<strong>in</strong>g contributions to be made was carried out<br />
<strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong> after arrival. Another requirement is that the person<br />
must be <strong>in</strong> a position to take up work, which means that he/she<br />
is ready, able and permitted to take on appropriate work and to<br />
participate <strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong>tegration measures. Regular contributions are<br />
mandatory. Compensation generally amounts to 70 % of the salary<br />
subject to OASI (average of the last six contribution months,<br />
or if more advantageous the last twelve, prior to unemployment),<br />
or 80 % <strong>for</strong> children requir<strong>in</strong>g support, <strong>in</strong> case of disability or <strong>for</strong><br />
those with an <strong>in</strong>come of less than CHF 3,797. The maximum<br />
<strong>in</strong>sured salary is CHF 10,500 a month. As a rule, a maximum of<br />
520 days’ allowances may be drawn with<strong>in</strong> a two-year period.<br />
In<strong>for</strong>mation <strong>for</strong> the unemployed<br />
www.treffpunkt-arbeit.ch > Unemployed – what should you do?<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian<br />
8.6.7 Occupational pension scheme<br />
Occupational pension funds serve to ensure that the employee’s<br />
accustomed standard of liv<strong>in</strong>g can be ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong>ed. They are based<br />
on the Federal Act on Occupational Pensions, which s<strong>in</strong>ce 1985<br />
has provided mandatory <strong>in</strong>surance <strong>for</strong> all employed persons<br />
from the age of 18 (aga<strong>in</strong>st risks) and from the age of 25 (sav<strong>in</strong>gs<br />
plan). A person must currently earn a m<strong>in</strong>imum of CHF 20,880<br />
to participate. The maximum mandatorily <strong>in</strong>sured salary is CHF<br />
83,520. The employer contributes at least as high a premium as<br />
the employee. Some employers choose to pay more. Premiums<br />
can vary between 7 % and 18 % of <strong>in</strong>come, based on age and<br />
sex (the older the person, the higher the premium). The payment<br />
of the pension is based on a legally-determ<strong>in</strong>ed conversion rate,<br />
which must not drop below (<strong>for</strong> men: 6.95 % and women: 6.90 %;<br />
conversion rate as per 2011). Pension funds are foundations,<br />
cooperatives or public law <strong>in</strong>stitutions that are monitored by<br />
cantonal and federal supervisory authorities. Smaller companies<br />
often jo<strong>in</strong> a collective pension foundation or association.<br />
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79
In<strong>for</strong>mation of the Federal Social Insurance Office FSIO<br />
on occupational benefits<br />
www.bsv.adm<strong>in</strong>.ch > Topics/Occupational Benefit Plan<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian<br />
8.6.8 Family allowances<br />
Family allowances go some way towards meet<strong>in</strong>g the costs of<br />
br<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g up children. The support, which to date has been limited<br />
to just employees, is to be expanded to cover self-employed people<br />
all over <strong>Switzerland</strong> (at the earliest at the start of 2013). There<br />
are already some cantons (Berne, Lucerne, Schwyz, Nidwalden,<br />
Glarus, Basel-City, Basel-Country, Schaffhausen, Appenzell AR,<br />
St. Gallen, Vaud, Valais and Geneva), which recognize claims of<br />
self-employed people and <strong>in</strong> some cases this is l<strong>in</strong>ked to a certa<strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>in</strong>come limit. Normally, people who are not ga<strong>in</strong>fully employed<br />
only have a claim if their annual <strong>in</strong>come does not exceed CHF<br />
41,760. Special regulations apply to agriculture.<br />
Family allowances <strong>in</strong>clude child and education allowances, as<br />
well as birth and adoption allowances mandated by the <strong>in</strong>dividual<br />
cantons. All cantons require as a m<strong>in</strong>imum the follow<strong>in</strong>g allowances<br />
per child per month:<br />
• A child allowance of CHF 200 <strong>for</strong> children up to the age of 16<br />
• An education allowance of CHF 250 <strong>for</strong> children between the<br />
ages of 16 and 25<br />
Family allowances are f<strong>in</strong>anced almost exclusively by the<br />
employer, except <strong>in</strong> Valais (where they are part-f<strong>in</strong>anced by the<br />
employee).<br />
Calculat<strong>in</strong>g family allowance by canton<br />
www.k<strong>in</strong>derzulagen-rechner.ch<br />
Languages: German, French<br />
80 <strong>Handbook</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Investors</strong> 2012<br />
8.7 Recruitment.<br />
There are many options <strong>for</strong> recruit<strong>in</strong>g external candidates:<br />
• Ads <strong>in</strong> newspapers or specialist journals<br />
• Onl<strong>in</strong>e ads<br />
• Contact with universities (<strong>in</strong>ternet plat<strong>for</strong>ms/trade fairs)<br />
• External advisors<br />
• Head-hunters<br />
• Regional employment centers<br />
• Third parties, etc.<br />
Each employer’s choice depends on its needs and budget.<br />
8.7.1 Public employment service<br />
The regional employment centers (RAV) are public service providers<br />
that specialize <strong>in</strong> advis<strong>in</strong>g and plac<strong>in</strong>g jobseekers. Around<br />
130 RAV personally advise employers <strong>in</strong> their recruitment through<br />
a personnel consultant. There are many well qualified job seekers<br />
registered with RAV who are immediately available <strong>for</strong> permanent<br />
or temporary positions. On request, RAV can screen applicants<br />
accord<strong>in</strong>g to the employer’s criteria, thus mak<strong>in</strong>g the selection<br />
process easier. RAV can also advertise open positions <strong>in</strong> the<br />
<strong>in</strong>ternal job market on its website and/or on teletext. Its website<br />
is the largest job market <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong>, and the key advantage is<br />
that all RAV services are free.<br />
Regional employment centre RAV<br />
www.treffpunkt-arbeit.ch > For employers<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian<br />
8.7.2 Employment agencies<br />
It may be worth us<strong>in</strong>g an employment agency to f<strong>in</strong>d a highly<br />
qualified specialist or manager. These agencies do most of the<br />
legwork: creat<strong>in</strong>g recruitment ads, choos<strong>in</strong>g the media and select<strong>in</strong>g<br />
candidates. It also makes sense to work with an employment<br />
agency if the name of the company is to be kept confidential due<br />
to <strong>in</strong>dustry or <strong>in</strong>ternal reasons. However, this method is expensive,<br />
as it may cost one or more months’ salary <strong>for</strong> the position to be<br />
filled.
8.7.3 Head-hunters<br />
Head-hunters, or executive search consultants, act as a bridge<br />
between a company’s need <strong>for</strong> highly qualified specialists and<br />
managers and the desire of such <strong>in</strong>dividuals to f<strong>in</strong>d challeng<strong>in</strong>g<br />
and attractive positions. They specialize <strong>in</strong> recruit<strong>in</strong>g through<br />
direct contacts and work on a mandate basis. They range from<br />
companies specialized <strong>in</strong> certa<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong>dustries to large <strong>in</strong>ternational<br />
firms with household names and boutique companies especially<br />
suited to generalist tasks, complex jobs or unconventional solutions.<br />
Hir<strong>in</strong>g a head-hunter is always beneficial if the usual paths<br />
of <strong>in</strong>ternal recruitment or ads on websites and <strong>in</strong> newspapers fail<br />
to produce results.<br />
8.7.4 Staff<strong>in</strong>g / Temporary employment agencies<br />
The hir<strong>in</strong>g of staff <strong>for</strong> a limited amount of time through temporary<br />
employment agencies is useful if there is a temporary surge of<br />
orders or staff must be replaced at short notice. An hourly wage<br />
is agreed between the agency and the client, which is usually 1.4<br />
to 2 times the normal hourly rate. However, only the hours worked<br />
must be paid, and all ancillary costs are <strong>in</strong>cluded. The agency<br />
remunerates temporary staff as their employer and is responsible<br />
<strong>for</strong> all social deductions and <strong>in</strong>surance. The same labor law protections<br />
apply as with «traditional» <strong>for</strong>ms of employment.<br />
Temporary employment agencies require a cantonal license <strong>in</strong><br />
order to operate. They are also required to set aside a significant<br />
deposit to cover the claims of their employees. A federal license<br />
and a higher deposit are also required to operate abroad.<br />
HR Swiss – Swiss Association <strong>for</strong> Human Resources<br />
Management<br />
www.sgp.ch<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian<br />
Association of Personnel Service Providers<br />
www.swissstaff<strong>in</strong>g.ch<br />
Languages: German, French<br />
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81
9. F<strong>in</strong>ancial center and capital market.<br />
Account<strong>in</strong>g <strong>for</strong> 11 % of GDP and employ<strong>in</strong>g around 210,000<br />
people (6 % of the employed population <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong>), the<br />
Swiss f<strong>in</strong>ancial sector is of key economic importance. The<br />
ma<strong>in</strong> areas of expertise are private bank<strong>in</strong>g, asset management<br />
and <strong>in</strong>surance. <strong>Switzerland</strong>’s long tradition of economic<br />
and f<strong>in</strong>ancial stability is reflected <strong>in</strong> low <strong>in</strong>flation, low <strong>in</strong>terest<br />
rates and the significant <strong>in</strong>ternational role that the Swiss<br />
franc plays, particularly <strong>in</strong> asset management and issue<br />
underwrit<strong>in</strong>g bus<strong>in</strong>ess.<br />
Fig. 44: Global f<strong>in</strong>ancial centers, 2010<br />
Rank<strong>in</strong>g F<strong>in</strong>ancial Center<br />
1 London<br />
2 New York<br />
3 Hong Kong SAR<br />
4 S<strong>in</strong>gapore<br />
5 Shenzhen<br />
6 Zurich<br />
7 Tokyo<br />
8 Chicago<br />
9 Geneva<br />
10 Shanghai<br />
Source: The Global F<strong>in</strong>ancial Centres Index 6, City of London<br />
82 <strong>Handbook</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Investors</strong> 2012<br />
9.1 Banks.<br />
9.1.1 Structure and general conditions<br />
In <strong>Switzerland</strong> there are some 330 banks, 250 <strong>in</strong>surance companies<br />
and 2,300 pension funds. Apart from the two major global<br />
banks, UBS and Credit Suisse Group, which together hold over<br />
50 % of total assets, the cantonal, regional and sav<strong>in</strong>gs banks<br />
also play an important role.<br />
In addition, there are many smaller f<strong>in</strong>ancial <strong>in</strong>stitutions and private<br />
banks, some of which offer highly specialized services such<br />
as commodity trade f<strong>in</strong>ance. The group of 24 cantonal banks,<br />
which are either entirely or partially under state ownership and<br />
which offer a government guarantee, have a domestic market<br />
share of about a third. Their share of total assets <strong>for</strong> all banks domiciled<br />
<strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong> was approximately 15 % <strong>in</strong> 2010. Another<br />
122 <strong>for</strong>eign-owned banks with a share of around 12 % of the total<br />
assets can be added to this number. <strong>Switzerland</strong> is a center <strong>for</strong><br />
professional asset management <strong>for</strong> private clients and <strong>in</strong>stitutional<br />
<strong>in</strong>vestors. With a market share of 27 % <strong>in</strong> 2009, it is the<br />
world leader <strong>in</strong> cross-border asset management bus<strong>in</strong>ess. Overall<br />
Swiss banks managed assets total<strong>in</strong>g CHF 5,600 billion <strong>in</strong> 2009.<br />
<strong>Switzerland</strong>’s success as a f<strong>in</strong>ancial center is thanks to the comb<strong>in</strong>ed<br />
effect of many different factors. Its political and macroeconomic<br />
stability are the basic foundation upon which the trust of<br />
clients is built – trust which is so important <strong>in</strong> f<strong>in</strong>ancial bus<strong>in</strong>ess.<br />
The Swiss franc, with its status as an important <strong>in</strong>ternational<br />
reserve and diversification currency, also contributes to this.<br />
Strong global <strong>in</strong>tegration and an efficient f<strong>in</strong>ancial <strong>in</strong>frastructure
allow market participants to achieve profitable management and<br />
<strong>in</strong>ternational diversification of their assets and risks. <strong>Switzerland</strong><br />
enjoys a good reputation abroad as a f<strong>in</strong>ancial center, and it is an<br />
attractive location <strong>for</strong> bus<strong>in</strong>esses and an <strong>in</strong>ternational clientele.<br />
In comparison with other countries, the regulatory obstacles and<br />
burdens <strong>in</strong> the Swiss bank<strong>in</strong>g system are relatively low. A permit<br />
is required to open a bank, trade professionally <strong>in</strong> securities, manage<br />
a fund and <strong>in</strong> some cases to operate as an asset manager.<br />
The Swiss F<strong>in</strong>ancial Market Supervisory Authority FINMA, currently<br />
supervis<strong>in</strong>g over 400 f<strong>in</strong>ancial <strong>in</strong>stitutions, can provide<br />
detailed <strong>in</strong><strong>for</strong>mation about specific requirements. The umbrella<br />
organization <strong>for</strong> the bank<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>dustry is the Swiss Bankers Association.<br />
Swiss Bankers Association SBA<br />
www.swissbank<strong>in</strong>g.org<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian<br />
9.1.2 Supervision<br />
As an <strong>in</strong>dependent supervisory authority, FINMA will protect<br />
f<strong>in</strong>ancial market clients, namely creditors, <strong>in</strong>vestors and <strong>in</strong>sured<br />
persons, thus strengthen<strong>in</strong>g public trust <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong> as a function<strong>in</strong>g,<br />
reliable and competitive f<strong>in</strong>ancial center. In addition, selfregulation<br />
has proved itself as an alternative <strong>for</strong>m of regulation <strong>for</strong><br />
the Swiss f<strong>in</strong>ancial market. FINMA is required by the legislature<br />
to support self-regulation and to provide it with the necessary<br />
space. Correspond<strong>in</strong>g regulations are proposed, <strong>for</strong> example,<br />
by the Swiss Bankers Association and are approved and implemented<br />
by FINMA.<br />
All banks operat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong> require a license. The supervisory<br />
standards applied <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong> not only govern the capital<br />
resources and adequacy of the banks but also <strong>in</strong>clude the whole<br />
range of prudential rules and codes of conduct. As an additional<br />
safety cushion, Swiss law specifies higher capital requirements<br />
than does the Basel Capital Accord.<br />
Swiss F<strong>in</strong>ancial Market Supervisory Authority FINMA<br />
www.f<strong>in</strong>ma.ch<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian<br />
9.1.3 Services<br />
Banks <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong> offer a vast range of f<strong>in</strong>ancial products and<br />
services <strong>for</strong> both private and corporate clients. As the Swiss<br />
bank<strong>in</strong>g system is based on the universal bank pr<strong>in</strong>ciple, all<br />
banks can offer all bank<strong>in</strong>g services, such as:<br />
• Credit or lend<strong>in</strong>g bus<strong>in</strong>ess<br />
• Asset management and <strong>in</strong>vestment advice<br />
• Payment transactions<br />
• Deposit bus<strong>in</strong>ess (sav<strong>in</strong>gs accounts, etc.)<br />
• Securities bus<strong>in</strong>ess (stock market trad<strong>in</strong>g)<br />
• Issue underwrit<strong>in</strong>g bus<strong>in</strong>ess (bond underwrit<strong>in</strong>g)<br />
• F<strong>in</strong>ancial analysis<br />
Despite this, very different groups of banks and areas of specialization<br />
have developed.<br />
Generally speak<strong>in</strong>g, any adult may open a bank account <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong>.<br />
However, the banks reserve the right to refuse to accept<br />
a client. For example, a bank may refuse to enter <strong>in</strong>to a bus<strong>in</strong>ess<br />
relationship with «politically exposed persons,» as such clients<br />
could represent a reputational risk <strong>for</strong> the bank. The same applies<br />
<strong>in</strong> pr<strong>in</strong>ciple to companies, irrespective of whether they are domiciled<br />
<strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong>. Most Swiss banks do not require a m<strong>in</strong>imum<br />
deposit <strong>for</strong> normal sav<strong>in</strong>gs or current accounts. Many banks offer<br />
accounts <strong>in</strong> euros, US dollars or other currencies, as well as <strong>in</strong><br />
Swiss francs.<br />
If clients have a specific compla<strong>in</strong>t aga<strong>in</strong>st a bank that is domiciled<br />
<strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong>, they may approach the Swiss Bank<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Ombudsman, who provides neutral, free <strong>in</strong><strong>for</strong>mation and mediation.<br />
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83
Cantonal banks<br />
www.kantonalbank.ch<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian<br />
Association of Foreign Banks <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong><br />
www.<strong>for</strong>eignbanks.ch<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian<br />
Association of Swiss Private Bankers SPBA<br />
www.swissprivatebankers.com<br />
Languages: German, English, French<br />
Bank<strong>in</strong>g Ombudsman<br />
www.bank<strong>in</strong>gombudsman.ch<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian<br />
9.1.4 Protection of deposits<br />
Deposits with Swiss f<strong>in</strong>ancial <strong>in</strong>stitutions are protected up to<br />
CHF 100,000 per depositor. If the Swiss F<strong>in</strong>ancial Market Supervisory<br />
Authority (FINMA) <strong>in</strong>itiates protective measures or <strong>for</strong>ced<br />
liquidation proceed<strong>in</strong>gs aga<strong>in</strong>st a bank or securities dealer <strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>Switzerland</strong>, the members of the Swiss Banks’ and Securities<br />
Dealers’ Depositor Protection Association provide funds so that<br />
the deposits deemed preferential under the Bank<strong>in</strong>g Act can be<br />
paid out as quickly as possible to depositors. All banks and securities<br />
dealers with a branch <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong> and which receive privileged<br />
<strong>in</strong>vestments are members of the association. However, the<br />
maximum amount that members may be required to contribute is<br />
capped at CHF 6 billion. By guarantee<strong>in</strong>g preferential deposits,<br />
the association plays an important role <strong>in</strong> protect<strong>in</strong>g creditors<br />
and makes a key contribution to the reputation and stability of<br />
<strong>Switzerland</strong> as a f<strong>in</strong>ancial center.<br />
84 <strong>Handbook</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Investors</strong> 2012<br />
Swiss Banks’ and Securities Dealers’ Depositor Protection<br />
Association<br />
www.e<strong>in</strong>lagensicherung.ch<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian<br />
9.1.5 Taxation of sav<strong>in</strong>gs <strong>in</strong>come<br />
<strong>Switzerland</strong> supports the EU system of tax<strong>in</strong>g cross-border <strong>in</strong>terest<br />
payments to <strong>in</strong>dividuals under the Sav<strong>in</strong>gs Tax Agreement.<br />
Swiss banks operate a system of tax retention (similar to Swiss<br />
withhold<strong>in</strong>g tax) on <strong>in</strong>terest <strong>in</strong>come earned <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong> by persons<br />
subject to EU taxation of 35 %. This system of tax retention<br />
ensures that the EU <strong>in</strong>terest taxation system cannot be evaded<br />
by switch<strong>in</strong>g to <strong>Switzerland</strong>, while at the same time ensur<strong>in</strong>g that<br />
Swiss laws and bank<strong>in</strong>g secrecy are upheld.<br />
Taxation of sav<strong>in</strong>gs <strong>in</strong>come<br />
www.europa.adm<strong>in</strong>.ch > Topics > Bilateral agreements<br />
<strong>Switzerland</strong>-EU<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian<br />
9.2 Swiss stock market:<br />
SIX Swiss Exchange.<br />
SIX Swiss Exchange is one of the lead<strong>in</strong>g regulated stock exchanges<br />
<strong>in</strong> Europe <strong>in</strong> the life science area. As a key pillar of the<br />
Swiss f<strong>in</strong>ancial center <strong>in</strong>frastructure it provides the best possible<br />
trad<strong>in</strong>g conditions and comb<strong>in</strong>es <strong>in</strong>vestors, issuers and participants<br />
from all over the world.<br />
The strength of the Swiss f<strong>in</strong>ancial center, its position as a world<br />
leader <strong>in</strong> cross-border private asset management and the associated<br />
high level of f<strong>in</strong>anc<strong>in</strong>g and placement power enjoyed by its<br />
banks, plus the general attractiveness of <strong>Switzerland</strong> as a location<br />
make the SIX Swiss Exchange extremely appeal<strong>in</strong>g <strong>for</strong> both<br />
domestic and <strong>for</strong>eign companies.<br />
Public placement and list<strong>in</strong>g on the SIX Swiss Exchange give a<br />
company access to an experienced, f<strong>in</strong>ancially powerful group of<br />
<strong>in</strong>ternational <strong>in</strong>vestors.
Every company on the SIX Swiss Exchange benefits from a<br />
high level of visibility and attention from <strong>in</strong>vestors, analysts and<br />
journalists. At the same time, <strong>in</strong>vestors <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong> have many<br />
years of experience of <strong>in</strong>ternational sector-oriented <strong>in</strong>vestment<br />
strategies. Given <strong>Switzerland</strong>’s economic structure, the bank<strong>in</strong>g<br />
and <strong>in</strong>surance sectors, the food sector, pharmaceuticals, biotech,<br />
medtech and cleantech, as well as the micro and nanotechnology<br />
sectors are particularly popular with <strong>in</strong>vestors.<br />
In addition, the regulatory provisions of the SIX Swiss Exchange<br />
reflect market realities and thus simplify the capital <strong>in</strong>crease<br />
process. Under Swiss legislation, the SIX Swiss Exchange has<br />
powers of self-regulation and is thus ideally equipped to comb<strong>in</strong>e<br />
high levels of <strong>in</strong>vestor protection with a regulatory environment<br />
that is reasonable from a company perspective.<br />
With SMI®, the extensive <strong>in</strong>dex offer comprises the most important<br />
share <strong>in</strong>dices <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong> and <strong>in</strong> addition to further benchmarks<br />
such as SLI® and SPI® also <strong>in</strong>cludes bond, segment, sector<br />
and customer <strong>in</strong>dices. The stock exchange provides its raw<br />
data <strong>in</strong> real time to f<strong>in</strong>ancial <strong>in</strong><strong>for</strong>mation providers via SIX Exfeed.<br />
With <strong>in</strong>vestments <strong>in</strong> Scoach Schweiz, STOXX, Swiss Fund Data<br />
and Indexium, SIX Swiss Exchange runs successful jo<strong>in</strong>t ventures<br />
to the benefit of all f<strong>in</strong>ancial market actors.<br />
The SIX Swiss Exchange is a company of the SIX Group which<br />
offers first-class services <strong>in</strong> securities trad<strong>in</strong>g and process<strong>in</strong>g as<br />
well as f<strong>in</strong>ancial <strong>in</strong><strong>for</strong>mation and payment transactions. In addition<br />
to its broad product range, the fully <strong>in</strong>tegrated and completely<br />
automated trad<strong>in</strong>g, the clear<strong>in</strong>g and settlement system,<br />
the «Swiss Value Cha<strong>in</strong>» is especially impressive.<br />
Swiss Stock Exchange<br />
www.six-swiss-exchange.com<br />
Languages: German, English, French<br />
9.3 <strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> lend<strong>in</strong>g and<br />
real estate f<strong>in</strong>anc<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
Establish<strong>in</strong>g a bus<strong>in</strong>ess is generally a medium to long-term objective.<br />
As a rule, significant up-front <strong>in</strong>vestments and project f<strong>in</strong>anc<strong>in</strong>g<br />
are needed. Banks place great emphasis on thorough market<br />
analysis and professional management.<br />
9.3.1 F<strong>in</strong>anc<strong>in</strong>g of current bus<strong>in</strong>ess activity<br />
To f<strong>in</strong>ance current bus<strong>in</strong>ess activities, banks grant various types<br />
of short-term loans. These can take the <strong>for</strong>m of unsecured loans<br />
or loans secured by collateral. The amount of the loan granted<br />
depends on the trustworth<strong>in</strong>ess and the future prospects of the<br />
company. Aside from the usual <strong>for</strong>ms of bank lend<strong>in</strong>g, lease<br />
f<strong>in</strong>anc<strong>in</strong>g and <strong>for</strong>feit<strong>in</strong>g are also ga<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g importance. For rapidly<br />
grow<strong>in</strong>g young enterprises and start-ups decid<strong>in</strong>g on a location,<br />
it is important to know what f<strong>in</strong>anc<strong>in</strong>g possibilities exist <strong>for</strong> the<br />
start-up phase and the second step. The sheer range and quality<br />
of f<strong>in</strong>ancial service providers <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong> means that a variety<br />
of attractive solutions are available, such as sureties, convertible<br />
loans and equity capital f<strong>in</strong>anc<strong>in</strong>g by bus<strong>in</strong>ess angels, venture<br />
capital and private equity <strong>in</strong>vestors.<br />
When a new bus<strong>in</strong>ess is established <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong>, f<strong>in</strong>anc<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong><br />
Swiss francs should be preferred because of currency considerations.<br />
As a rule, it is also more economical than f<strong>in</strong>anc<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>for</strong>eign currencies.<br />
9.3.2 Mortgages<br />
If the acquisition of real estate or the build<strong>in</strong>g of a production<br />
facility accompanies the foundation or establishment of a bus<strong>in</strong>ess,<br />
mortgages can be an important credit <strong>in</strong>strument. There are<br />
three ma<strong>in</strong> types of mortgage <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong>: fixed-rate, variablerate<br />
and money-market mortgages. While the <strong>in</strong>terest rate <strong>for</strong> a<br />
variable-rate mortgage is cont<strong>in</strong>ually adjusted to the prevail<strong>in</strong>g<br />
capital market rate, the <strong>in</strong>terest rate on a fixed-rate mortgage<br />
is typically fixed <strong>for</strong> three to five years. The <strong>in</strong>terest rate on a<br />
money-market mortgage is based on the Libor rate <strong>for</strong> the euro<br />
money market. Providers add a marg<strong>in</strong> on top of this rate, which<br />
depends on the credit quality of the borrower. Up to 80 % of the<br />
property’s market value may be borrowed; up to 65 % of this is<br />
taken as a first mortgage, which does not need to be amortized<br />
as is usual <strong>in</strong> other countries. Over and above this, a second<br />
mortgage must be taken out which does have to be amortized.<br />
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85
The bank checks the quality of the property and the creditworth<strong>in</strong>ess<br />
of the borrower <strong>in</strong> accordance with its own guidel<strong>in</strong>es. Generally<br />
speak<strong>in</strong>g, a m<strong>in</strong>imum requirement is that purchasers should<br />
provide at least 20 % of the purchase price from their own assets.<br />
Secondly, the annual cost of the purchase (<strong>in</strong>terest, repayments<br />
and ma<strong>in</strong>tenance) should not total more than one-third of the<br />
purchaser’s gross <strong>in</strong>come. Interest rates are negotiable, so it is<br />
worthwhile request<strong>in</strong>g offers from a number of lenders.<br />
For commercial property, the collateral value depends <strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>gly<br />
on the earn<strong>in</strong>g-power value. For <strong>in</strong>dustrial projects, normally<br />
50 % of the total plant value – market value or construction cost,<br />
<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g mach<strong>in</strong>ery and equipment – can be f<strong>in</strong>anced aga<strong>in</strong>st<br />
real estate pledges at very attractive rates.<br />
Fig. 45: Mortgage <strong>in</strong>terest rates, 1985 – 2011<br />
12.0<br />
11.0<br />
10.0<br />
9.0<br />
8.0<br />
7.0<br />
6.0<br />
5.0<br />
4.0<br />
3.0<br />
2.0<br />
1.0<br />
0.0<br />
1985<br />
1986<br />
1987<br />
1988<br />
1989<br />
1990<br />
1991<br />
1992<br />
1993<br />
1994<br />
1995<br />
Source: VZ Vermögenszentrum, www.vermoegenszentrum.ch<br />
86 <strong>Handbook</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Investors</strong> 2012<br />
1996<br />
1997<br />
1998<br />
1999<br />
For office and service build<strong>in</strong>gs, the loan-to-value ratio is normally<br />
around 70 %, but it also depends on the (property-specific) risks.<br />
Interest rates and terms generally applied to bus<strong>in</strong>ess <strong>in</strong>vestments<br />
today depend on the creditworth<strong>in</strong>ess of the company and<br />
the rat<strong>in</strong>g it is given by the lend<strong>in</strong>g bank. Recognition of the risk<br />
and future prospects there<strong>for</strong>e play a key role.<br />
Owners of residential property must pay federal and cantonal<br />
taxes on their property as notional <strong>in</strong>come. The rule of thumb <strong>for</strong><br />
federal tax is an imputed rental value of at least 70 % of average<br />
market rental, and <strong>for</strong> cantonal and communal taxes an imputed<br />
rental value of at least 60 %. In return, homeowners may deduct<br />
mortgage <strong>in</strong>terest and ma<strong>in</strong>tenance costs. This is the reason why<br />
the first mortgage is rarely amortized.<br />
Variable-rate mortgages<br />
Money-market mortgages (also called LIBOR)<br />
5-year fixed-rate mortgages<br />
2000<br />
2001<br />
2002<br />
2003<br />
2004<br />
2005<br />
2006<br />
2007<br />
2008<br />
2009<br />
2010<br />
2011
F<strong>in</strong>ancial aspects of residential property<br />
www.haus<strong>in</strong>fo.ch > F<strong>in</strong>anzen & Steuern (F<strong>in</strong>ances & Taxes)<br />
Languages: German, French<br />
Calculation of f<strong>in</strong>ancial viability<br />
www.kantonalbank.ch > Berechnungstools (calculation tools)<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian<br />
9.4 Risk capital.<br />
S<strong>in</strong>ce 1999 venture capital companies have <strong>in</strong>vested almost<br />
CHF 6 billion <strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong>novative new companies and thereby generated<br />
10 to 20 workplaces per company. Alongside the state development<br />
programs and loans from bus<strong>in</strong>ess banks, venture capital<br />
(VC) is an important pillar of <strong>in</strong>novation <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong> with between<br />
80 to 150 transactions per annum. The federal authorities<br />
also support the creation of venture capital through the Federal<br />
Act on Venture Capital Companies (RKG), which provides two tax<br />
<strong>in</strong>centives:<br />
• Recognized venture capital companies are exempt from<br />
securities issue tax on their capital at the time the company is<br />
founded, or <strong>for</strong> any subsequent capital <strong>in</strong>crease. With respect<br />
to direct federal tax, they also have a lower threshold value <strong>for</strong><br />
claim<strong>in</strong>g the equity participation deduction.<br />
• Private persons who assist <strong>in</strong> the foundation and development<br />
of new companies as bus<strong>in</strong>ess angels are entitled to relief from<br />
direct federal tax if they grant subord<strong>in</strong>ated loans <strong>for</strong> the <strong>for</strong>mation<br />
of start-up companies from their private assets.<br />
The availability of venture capital and similar f<strong>in</strong>anc<strong>in</strong>g may fluctuate<br />
and there<strong>for</strong>e lacks transparency. Universities, consultants<br />
and the bus<strong>in</strong>ess community jo<strong>in</strong>tly provide a number of plat<strong>for</strong>ms,<br />
some of them onl<strong>in</strong>e, to br<strong>in</strong>g entrepreneurs and <strong>in</strong>vestors<br />
together.<br />
Companies and funds <strong>for</strong> risk capital<br />
www.swissbank<strong>in</strong>g.org > KMU (SMEs) > Risikokapital<br />
(Risk capital)<br />
Languages: German, French, Italian<br />
Swiss Private Equity & Corporate F<strong>in</strong>ance Association<br />
SECA<br />
www.seca.ch<br />
Languages: German, English, French<br />
9.4.1 Venture capital<br />
Some f<strong>in</strong>ancial companies specialize <strong>in</strong> provid<strong>in</strong>g risk capital or<br />
venture capital. Venture capital companies contribute to the share<br />
capital of a company, with the aim of mak<strong>in</strong>g large profits if it<br />
flourishes or goes public. They provide f<strong>in</strong>ancial resources without<br />
requir<strong>in</strong>g the traditional <strong>for</strong>ms of security. Only fast-grow<strong>in</strong>g<br />
young companies which are likely to generate significant revenue<br />
<strong>in</strong> a short period of time and have sales potential and a capital requirement<br />
of several million Swiss francs are normally considered<br />
<strong>for</strong> this k<strong>in</strong>d of f<strong>in</strong>anc<strong>in</strong>g. Venture capitalists consider themselves<br />
to be guides dur<strong>in</strong>g the development phase of the f<strong>in</strong>anc<strong>in</strong>g<br />
project. After their job is done, they withdraw and sell their <strong>in</strong>vestment<br />
on to the company founder or other <strong>in</strong>vestors.<br />
Venture capital<br />
www.kmu.adm<strong>in</strong>.ch > KMU-Themen (SME topics) > F<strong>in</strong>anzen<br />
Eigenkapital (F<strong>in</strong>ances, equity)<br />
Languages: German, French, Italian<br />
In<strong>for</strong>mation plat<strong>for</strong>m, network <strong>for</strong> entrepreneurs<br />
www.swiss-venture-club.ch<br />
Languages: German, French, Italian<br />
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87
9.4.2 <strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> angels<br />
Dur<strong>in</strong>g their start-up phase, many promis<strong>in</strong>g young companies<br />
need seed f<strong>in</strong>anc<strong>in</strong>g of less than CHF 2 million. Although risk<br />
capital is <strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>gly available these days, the m<strong>in</strong>imum size of<br />
a f<strong>in</strong>anc<strong>in</strong>g transactions has risen correspond<strong>in</strong>gly <strong>for</strong> both risk<br />
capital providers and <strong>in</strong>vestment companies. Very few professional<br />
risk capital providers consider f<strong>in</strong>anc<strong>in</strong>g deals of less than<br />
CHF 2 million. More and more often it is so-called «bus<strong>in</strong>ess angels»<br />
– <strong>in</strong>dividual <strong>in</strong>vestors – who f<strong>in</strong>ance start-ups. Typical bus<strong>in</strong>ess<br />
angels have experience and connections <strong>in</strong> addition to capital,<br />
which ideally they have acquired as an entrepreneur, which<br />
is why they are often also consultants and mentors to young<br />
entrepreneurs. As a result bus<strong>in</strong>ess angels usually <strong>in</strong>vest two-fold<br />
or even three-fold <strong>in</strong> the company: namely capital, experience<br />
and time, which is why the young companies are said to receive<br />
so-called «smart money». Essentially bus<strong>in</strong>ess angels also follow<br />
clear return prospects just like venture capital <strong>in</strong>vestors. The aim<br />
is to start, develop and establish new companies and to make<br />
them attractive <strong>for</strong> later <strong>in</strong>vestors. Consequently young entrepreneurs<br />
are usually closely supported by bus<strong>in</strong>ess angels, who also<br />
demand correspond<strong>in</strong>g access to the bus<strong>in</strong>ess plans.<br />
Fig. 46: State <strong>in</strong>centives<br />
88 <strong>Handbook</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Investors</strong> 2012<br />
<strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> angels <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong><br />
www.bus<strong>in</strong>essangels.ch<br />
Languages: German, French<br />
9.4.3 State support<br />
Although there is relatively little direct f<strong>in</strong>ancial assistance available<br />
<strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong>, where the state ma<strong>in</strong>ly restricts itself to creat<strong>in</strong>g<br />
favorable operat<strong>in</strong>g conditions, the country does offer a wide<br />
variety of tools to support companies, rang<strong>in</strong>g from adm<strong>in</strong>istrative<br />
assistance and tax relief to guarantees.<br />
The cantonal economic development agencies also tend not to<br />
take direct stakes <strong>in</strong> companies, although they can offer assistance<br />
<strong>in</strong> f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>g af<strong>for</strong>dable construction sites or can provide tax<br />
relief dur<strong>in</strong>g the start-up phase or dur<strong>in</strong>g a planned expansion.<br />
One rare exception is the Swiss Federal Foundation <strong>for</strong> the Promotion<br />
of the Swiss Economy (Eidgenössische Stiftung zur Förderung<br />
schweizerischer Volkswirtschaft), which grants <strong>in</strong>terest-free loans<br />
and, <strong>in</strong> exceptional cases, may even provide a share of the risk<br />
capital subject to a personal f<strong>in</strong>ancial commitment on the part of<br />
the company founder.<br />
Incentive Beneficiaries Regions Measures<br />
New regional policy Industry, manufac- Economic regeneration • Tax relief on direct federal tax<br />
NRP<br />
tur<strong>in</strong>g-related service<br />
companies<br />
area<br />
Commercial guarantees SMEs, bus<strong>in</strong>ess Whole of <strong>Switzerland</strong> • Guarantees <strong>for</strong> bank loans (max. CHF 500,000)<br />
Guarantees <strong>for</strong> moun- SMEs, bus<strong>in</strong>ess Mounta<strong>in</strong> regions • Guarantees <strong>for</strong> bank loans (max. CHF 500,000)<br />
ta<strong>in</strong> regions<br />
• Interest cost subsidies<br />
Hotel lend<strong>in</strong>g Hotel <strong>in</strong>dustry Tourism and mounta<strong>in</strong> • Subord<strong>in</strong>ate direct loan<br />
regions<br />
• Guarantees<br />
• Interest cost subsidies (partial)<br />
Measures to encourage Unemployed Whole of <strong>Switzerland</strong> • Daily benefits (max. 90 days <strong>for</strong> plann<strong>in</strong>g phase)<br />
self-employment<br />
• Guarantees <strong>for</strong> bank loans (max. CHF 500,000)<br />
Commission <strong>for</strong> Tech- Jo<strong>in</strong>t research projects Whole of <strong>Switzerland</strong> • Payment of researchers’ salaries<br />
nology and Innovation br<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g universities and<br />
CTI<br />
companies together<br />
Source: Own diagram Generis AG, Schaffhausen
State support <strong>for</strong> f<strong>in</strong>anc<strong>in</strong>g<br />
www.kmu.adm<strong>in</strong>.ch > KMU-Theman (SME topics) > F<strong>in</strong>anzen<br />
Eigenkapital (F<strong>in</strong>ances: equity)<br />
Languages: German, French, Italian<br />
Cantonal Economic Development Offices<br />
Addresses: page 138 – 139<br />
9.5 Capital costs and <strong>in</strong>terest.<br />
<strong>Switzerland</strong> is one of the most economically and politically stable<br />
countries <strong>in</strong> the world and is known as a «safe haven». The country<br />
is <strong>in</strong> a healthy f<strong>in</strong>ancial situation. This applies to the f<strong>in</strong>ances<br />
of the central state – at the federal level – as well as the cantons<br />
and municipalities. The budget deficit <strong>in</strong> 2010 of 1.32 % of GDP<br />
is significantly below the average of EU and OECD member<br />
states. Total public sector debt (federal, cantonal and municipal)<br />
amounts to 39 % of GDP (2010).<br />
Fig. 47: Credit rat<strong>in</strong>g: the ten safest countries<br />
Rank Country Po<strong>in</strong>ts (maximum = 100)<br />
1 Norway 93,44<br />
2 Luxemburg 91,03<br />
3 <strong>Switzerland</strong> 89,59<br />
4 Denmark 89,21<br />
5 Sweden 88,74<br />
6 S<strong>in</strong>gapore 87,48<br />
7 F<strong>in</strong>land 86,96<br />
8 Netherlands 86,67<br />
9 Canada 86,17<br />
10 Australia 85,36<br />
Source: Euromoney, March 2011<br />
High credit quality, together with the high sav<strong>in</strong>gs rate and large<br />
<strong>in</strong>flows of <strong>for</strong>eign money, lead to low <strong>in</strong>terest rates – mean<strong>in</strong>g that<br />
f<strong>in</strong>anc<strong>in</strong>g conditions <strong>for</strong> bus<strong>in</strong>ess and <strong>in</strong>vestment are comparatively<br />
favorable. In recent years, the average spread <strong>in</strong> the moneymarket<br />
and capital-market <strong>in</strong>terest rates <strong>in</strong> Swiss francs and<br />
euros has ranged between 1 % and 2 %. Interest rates and terms<br />
may vary widely depend<strong>in</strong>g on the creditworth<strong>in</strong>ess of the client.<br />
Fig. 48: Capital costs, 2011<br />
1 = h<strong>in</strong>ders economic growth,<br />
10 = promotes economic growth<br />
1 <strong>Switzerland</strong> 7.53<br />
2 Hong Kong SAR 7.24<br />
3 F<strong>in</strong>land 7.04<br />
4 Taiwan 6.81<br />
5 USA 6.75<br />
10 Germany 6.44<br />
14 Japan 6.21<br />
16 Luxemburg 6.00<br />
17 Netherlands 5.95<br />
18 Denmark 5.88<br />
21 S<strong>in</strong>gapore 5.59<br />
22 India 5.46<br />
31 France 4.88<br />
37 Ireland 4.73<br />
40 Italy 4.66<br />
44 Ch<strong>in</strong>a 4.42<br />
46 Great Brita<strong>in</strong> 4.14<br />
55 Russia 2.81<br />
57 Brazil 2.64<br />
Source: IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook Onl<strong>in</strong>e 2011<br />
Swiss consumer price <strong>in</strong>dex<br />
www.lik.bfs.adm<strong>in</strong>.ch<br />
Languages: German, French, Italian<br />
Federal F<strong>in</strong>ance Adm<strong>in</strong>istration FFA<br />
www.efv.adm<strong>in</strong>.ch<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian<br />
<strong>Handbook</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Investors</strong> 2012<br />
89
9.6 Inflation.<br />
<strong>Switzerland</strong> has always lived up to its reputation as a stable<br />
country. The rate of <strong>in</strong>flation, as measured us<strong>in</strong>g the Swiss consumer<br />
price <strong>in</strong>dex, has consistently rema<strong>in</strong>ed well below those<br />
of the EU, the major <strong>in</strong>dustrialized nations and the ASEAN-5<br />
countries <strong>in</strong> recent years.<br />
Fig. 49: Inflation, 2011<br />
35 %<br />
30 %<br />
25 %<br />
20 %<br />
15 %<br />
10 %<br />
5 %<br />
0 %<br />
1982<br />
1984<br />
1986<br />
Source: IMF WEO Report, April 2011<br />
1988<br />
1990<br />
World Key <strong>in</strong>dustrial nations (G7) European Union<br />
ASEAN-5 <strong>Switzerland</strong><br />
90 <strong>Handbook</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Investors</strong> 2012<br />
1992<br />
1994<br />
1996<br />
1998<br />
2000<br />
2002<br />
2004<br />
2006<br />
2008<br />
2010<br />
2012<br />
2014
10. Overview of the Swiss tax system.<br />
The Swiss tax system mirrors <strong>Switzerland</strong>’s federal structure,<br />
which consists of 26 sovereign cantons with approximately<br />
2,551 <strong>in</strong>dependent municipalities (as at 01/01/2011). Based<br />
on the constitution, all cantons have the full right of taxation<br />
except <strong>for</strong> those taxes that are exclusively reserved <strong>for</strong> the<br />
federal government. As a consequence, <strong>Switzerland</strong> has two<br />
levels of taxation – the federal and the cantonal/communal<br />
level.<br />
The accomplished re<strong>for</strong>m of the <strong>in</strong>come tax system <strong>in</strong> recent<br />
years provided <strong>for</strong> harmonization of the <strong>for</strong>mal aspects of<br />
the various cantonal tax laws – <strong>for</strong> example, determ<strong>in</strong>ation of<br />
taxable <strong>in</strong>come, deductions, tax periods, assessment procedures,<br />
etc. The cantons and municipalities have, however, still<br />
significant autonomy <strong>for</strong> the quantitative aspects of taxation,<br />
particularly with respect to determ<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g the applicable<br />
tax rates. There<strong>for</strong>e, the tax burden still considerably differs<br />
between cantons/communes.<br />
10.1 Taxation of corporate<br />
taxpayers.<br />
10.1.1 Corporate <strong>in</strong>come tax – federal level<br />
The Swiss Federation levies corporate <strong>in</strong>come tax at a flat rate<br />
of 8.5 % on profit after tax of corporations and cooperatives.<br />
For associations, foundations and other legal entities as well as<br />
<strong>in</strong>vestment trusts a flat rate of 4.25 % applies. On the federal level<br />
no capital tax is levied.<br />
Taxable persons<br />
Taxable persons <strong>in</strong>clude Swiss resident legal entities, i.e., Swiss<br />
corporations, limited liability companies and corporations with<br />
unlimited partners, cooperatives, foundations and <strong>in</strong>vestment<br />
trusts with direct ownership of immovable property. As partnerships<br />
are transparent <strong>for</strong> tax purposes, the partners are taxed<br />
<strong>in</strong>dividually. Companies which have their registered office or place<br />
of effective management <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong> are considered resident.<br />
Taxable <strong>in</strong>come<br />
Resident companies are subject to corporate <strong>in</strong>come tax on their<br />
worldwide <strong>in</strong>come with the exception of <strong>in</strong>come attributable to<br />
<strong>for</strong>eign permanent establishments or <strong>for</strong>eign immovable property.<br />
Such <strong>in</strong>come is excluded from the Swiss tax base and is only<br />
taken <strong>in</strong>to account <strong>for</strong> rate progression purposes <strong>in</strong> cantons that<br />
still apply progressive tax rates.<br />
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91
Non-resident companies are subject to tax only on Swiss source<br />
<strong>in</strong>come, i.e., <strong>in</strong>come and capital ga<strong>in</strong>s derived from Swiss bus<strong>in</strong>ess,<br />
permanent establishments or immovable property, whereas<br />
<strong>in</strong>come from immovable property <strong>in</strong>cludes <strong>in</strong>come from trad<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong><br />
immovable property.<br />
As a matter of pr<strong>in</strong>ciple, the statutory accounts of a Swiss<br />
company and – <strong>in</strong> the case of a <strong>for</strong>eign company – the branch<br />
accounts <strong>for</strong>m the basis <strong>for</strong> determ<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g taxable <strong>in</strong>come. Apart<br />
from the participation exemption <strong>for</strong> dividend and capital ga<strong>in</strong>s<br />
<strong>in</strong>come, various adjustments required by tax law and the use of<br />
exist<strong>in</strong>g loss carry<strong>for</strong>wards (the loss carry<strong>for</strong>ward period is seven<br />
years), there are very few differences between statutory profit<br />
and taxable profit. The most common deductions allowed are<br />
depreciation, tax expense, <strong>in</strong>terest expense and management and<br />
service fees/royalties. The last two are deductible to the extent<br />
that they are <strong>in</strong> accordance with the arm’s-length pr<strong>in</strong>ciple.<br />
Th<strong>in</strong> capitalization<br />
The Swiss Federal Tax Adm<strong>in</strong>istration has issued safe harbor<br />
rules <strong>for</strong> th<strong>in</strong> capitalization purposes that apply to related party<br />
debt. Third-party f<strong>in</strong>anc<strong>in</strong>g is not affected by those rules. Specifically<br />
speak<strong>in</strong>g, a unique asset-based test is used to determ<strong>in</strong>e<br />
whether a company is adequately f<strong>in</strong>anced. The th<strong>in</strong> capitalization<br />
rules require that each asset class (<strong>in</strong> general, fair market value,<br />
but often the lower book values suffice) has to be underp<strong>in</strong>ned by<br />
a certa<strong>in</strong> equity portion.<br />
Related-party debt exceed<strong>in</strong>g the allowable debt as calculated<br />
accord<strong>in</strong>g to the percentages provided from the Adm<strong>in</strong>istration<br />
is reclassified as equity and added back to the taxable capital <strong>for</strong><br />
purposes of the cantonal/communal annual capital tax, unless it<br />
can be proven that <strong>in</strong> this particular case the debt terms applied<br />
are more appropriate.<br />
Moreover, the allowable <strong>in</strong>terest deductibility on debt can be<br />
determ<strong>in</strong>ed by multiply<strong>in</strong>g the allowable debt by the safe harbor<br />
<strong>in</strong>terest rates. If <strong>in</strong>terest payments to related parties exceed the<br />
amount which can be paid based on the allowable debt, they<br />
are added back to taxable profit. Furthermore, such <strong>in</strong>terest is<br />
considered to be a hidden dividend distribution (subject to withhold<strong>in</strong>g<br />
tax of 35 %).<br />
92 <strong>Handbook</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Investors</strong> 2012<br />
Group consolidation<br />
Separate entity taxation applies <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>in</strong>come tax<br />
purposes. Group consolidation is not anticipated to be <strong>in</strong>troduced<br />
<strong>in</strong> the near future.<br />
Group reorganizations<br />
Group reorganizations are governed by the Swiss merger law<br />
which also comprises tax standards alongside the legal standards<br />
as a supplement to the applicable tax laws.<br />
Provided certa<strong>in</strong> prerequisites are met, reorganizations are<br />
possible on a tax-neutral basis, as long as the applicable tax account<strong>in</strong>g<br />
values of assets and liabilities rema<strong>in</strong> unaltered and the<br />
asset values rema<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong>.<br />
10.1.2 Corporate <strong>in</strong>come tax – cantonal and communal level<br />
Given the tax harmonization at cantonal/communal level, most<br />
tax rules are identical or very similar to the rules on the federal<br />
level set <strong>for</strong>th above (e.g. participation exemption, loss carry<strong>for</strong>ward<br />
rules and <strong>in</strong> most cases th<strong>in</strong> capitalization rules).<br />
Special tax regimes<br />
In contrast to the Swiss federal tax law, all cantonal tax laws<br />
provide special tax regimes, which may be obta<strong>in</strong>ed provided that<br />
the conditions accord<strong>in</strong>g to the tax harmonization law are met.<br />
The follow<strong>in</strong>g tax regimes are typically prevalent <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong><br />
and relevant <strong>in</strong>ternationally:<br />
A) Hold<strong>in</strong>g company<br />
The hold<strong>in</strong>g company tax status is available to Swiss companies<br />
(or permanent establishments of a <strong>for</strong>eign company), whose<br />
primary purpose is accord<strong>in</strong>g to the by-laws to hold and manage<br />
long-term equity <strong>in</strong>vestments <strong>in</strong> affiliated companies. Furthermore,<br />
the company must pass an alternative asset or <strong>in</strong>come test,<br />
whereby either two-thirds of the company’s assets must consist<br />
of substantial sharehold<strong>in</strong>gs or participations or two-thirds of<br />
total <strong>in</strong>come of the company must consist of participation <strong>in</strong>come<br />
(dividend <strong>in</strong>come or capital ga<strong>in</strong>s) from such sharehold<strong>in</strong>gs and<br />
participations.
A hold<strong>in</strong>g company which meets one of these requirements is<br />
exempt from all cantonal/communal <strong>in</strong>come taxes, with the exception<br />
of <strong>in</strong>come from Swiss real estate. As a matter of pr<strong>in</strong>ciple,<br />
the effective tax rate of a hold<strong>in</strong>g is 7.83 % (i.e., federal <strong>in</strong>come<br />
tax rate) prior to participation relief <strong>for</strong> qualify<strong>in</strong>g dividends and<br />
capital ga<strong>in</strong>s. A reduced capital tax on cantonal/communal tax<br />
level applies.<br />
B) Mixed trad<strong>in</strong>g company<br />
It has been given different names by the cantons. However, <strong>in</strong> the<br />
<strong>in</strong>ternational context the tax status is most often referred to as the<br />
«mixed trad<strong>in</strong>g company» tax status.<br />
A mixed company may be engaged <strong>in</strong> limited commercial bus<strong>in</strong>ess<br />
activity <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong>. As a general rule, at least 80 % of the<br />
<strong>in</strong>come from commercial activities must derive from non-Swiss<br />
sources (i.e., a maximum of 20 % of <strong>in</strong>come may be l<strong>in</strong>ked to<br />
Swiss sources). Many cantons additionally require that at least<br />
80 % of costs must be related to activities undertaken abroad.<br />
If a company meets the above criteria, it may apply <strong>for</strong> tax treatment<br />
<strong>in</strong> accordance with the follow<strong>in</strong>g rules:<br />
• Qualify<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>come from participations (<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g dividends,<br />
capital ga<strong>in</strong>s and revaluation ga<strong>in</strong>s) is exempt.<br />
• Other <strong>in</strong>come from Swiss sources is taxed at the normal rate.<br />
• A portion of <strong>for</strong>eign source <strong>in</strong>come is subject to cantonal/<br />
municipal <strong>in</strong>come taxes depend<strong>in</strong>g on the degree of bus<strong>in</strong>ess<br />
activity carried out <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong>.<br />
• Expenditure that is justified <strong>for</strong> bus<strong>in</strong>ess purposes and is related<br />
economically to certa<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong>come and revenues is deductible.<br />
In particular, losses from participations can only be offset<br />
aga<strong>in</strong>st taxable <strong>in</strong>come from participations (i.e., <strong>in</strong>come that is<br />
not obta<strong>in</strong>ed tax-free).<br />
• Reduced capital tax rates are applicable.<br />
10.1.3 Capital tax<br />
An annual capital tax can only be levied at cantonal/communal<br />
level. The basis <strong>for</strong> the calculation of capital tax is <strong>in</strong> pr<strong>in</strong>ciple<br />
the company’s net equity (i.e. share capital, paid-<strong>in</strong> surplus, legal<br />
reserves, other reserves, reta<strong>in</strong>ed earn<strong>in</strong>gs). The taxable base of<br />
companies also <strong>in</strong>cludes any provisions disallowed as deductions<br />
<strong>for</strong> tax purposes, any other undisclosed reserves, as well as debt<br />
that economically has the character of equity under the Swiss<br />
th<strong>in</strong> capitalization rules. Some cantons even provide <strong>for</strong> credit<strong>in</strong>g<br />
the cantonal corporate <strong>in</strong>come tax aga<strong>in</strong>st capital tax.<br />
The tax rates vary from canton to canton and depend on the tax<br />
status of the company. In 2011, the range was between 0.0010 %<br />
to 0.525 % <strong>for</strong> companies subject to ord<strong>in</strong>ary taxation, and between<br />
0.0010 % to 0.4010 % <strong>for</strong> companies eligible <strong>for</strong> a special<br />
tax regime.<br />
10.1.4 Tax <strong>in</strong>centives<br />
Tax <strong>in</strong>centives can be granted at cantonal and communal level<br />
and <strong>in</strong> explicitly def<strong>in</strong>ed regions at federal level <strong>for</strong> qualified new<br />
<strong>in</strong>vestments <strong>for</strong> 10 years.<br />
Federal level<br />
The federal government has def<strong>in</strong>ed less centralized and/or economically<br />
less strong regions which are entitled to grant bus<strong>in</strong>ess<br />
<strong>in</strong>centives <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g partial or full corporate <strong>in</strong>come tax breaks <strong>for</strong><br />
up to 10 years (see chapter 14.5).<br />
Tax breaks are available <strong>for</strong> <strong>in</strong>vestment projects that fulfil certa<strong>in</strong><br />
conditions, <strong>for</strong> example, creation of new production related jobs,<br />
non-competition with exist<strong>in</strong>g bus<strong>in</strong>esses, etc.<br />
Cantonal and communal level<br />
Most cantons offer partial or full tax breaks <strong>for</strong> cantonal/communal<br />
tax purposes <strong>for</strong> up to 10 years on a case-by-case basis. In<br />
particular, <strong>in</strong>centives may be obta<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>for</strong> creat<strong>in</strong>g a new presence<br />
or <strong>for</strong> an expansion project, which has particular economic<br />
relevance <strong>for</strong> the canton. Most importantly, however, bus<strong>in</strong>ess<br />
<strong>in</strong>centives are generally granted <strong>in</strong> connection with the creation of<br />
new jobs locally, i.e. requirement of at least 10 to 20 jobs <strong>in</strong> most<br />
cantons.<br />
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93
10.2 Tax charge rate <strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong>ternational<br />
comparison.<br />
The <strong>in</strong>ternational comparison of the total tax rate (TTR) shows<br />
that <strong>Switzerland</strong> has a tax system which is constantly very competitive<br />
compared to other highly developed <strong>in</strong>dustrial countries.<br />
The total tax rate (TTR) measures the amount of all taxes and<br />
mandatory contributions borne by the bus<strong>in</strong>ess and is expressed<br />
as a percentage of commercial profits. The 2011 and 2012 bus<strong>in</strong>ess<br />
reports reflect the TTR <strong>for</strong> the fiscal years 2009 and 2010<br />
(January 1 to December 31, 2009 and 2010) 1 . The total amount of<br />
taxes borne is the sum of all the different taxes and contributions<br />
payable after account<strong>in</strong>g <strong>for</strong> deductions and exemptions.<br />
The taxes and contributions <strong>in</strong>cluded can be divided <strong>in</strong>to the<br />
follow<strong>in</strong>g categories: a) profit or corporate <strong>in</strong>come tax; b) social<br />
contributions and labor taxes paid by the employer (<strong>for</strong> which all<br />
mandatory contributions are <strong>in</strong>cluded, even if paid to a private<br />
entity such as a pension fund); c) property taxes; d) sales taxes<br />
(and cascad<strong>in</strong>g sales taxes as well as other consumption taxes<br />
such as irrecoverable VAT); and e) other taxes (such as<br />
municipal fees and vehicle and fuel taxes).<br />
It should further be noted that the Swiss tax system is not only<br />
attractive <strong>for</strong> corporate taxpayers but also <strong>for</strong> <strong>in</strong>dividual taxpayers<br />
as it provides <strong>for</strong> a modest tax burden <strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong>ternational comparison<br />
as well.<br />
1 Source: Pay<strong>in</strong>g taxes can be found at: http://www.do<strong>in</strong>gbus<strong>in</strong>ess.org<br />
94 <strong>Handbook</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Investors</strong> 2012<br />
Fig. 50: Total tax rate (TTR)<br />
Luxemburg 21.1<br />
20.8<br />
Ireland 26.5<br />
26.3<br />
<strong>Switzerland</strong> 30.1<br />
30.1<br />
Great Brita<strong>in</strong> 37.3<br />
37.3<br />
Netherlands 40.5<br />
40.5<br />
F<strong>in</strong>land 44.6<br />
39.0<br />
Russia 46.5<br />
46.9<br />
USA 46.8<br />
46.7<br />
Germany 48.2<br />
46.7<br />
Japan 48.6<br />
49.1<br />
Czech Republic 48.8<br />
49.1<br />
Hungary 53.3<br />
52.4<br />
Sweden 54.6<br />
52.8<br />
Austria 55.5<br />
53.1<br />
Spa<strong>in</strong> 56.5<br />
38.7<br />
Belgium 57.0<br />
57.3<br />
India 63.3<br />
61.8<br />
Ch<strong>in</strong>a 63.5<br />
63.5<br />
France 65.8<br />
65.7<br />
Italy 68.6<br />
68.5<br />
Brazil 69.0<br />
67.1<br />
TTR (% profit) 2009<br />
TTR (% profit) 2010
10.3 Taxation of <strong>in</strong>dividual<br />
taxpayers.<br />
10.3.1 Personal <strong>in</strong>come tax<br />
Taxable persons<br />
Individuals are subject to taxation on federal and cantonal/communal<br />
level if they have their permanent or temporary residence <strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>Switzerland</strong>. Temporary residence is given provided the <strong>in</strong>dividual,<br />
regardless of any temporary <strong>in</strong>terruptions, stays <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong><br />
<strong>for</strong> a) at least 30 days carry<strong>in</strong>g out a professional activity or<br />
b) <strong>for</strong> 90 days or more without pursu<strong>in</strong>g any professional activity.<br />
Accord<strong>in</strong>g to the Swiss tax system, partnerships are transparent;<br />
hence each partner is taxed <strong>in</strong>dividually.<br />
The <strong>in</strong>come of married couples is aggregated and taxed accord<strong>in</strong>g<br />
to the pr<strong>in</strong>ciple of family taxation. The same applies to<br />
any registered civil partnerships. Any <strong>in</strong>come of a m<strong>in</strong>or child<br />
is added to the <strong>in</strong>come of the adults with the exception of the<br />
child’s earned <strong>in</strong>come derived from ga<strong>in</strong>ful employment which is<br />
assessed separately.<br />
The federal as well as cantonal/communal <strong>in</strong>come taxes are<br />
levied and collected by the cantonal tax authorities and are assessed<br />
<strong>for</strong> a period of one year (calendar year) on the basis of<br />
a tax return to be filed by the taxpayer.<br />
Individuals who do not set up a place of residency <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong>,<br />
are only obliged to pay tax on their <strong>in</strong>come <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong>.<br />
Taxable <strong>in</strong>come<br />
Resident <strong>in</strong>dividuals are subject to tax on their worldwide <strong>in</strong>come.<br />
However, revenues derived from bus<strong>in</strong>ess carried on abroad, from<br />
permanent establishments and from immovable property situated<br />
abroad are exempt and are taken <strong>in</strong>to account only <strong>for</strong> the determ<strong>in</strong>ation<br />
of the applicable tax rate (exemption with progression).<br />
The total <strong>in</strong>come <strong>in</strong>cludes <strong>in</strong>come from dependent or <strong>in</strong>dependent<br />
personal activities, <strong>in</strong>come from compensatory or subsidiary<br />
payments, and <strong>in</strong>come from movable and immovable property.<br />
Taxable <strong>in</strong>come also <strong>in</strong>cludes the notional rent value of property<br />
that the resident lives <strong>in</strong>.<br />
Certa<strong>in</strong> types of <strong>in</strong>come such as <strong>in</strong>heritance, gift and matrimonial<br />
property rights, subsidies paid from private or public sources,<br />
etc. are by law excluded from taxation. Moreover, the <strong>in</strong>dividual<br />
may deduct earn<strong>in</strong>g costs <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g, <strong>for</strong> example, travel costs<br />
between home and place of work, social security contributions<br />
and contributions to approved sav<strong>in</strong>gs plans from gross <strong>in</strong>come.<br />
Additional deductions may be claimed <strong>for</strong> dependent children<br />
and <strong>in</strong>surance premiums as well as <strong>for</strong> married and double<br />
<strong>in</strong>come couples. However, the extent of deductions allowed may<br />
vary strongly from canton to canton. Further <strong>in</strong>terest payments<br />
on loans, mortgage loans, etc. are fully deductible <strong>for</strong> bus<strong>in</strong>ess<br />
purposes. The deductibility of <strong>in</strong>terest <strong>for</strong> private purposes related<br />
to private assets is, however, limited to an aggregate <strong>in</strong>come from<br />
movable and immovable assets plus CHF 50,000. Furthermore,<br />
the value-preserv<strong>in</strong>g property expenses can be deducted, or an<br />
all-<strong>in</strong>clusive deduction can be applied <strong>in</strong>stead. Draft legislation<br />
provid<strong>in</strong>g <strong>for</strong> the abolition of taxation on own rental value <strong>for</strong> all<br />
homeowners is currently be<strong>in</strong>g debated. This would also limit the<br />
exist<strong>in</strong>g scope <strong>for</strong> deduction of personal <strong>in</strong>terest on debt to the<br />
taxable yield on assets.<br />
Individual tax rates are typically progressive, whereas a maximum<br />
tax rate of 11.5 % applies on federal level. The cantons may set<br />
their own tax rates. The maximum applicable cantonal tax burden<br />
varies significantly from canton to canton (pr<strong>in</strong>cipal town of the<br />
canton about 12 % to 30 %). A special family tariff was <strong>in</strong>troduced<br />
<strong>for</strong> the 2011 fiscal year at federal level. This is based on the tariff<br />
<strong>for</strong> married couples, but provides <strong>for</strong> an additional tax deduction<br />
per child.<br />
Capital ga<strong>in</strong>s<br />
Depend<strong>in</strong>g on whether a capital ga<strong>in</strong> is realized on personal or<br />
bus<strong>in</strong>ess property or on movable or immovable property, such<br />
ga<strong>in</strong> is taxed differently. Ga<strong>in</strong>s on movable personal property are<br />
exempt from taxation whereas ga<strong>in</strong>s realized on movable bus<strong>in</strong>ess<br />
property are attributed to ord<strong>in</strong>ary <strong>in</strong>come. For taxation of<br />
immovable property, please also see chapter 10.6.2.<br />
Losses<br />
Contrary to personal losses, bus<strong>in</strong>ess losses are tax deductible<br />
and may be carried <strong>for</strong>ward <strong>for</strong> seven years.<br />
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95
Distribution of capital contributions<br />
S<strong>in</strong>ce January 1, 2011 the distribution of qualified capital contributions<br />
is tax free. They are subject to neither withhold<strong>in</strong>g tax<br />
(chapter 10.4) nor <strong>in</strong>come tax <strong>for</strong> the receiv<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>dividual. While<br />
this already applied to the repayment of share capital prior to<br />
January 1, 2011, it now also applies to repayments on <strong>in</strong>vestments,<br />
premiums and assignments of jo<strong>in</strong>t stock companies<br />
made after December 31, 1996, as tax-free distributions.<br />
Tax at source<br />
Foreign employees who do not possess a residence permit are<br />
taxed <strong>for</strong> their earned <strong>in</strong>come by a tax deduction at source. If<br />
the source-taxed <strong>in</strong>come exceeds CHF 120,000 (CHF 500,000<br />
<strong>in</strong> Geneva) per annum, a tax declaration has to be submitted. In<br />
other cases the tax at source is def<strong>in</strong>itive. The employee can,<br />
however, assert a special deduction <strong>in</strong> a separate process.<br />
Employees who have reta<strong>in</strong>ed their residence abroad are taxed<br />
on their earned <strong>in</strong>come at the source, regardless of their nationality,<br />
and <strong>in</strong> general cannot submit a tax declaration.<br />
10.3.2 Wealth tax<br />
Net wealth tax is only levied at cantonal/communal level accord<strong>in</strong>g<br />
to the respective cantonal tax laws and rates. The tax<br />
is based on the balance of the gross assets <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g but not<br />
limited to immovable property, movable assets such as securities<br />
and bank deposits, cash redemption value of life <strong>in</strong>surance,<br />
cars, shares of non-distributed <strong>in</strong>heritances, etc. Taxes are also<br />
levied on assets not yield<strong>in</strong>g any <strong>in</strong>come. Sharehold<strong>in</strong>gs <strong>in</strong> <strong>for</strong>eign<br />
bus<strong>in</strong>esses and plants are not subject to wealth tax, as well as<br />
properties abroad. These assets are, however, taken <strong>in</strong>to account<br />
<strong>for</strong> the calculation of the applicable asset tax rate, if it is a progressive<br />
rate (tax exemption with progression).<br />
Individuals can deduct debts from the gross assets, as well as<br />
tax exempt amounts which vary from canton to canton, and accord<strong>in</strong>g<br />
to marital status and whether the person <strong>in</strong> question has<br />
children.<br />
The wealth tax is progressive <strong>in</strong> most cantons, whereby the<br />
cantons can set their own tax rates. The tax burden there<strong>for</strong>e<br />
varies considerably and ranges from 0.0010 % to 1 %. The federal<br />
government does not charge wealth tax.<br />
96 <strong>Handbook</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Investors</strong> 2012<br />
10.3.3 Expatriates<br />
Qualify<strong>in</strong>g expatriates are <strong>for</strong>eign managers and certa<strong>in</strong> specialists<br />
(e.g. IT specialists) seconded to <strong>Switzerland</strong> on a temporary<br />
basis <strong>for</strong> a period of up to five years, i.e. the (assignment)<br />
contract has to be limited <strong>in</strong> time <strong>for</strong> a maximum of five years.<br />
Expatriates may claim tax relief on expenses <strong>in</strong>curred due to their<br />
stay <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong>.<br />
The follow<strong>in</strong>g expenses <strong>in</strong>curred by expatriates are deductible:<br />
i) Relocation costs <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g travel costs to and from <strong>Switzerland</strong>,<br />
ii) reasonable accommodation costs <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong> if the residence<br />
abroad is still ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong>ed, iii) costs <strong>for</strong> children of schoolgo<strong>in</strong>g<br />
age attend<strong>in</strong>g a private school if local state-funded schools<br />
cannot offer adequate educational provisions. Instead of identify<strong>in</strong>g<br />
the actual costs <strong>for</strong> relocation and accommodation, the<br />
taxpayer may claim a monthly lump-sum deduction which may<br />
vary from canton to canton. Any reimbursement of work-related<br />
costs of the expatriate by the employer must be declared <strong>in</strong> the<br />
employee’s salary slip.<br />
The entitlement to benefit from the expatriates’ status <strong>for</strong> tax<br />
purposes ceases once temporary employment is replaced or<br />
superseded by a permanent position.<br />
10.3.4 Cross-border commuters<br />
Cross-border commuters are those people who live abroad (e.g.<br />
Austria, France, Germany, Italy, and Liechtenste<strong>in</strong>) and work <strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>Switzerland</strong> and who commute from home to work and back each<br />
day.<br />
The Swiss taxation of such <strong>in</strong>dividuals differs, depend<strong>in</strong>g on their<br />
place of work and domicile (home or <strong>for</strong>eign country). The double<br />
tax treaty with Germany, <strong>for</strong> example, provides <strong>for</strong> an apportionment<br />
of the taxation right between the two countries. The country<br />
of work is limited to a fat rate withhold<strong>in</strong>g tax of 4.5 % of the<br />
gross salary of the cross-border commuter. Such partial taxation<br />
of cross-border commuters <strong>in</strong> the country of work does not<br />
relieve the commuter from taxation of the earned <strong>in</strong>come at the<br />
place of residence (e.g. taxation with credit). The cross-border<br />
commuter status is abandoned if the employee cannot return to<br />
his/her domicile abroad <strong>for</strong> more than 60 work<strong>in</strong>g days per year<br />
<strong>for</strong> bus<strong>in</strong>ess reasons.
10.3.5 Lump-sum taxation<br />
Both federal and most cantonal tax regulations provide <strong>for</strong> the<br />
possibility to make use of a special tax arrangement often referred<br />
to as lump-sum taxation, whereby qualify<strong>in</strong>g Swiss resident taxpayers<br />
are taxed on the basis of expenditure and cost of liv<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>Switzerland</strong> <strong>in</strong>stead of the usual worldwide <strong>in</strong>come and assets.<br />
Qualify<strong>in</strong>g taxpayers who may apply <strong>for</strong> lump-sum taxation are<br />
<strong>in</strong>dividuals who take up temporary or permanent residence <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong><br />
<strong>for</strong> the first time or after an absence of at least ten years<br />
and who do not carry out any ga<strong>in</strong>ful occupation <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong>.<br />
While Swiss nationals may only apply <strong>for</strong> this arrangement <strong>in</strong> the<br />
tax period of tak<strong>in</strong>g up residency, <strong>for</strong>eigners are allowed to apply<br />
<strong>for</strong> an <strong>in</strong>def<strong>in</strong>ite period, provided that the conditions are fulfilled.<br />
The lump-sum taxation provisions are tailored to f<strong>in</strong>ancially <strong>in</strong>dependent<br />
persons who are not seek<strong>in</strong>g to work <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong>.<br />
In case of spouses mov<strong>in</strong>g to <strong>Switzerland</strong>, the provisions <strong>for</strong><br />
benefitt<strong>in</strong>g from the lump-sum taxation must be fulfilled by both<br />
spouses. As a rule, it is not possible <strong>for</strong> one spouse to be taxed<br />
under the lump-sum taxation while the other spouse is ord<strong>in</strong>arily<br />
taxed.<br />
The basis of taxation is calculated annually on expense <strong>in</strong>curred<br />
by the taxpayer <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong> and abroad. The calculation does<br />
not only consider the expense of the taxpayer but also those of the<br />
spouse and dependent children as long as they live <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong>.<br />
Expenses usually taken <strong>in</strong>to account are food, cloth<strong>in</strong>g and accommodation,<br />
education, leisure activities and all other expenses<br />
l<strong>in</strong>ked with the standard of liv<strong>in</strong>g. The exact calculation is determ<strong>in</strong>ed<br />
together with the relevant tax authorities of the canton <strong>in</strong><br />
which the person wishes to become a resident. In any case, the<br />
m<strong>in</strong>imum base must correspond either with a) at least five times<br />
the rent paid on rental property or five times the imputed <strong>in</strong>come<br />
attributable to homeowners or b) two times the annual costs of<br />
lodg<strong>in</strong>g if the taxpayer lives <strong>in</strong> a hotel or similar accommodation. In<br />
case the taxpayer owns or rents more than one property, the most<br />
expensive will be taken <strong>in</strong>to account.<br />
Generally, <strong>in</strong>dividuals who apply <strong>for</strong> the lump-sum taxation are<br />
considered as Swiss residents and may also apply <strong>for</strong> treaty relief<br />
on their <strong>for</strong>eign-source <strong>in</strong>come. Some treaties, however, allow only<br />
<strong>for</strong> treaty benefits, if all <strong>in</strong>come from the source country is subject<br />
to ord<strong>in</strong>ary taxation <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong>.<br />
In 2009, a poll <strong>in</strong> the canton of Zurich demanded the abolishment<br />
of the lump-sum taxation on cantonal/communal level. As the<br />
population of the canton of Zurich accepted the draft, the special<br />
tax arrangement will no longer be available <strong>in</strong> Zurich after January<br />
1, 2010. In the meantime the canton of Schaffhausen has also<br />
abolished lump-sum taxation. Other cantons may follow.<br />
10.3.6 Inheritance and gift tax<br />
Inheritance and gift taxes are not harmonized. Consequently, the<br />
cantons are free to levy such tax and the various cantonal laws<br />
differ considerably <strong>in</strong> almost every respect. With the exception<br />
of the canton of Schwyz all cantons levy <strong>in</strong>heritance and/or gift<br />
taxes <strong>for</strong> certa<strong>in</strong> asset transfers, if the deceased or donor had<br />
been resident of the respective canton or if real estate located <strong>in</strong><br />
the canton is transferred.<br />
Inheritance and gift tax rates are mostly progressive and are usually<br />
based on the degree of relationship between the deceased<br />
or donor and the beneficiary and/or the amount received by the<br />
beneficiary. In all cantons, spouses are exempt from <strong>in</strong>heritance<br />
and gift taxes; most cantons also exempt direct descendants.<br />
At the moment a popular <strong>in</strong>itiative is pend<strong>in</strong>g, which <strong>in</strong>tends <strong>for</strong><br />
the <strong>in</strong>troduction of an <strong>in</strong>heritance-related gift tax at the federal<br />
level, <strong>in</strong>stead of the cantonal <strong>in</strong>heritance and gift taxes. Asset<br />
transfers between married couples and registered partners<br />
should cont<strong>in</strong>ue to rema<strong>in</strong> tax-free. For all other asset transfers<br />
a tax rate of 20 % is <strong>in</strong>tended, whereby a tax exempt amount of<br />
CHF 2 million and various exceptions are planned. It is expected<br />
that this legislation will – if at all – be implemented <strong>in</strong> 2015 at the<br />
earliest, although it 2016 is more likely. If the popular <strong>in</strong>itiative is<br />
accepted, however, gifts given/received after January 1, 2012 will<br />
be assigned to the taxable estate retrospectively, regardless of<br />
the time the new constitution article comes <strong>in</strong>to effect.<br />
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97
10.4 Withhold<strong>in</strong>g tax.<br />
A federal withhold<strong>in</strong>g tax is levied at the source on the gross<br />
amount of dividend distributions by Swiss companies, on <strong>in</strong>come<br />
from bonds and similar <strong>in</strong>debtedness by Swiss issuers, as well as<br />
on certa<strong>in</strong> distributions of <strong>in</strong>come by Swiss <strong>in</strong>vestment funds and<br />
<strong>in</strong>terest payments on deposits with Swiss bank<strong>in</strong>g establishments.<br />
Lottery ga<strong>in</strong>s and <strong>in</strong>surance benefits are subject to withhold<strong>in</strong>g<br />
tax as well.<br />
S<strong>in</strong>ce the capital contribution pr<strong>in</strong>ciple came <strong>in</strong>to effect on January<br />
1, 2011, the repayment of capital contributions, which were<br />
made by the shareholder after December 31, 1996 and have been<br />
declared and accounted <strong>for</strong> correctly, are now treated the same<br />
as repayments of nom<strong>in</strong>al capital. With regard to withhold<strong>in</strong>g<br />
tax, these repayments are <strong>in</strong> general tax-free. The repayment of<br />
capital contributions <strong>for</strong> <strong>in</strong>dividuals (if shares are held as private<br />
assets) now no longer represents taxable <strong>in</strong>come (see chapter<br />
10.3.1.).<br />
Lottery w<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>gs and <strong>in</strong>surance benefits are also subject to withhold<strong>in</strong>g<br />
tax (i.e. money won over CHF 50).<br />
Generally, the debtor is liable <strong>for</strong> the tax and is required to withhold<br />
the amount due, irrespective of whether the recipient is entitled<br />
to a full or partial refund. A refund is only possible provided<br />
that the respective earn<strong>in</strong>gs are properly declared <strong>for</strong> the purposes<br />
of <strong>in</strong>come taxation. The aim is to prevent tax evasion. For<br />
Swiss resident corporate taxpayers withhold<strong>in</strong>g tax is reimbursed<br />
by way of a refund, whereas <strong>for</strong> <strong>in</strong>dividuals the tax is credited<br />
aga<strong>in</strong>st total tax liability through the regular taxation procedure.<br />
For non-resident taxpayers, the withhold<strong>in</strong>g tax generally represents<br />
a f<strong>in</strong>al tax burden. However, a partial or total refund may be<br />
granted based on an <strong>in</strong>ternational double tax treaty or a bilateral<br />
agreement concluded by <strong>Switzerland</strong> with the country <strong>in</strong> which<br />
the recipient of the earn<strong>in</strong>gs is resid<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
It should further be noted that a notification procedure may be<br />
applied <strong>for</strong> certa<strong>in</strong> qualify<strong>in</strong>g dividend distributions, replac<strong>in</strong>g the<br />
withhold<strong>in</strong>g and refund procedure.<br />
98 <strong>Handbook</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Investors</strong> 2012<br />
10.4.1 Domestic rates<br />
The tax rate applied on dividend distributions <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g deemed<br />
profit distributions and <strong>in</strong>terest payments relat<strong>in</strong>g to bonds and<br />
bond-like loans as well as on <strong>in</strong>terest payments made by banks<br />
or bank-like <strong>in</strong>stitutions to non-banks is 35 %. There is no withhold<strong>in</strong>g<br />
tax on <strong>in</strong>terest payments relat<strong>in</strong>g to qualify<strong>in</strong>g ord<strong>in</strong>ary<br />
company loan agreements. Provided that royalties, licenses, service<br />
and similar fees payable by Swiss <strong>in</strong>dividuals or corporations<br />
are at arm’s length, no withhold<strong>in</strong>g tax is levied.<br />
10.4.2 Treaty rates<br />
Most treaties provide <strong>for</strong> a reduction of the normal 35 % rate on<br />
dividends. The reduced rate is usually 15 % <strong>for</strong> portfolio <strong>in</strong>vestors<br />
and 0 %, 5 % or 10 % <strong>for</strong> substantial corporate owners. Some<br />
treaties require the taxation of Swiss-source <strong>in</strong>come <strong>in</strong> the recipient’s<br />
country of residence. Otherwise no relief will be granted.<br />
With regard to <strong>in</strong>terests, most treaties allow <strong>for</strong> a reduction as<br />
well, typically up to 10 %. In some treaties a full refund is granted.<br />
However, any reduction is only possible if the person apply<strong>in</strong>g <strong>for</strong><br />
treaty benefits is actually entitled to claim the treaty.<br />
10.4.3 Bilateral agreements with the EU<br />
In May 2004, <strong>Switzerland</strong> and the European Union (EU) agreed<br />
on eight bilateral agreements («Bilateral Agreements II») <strong>in</strong> addition<br />
to the seven exist<strong>in</strong>g bilateral agreements («Bilateral Agreements<br />
I», <strong>in</strong> <strong>for</strong>ce s<strong>in</strong>ce June 1, 2002).<br />
One of the agreements is the Sav<strong>in</strong>gs Tax Agreement provid<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>for</strong> measures equivalent to those laid down <strong>in</strong> the EU Sav<strong>in</strong>gs<br />
Tax Directive. To entice <strong>Switzerland</strong> to enter <strong>in</strong>to the Sav<strong>in</strong>gs Tax<br />
Agreement, the same agreement also <strong>in</strong>corporated language<br />
which was practically identical to the version of the EU Parent/<br />
Subsidiary Directive and the EU Interest/Royalty Directive <strong>in</strong> effect<br />
at that time. <strong>Switzerland</strong> has there<strong>for</strong>e had de facto access to<br />
the respective EU directives s<strong>in</strong>ce July 1, 2005, whereas future<br />
changes to the EU directives will not automatically apply to <strong>Switzerland</strong>.<br />
Accord<strong>in</strong>gly, dividends, royalty and <strong>in</strong>terest payments between<br />
<strong>Switzerland</strong> and the member states of the EU will not be subject<br />
to withhold<strong>in</strong>g tax, provided various conditions such as m<strong>in</strong>imum<br />
sharehold<strong>in</strong>g and hold<strong>in</strong>g period are fulfilled.
In general, the bilateral agreements, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g the Sav<strong>in</strong>gs Tax<br />
Agreement, will also apply to new EU member states jo<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g the<br />
EU after July 1, 2005 (e.g. Bulgaria, Romania). However, with<br />
some countries transitional arrangements must be considered.<br />
The application of the above-mentioned benefits from the Sav<strong>in</strong>gs<br />
Tax Agreement can be denied <strong>in</strong> cases of abuse or fraud.<br />
This is because of the explicit reservation made <strong>in</strong> the Sav<strong>in</strong>gs<br />
Tax Agreement as to the use of domestic or agreement-based<br />
provisions <strong>for</strong> the prevention of fraud or abuse, both by <strong>Switzerland</strong><br />
by the <strong>in</strong>dividual EU member states.<br />
Double tax treaties between <strong>Switzerland</strong> and EU member states<br />
with more favorable tax treatment of dividend, <strong>in</strong>terest and royalty<br />
payments rema<strong>in</strong> unaffected.<br />
10.5 Value added tax.<br />
Although <strong>Switzerland</strong> is not an EU member state, its value added<br />
tax (VAT) system was structured <strong>in</strong> accordance with the sixth EU<br />
VAT Directive («Sixth Council Directive on the harmonization of<br />
the laws of the Member States relat<strong>in</strong>g to turnover taxes») as a<br />
non-cumulative, multi-stage tax that provides <strong>for</strong> deduction of<br />
<strong>in</strong>put tax. As a result, Swiss VAT is levied as an <strong>in</strong>direct tax on<br />
most goods and services at the federal level only and applies to<br />
each stage of the production and distribution cha<strong>in</strong>. It is designed<br />
as a tax owed by the supplier of goods or services (i.e., the tax<br />
liability is based on the payment by the recipient of the goods or<br />
services).<br />
10.5.1 Taxable persons<br />
Any legal entity, establishment, partnership or association without<br />
legal capacity, <strong>in</strong>stitution, etc. that operates an enterprise (obta<strong>in</strong>s<br />
revenues through bus<strong>in</strong>ess or professional activity <strong>for</strong> a long period<br />
of time, regardless of whether there is an <strong>in</strong>tention to make money)<br />
is liable <strong>for</strong> tax. There is a registration obligation if the taxable<br />
turnover <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong> exceeds CHF 100,000 per year. All permanent<br />
domestic establishments of a Swiss parent company <strong>for</strong>m<br />
one taxable entity together with the parent company. All domestic<br />
establishments of a <strong>for</strong>eign parent company are also classed as<br />
a taxable entity. On the other hand the domestic establishments<br />
and the <strong>for</strong>eign parent company are each considered a separate<br />
taxable entity.<br />
If the revenues of a taxpayer (turnover from taxable supplies of<br />
goods and services) are less than CHF 100,000 per year (or less<br />
than CHF 150,000 <strong>for</strong> sports clubs and non-profit <strong>in</strong>stitutions),<br />
then the entity is exempt from tax liability. However, any such<br />
entity may also waive exemption from tax liability. Upon registration<br />
with the Federal Tax Adm<strong>in</strong>istration, the tax-payer currently<br />
still receives one VAT number: a six-figure VAT reference number<br />
which can be used as a VAT number until December 31, 2013,<br />
and one VAT number which is essentially based on the company<br />
identification number. Here the VAT number is added to the company<br />
identification number (e.g. CHE-123.456.789 MWST). After<br />
December 31, 2013 only the VAT number which is based on the<br />
company identification number will be valid.<br />
A special regulation exists <strong>for</strong> hold<strong>in</strong>g companies. In general the<br />
acquisition, hold<strong>in</strong>g and sell<strong>in</strong>g of sharehold<strong>in</strong>gs is a commercial<br />
action with<strong>in</strong> the mean<strong>in</strong>g the Swiss VAT law. Shares of capital<br />
<strong>in</strong> companies over 10% are classed as sharehold<strong>in</strong>gs, which<br />
are held with the <strong>in</strong>tention of long-term <strong>in</strong>vestment and have a<br />
considerable <strong>in</strong>fluence. The qualification of the hold<strong>in</strong>g activity<br />
as a commercial action means that the hold<strong>in</strong>g company can be<br />
voluntarily registered due to the waiv<strong>in</strong>g of the exemption from<br />
tax. The advantage of the registration is that pre-tax which is<br />
due with<strong>in</strong> the scope of the hold<strong>in</strong>g activities can be claimed,<br />
although the sale of sharehold<strong>in</strong>gs essentially represents <strong>in</strong>come<br />
exempt from tax (normally, however, a pre-tax correction is necessary<br />
due to <strong>in</strong>terest <strong>in</strong>come).<br />
10.5.2 Taxable supplies<br />
VAT is levied on the follow<strong>in</strong>g types of services: 1) delivery of<br />
goods <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong> (<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g Liechtenste<strong>in</strong>); 2) supply of services<br />
<strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong> (<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g Liechtenste<strong>in</strong>); 3) purchase of services<br />
(and certa<strong>in</strong> goods deliveries <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong>) from enterprises with<br />
their registered office <strong>in</strong> another country if the value of goods or<br />
services exceeds CHF 10,000 per year; and 4) import of goods.<br />
Certa<strong>in</strong> services provided to <strong>for</strong>eign recipients (as well as the<br />
export of goods and the delivery of goods abroad) are not taxed<br />
or are zero-rated with full <strong>in</strong>put tax recovery. The delivery of<br />
goods <strong>for</strong> the purposes of VAT is not limited to goods deliveries<br />
as def<strong>in</strong>ed by Swiss commercial law. The VAT law provides <strong>for</strong><br />
a number of bus<strong>in</strong>ess transactions (such as the ma<strong>in</strong>tenance of<br />
mach<strong>in</strong>ery, rental or lease of goods, trade <strong>in</strong> electricity, etc.) that<br />
are deemed to be supplies of goods <strong>for</strong> VAT purposes.<br />
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10.5.3 Taxable amount<br />
The basis <strong>for</strong> the calculation of the taxable amount <strong>for</strong> the supply<br />
of goods and services is the agreed upon or the collected gross<br />
remuneration (<strong>in</strong> cash or <strong>in</strong> k<strong>in</strong>d). Input tax, i.e., the tax paid on<br />
purchases of goods and services, can be deducted. Consequently,<br />
only the value added is taxed (net all-phase pr<strong>in</strong>ciple).<br />
10.5.4 Tax rates<br />
The standard rate is 8 % s<strong>in</strong>ce January 1, 2011 on all taxable supplies<br />
of goods or services. A reduced rate of 3.8 % is applicable<br />
<strong>for</strong> accommodation. A reduced rate of 2.5 % applies on certa<strong>in</strong><br />
categories of goods and services <strong>for</strong> certa<strong>in</strong> basic needs such as<br />
water supply, food and non-alcoholic beverages, cattle, poultry,<br />
fish, cereals and gra<strong>in</strong>, books and newspapers, services of noncommercial<br />
radio and TV broadcasts, etc.<br />
The Federal Tax Adm<strong>in</strong>istration offers further simplified VAT<br />
account<strong>in</strong>g <strong>for</strong> small bus<strong>in</strong>esses with turnover of below<br />
CHF 5.02 million (<strong>in</strong>cl VAT) and a tax liability of CHF 109,000<br />
(calculated accord<strong>in</strong>g to the applicable net tax rate) or less per<br />
year. These small bus<strong>in</strong>esses may opt to submit VAT based on<br />
balanced tax rate, which is lower than the standard rate of 8 %,<br />
if they, <strong>in</strong> return, waive the standard procedure <strong>for</strong> <strong>in</strong>put VAT<br />
account<strong>in</strong>g, which would otherwise be deducted from the VAT<br />
levied on turnover (<strong>in</strong>put VAT deduction). This simplified taxation<br />
method must be ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>for</strong> at least one year, and VAT returns<br />
need to be filed twice a year only (<strong>in</strong> contrast to the normal quarterly<br />
calculations).<br />
10.5.5 Exemptions<br />
The law differentiates between VAT-exempt and VAT-excluded<br />
turnover from VAT. No VAT is levied <strong>in</strong> either case, but a dist<strong>in</strong>ction<br />
is made regard<strong>in</strong>g the <strong>in</strong>put VAT deduction.<br />
In cases of exclusions, there is no <strong>in</strong>put tax deduction possible<br />
<strong>for</strong> the taxes paid <strong>in</strong> generat<strong>in</strong>g the turnover excluded from VAT.<br />
Excluded activities are the healthcare sector, education, culture,<br />
sport, social care, most bank<strong>in</strong>g and <strong>in</strong>surance activities, rental<br />
and sale of real estate, as well as gambl<strong>in</strong>g and lotteries. For<br />
most of these categories, however, the taxpayer may opt <strong>for</strong><br />
taxation voluntarily, except <strong>in</strong> the case of bank<strong>in</strong>g and <strong>in</strong>surance<br />
turnover, as well as the rent<strong>in</strong>g of real estate exclusively <strong>for</strong><br />
private use.<br />
100 <strong>Handbook</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Investors</strong> 2012<br />
In contrast to activities excluded from VAT, exempt activities allow<br />
<strong>for</strong> an <strong>in</strong>put VAT deduction <strong>for</strong> all taxes paid <strong>in</strong> generat<strong>in</strong>g the<br />
turnover <strong>in</strong> question (true exemption). An example of an activity<br />
exempt from tax is the export of goods (see also chapter 10.5.7).<br />
<strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> activities abroad are not subject to Swiss VAT. These<br />
types of turnover are generally the result of <strong>in</strong>ternational bus<strong>in</strong>ess<br />
models. A typical example is a Swiss trad<strong>in</strong>g company that buys<br />
products from a <strong>for</strong>eign manufactur<strong>in</strong>g company and sells them<br />
to customers <strong>in</strong> a third country, shipp<strong>in</strong>g the products directly<br />
to those customers. Activities <strong>in</strong>volv<strong>in</strong>g the supply of goods or<br />
services abroad only entitle the taxpayer to deduct <strong>in</strong>put tax, if<br />
the turnover does not qualify as VAT exempt.<br />
10.5.6 Deduction of <strong>in</strong>put taxes<br />
An enterprise registered <strong>for</strong> VAT is liable <strong>for</strong> VAT on all supplies<br />
(output tax) and will <strong>in</strong>cur VAT on purchases <strong>for</strong> the bus<strong>in</strong>ess<br />
(<strong>in</strong>put tax). In most cases, <strong>in</strong>put taxes may be deducted from the<br />
amount of output taxes due and so do not generally represent<br />
an additional burden <strong>for</strong> a bus<strong>in</strong>ess. VAT is a genu<strong>in</strong>e expense<br />
only <strong>for</strong> the end-consumer or <strong>for</strong> a bus<strong>in</strong>ess <strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong> transactions<br />
<strong>for</strong> which no <strong>in</strong>put tax can be recovered (bus<strong>in</strong>esses with<br />
excluded <strong>in</strong>come such as banks and <strong>in</strong>surance companies).<br />
10.5.7 Exports<br />
In addition to exported goods, certa<strong>in</strong> services – if rendered to<br />
a recipient domiciled abroad – are also VAT exempt (with credit).<br />
However, the Swiss VAT law <strong>in</strong>cludes a list of services that are either<br />
taxable where the service provider is domiciled or are subject<br />
to special provisions accord<strong>in</strong>g to the list (e.g., services <strong>in</strong> connection<br />
with real estate, hotel and restaurant services; services <strong>in</strong><br />
relation to culture, sport and the arts; passenger transport; etc.).<br />
Services not <strong>in</strong>cluded <strong>in</strong> this list that are provided to a <strong>for</strong>eign<br />
recipient are not subject to Swiss VAT (a catch-all provision – the<br />
«place of supply is where the recipient is established» is applied).<br />
However, the VAT exempt nature of such services has to be<br />
proven by the underly<strong>in</strong>g documents such as <strong>in</strong>voices, agreements,<br />
etc. Under all circumstances, it is very important that the<br />
documentation be issued <strong>in</strong> compliance with the requirements<br />
accord<strong>in</strong>g to the Swiss VAT law. The same applies to export<br />
shipments, where a customs export certificate is required <strong>for</strong> tax<br />
exemption.
10.5.8 International bus<strong>in</strong>ess activity<br />
The basic VAT rules described above have the follow<strong>in</strong>g effect <strong>in</strong><br />
the case of a Swiss trad<strong>in</strong>g company that buys products from a<br />
<strong>for</strong>eign manufactur<strong>in</strong>g company and sells them to customers <strong>in</strong><br />
a third country, shipp<strong>in</strong>g the products directly to those customers:<br />
Fig. 51: International bus<strong>in</strong>ess activity<br />
DE * CH * IT<br />
Freight <strong>for</strong>warder<br />
Invoice<br />
Goods delivery<br />
* Foreign sales not subject to Swiss VAT<br />
10.5.9 Non-resident enterprises<br />
Foreign bus<strong>in</strong>esses supply<strong>in</strong>g goods or certa<strong>in</strong> services to or<br />
with<strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong> wish<strong>in</strong>g to waive the exemption from tax liability<br />
or with correspond<strong>in</strong>g sales revenues <strong>in</strong> excess of the threshold<br />
stated <strong>in</strong> chapter 10.5.1 are generally required to appo<strong>in</strong>t an authorized<br />
VAT representative based <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong>. Such entrepreneurs<br />
may claim <strong>in</strong>put VAT directly. Non-resident entrepreneurs<br />
without taxable activities <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong> are entitled to a refund of<br />
Swiss VAT if their <strong>for</strong>eign activities would qualify as taxable turnover<br />
under Swiss VAT law and if the country of residence grants<br />
reciprocal treatment to Swiss entrepreneurs (VAT refund).<br />
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10.6 Other taxes.<br />
10.6.1 Stamp taxes<br />
Generally, the tax liability arises on special legal transactions such<br />
as the issuance of shares (issuance stamp tax also known as<br />
capital duty) or the trad<strong>in</strong>g of securities (securities transfer stamp<br />
tax).<br />
The tax on the issuance and the <strong>in</strong>crease of equity of Swiss<br />
corporations is 1 % on the fair market value of the amount contributed,<br />
with an exemption on the first CHF 1 million of capital<br />
paid <strong>in</strong>, whether it is made <strong>in</strong> an <strong>in</strong>itial or subsequent contribution.<br />
Issuance stamp tax is further levied <strong>in</strong> respect of some debt<br />
<strong>in</strong>struments such as bonds and money market papers at a rate<br />
of 0.06 % or 0.12 % on the nom<strong>in</strong>al value of such <strong>in</strong>struments <strong>for</strong><br />
each year or part thereof up to maturity of such <strong>in</strong>strument. Special<br />
rules apply <strong>for</strong> <strong>in</strong>struments that run <strong>for</strong> less than a year.<br />
The transfer of Swiss and <strong>for</strong>eign securities <strong>in</strong> which a Swiss<br />
securities dealer participates as a contract<strong>in</strong>g party or as an<br />
<strong>in</strong>termediary is subject to Swiss securities transfer stamp tax<br />
(often called «securities turnover tax»). Depend<strong>in</strong>g on the issuer’s<br />
residence (<strong>Switzerland</strong> or <strong>for</strong>eign country), the tax rate is 0.15 %<br />
or 0.3 % and is calculated on the consideration of the securities<br />
traded.<br />
102 <strong>Handbook</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Investors</strong> 2012<br />
Swiss securities dealers are def<strong>in</strong>ed as any persons professionally<br />
engaged <strong>in</strong> buy<strong>in</strong>g or sell<strong>in</strong>g securities <strong>for</strong> their own account<br />
or <strong>for</strong> another person, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g Swiss banks and other Swiss<br />
bank-like <strong>in</strong>stitutions. Furthermore, companies hold<strong>in</strong>g taxable<br />
securities whose book values exceed CHF 10 million and remote<br />
members of a Swiss stock exchange with regard to Swiss titles<br />
which are quoted on the Swiss stock exchange are considered<br />
Swiss securities dealers.<br />
10.6.2 Real estate taxes<br />
Capital ga<strong>in</strong>s on Swiss immovable property are either subject to<br />
a special cantonal real estate ga<strong>in</strong>s tax or to ord<strong>in</strong>ary corporate<br />
<strong>in</strong>come tax depend<strong>in</strong>g on the system that is applied <strong>in</strong> the canton<br />
where the immovable property is located. The right to tax such<br />
ga<strong>in</strong>s is reserved to the cantons and communes.<br />
Furthermore, <strong>in</strong> most cantons the transfer of real estate is subject<br />
to a conveyance tax, whereas on the federal level no taxes of<br />
such k<strong>in</strong>d are levied. As a general rule, conveyance tax is assessed<br />
on the purchase price or the taxable value of the real<br />
estate and is typically paid by the purchaser of the real estate.<br />
Depend<strong>in</strong>g on the canton, the applicable tax rate varies between<br />
1 % and 3 %.<br />
Moreover, about half of the cantons levy a special wealth tax on<br />
real estate. This tax is due every year <strong>in</strong> addition to the general<br />
wealth tax. The tax is levied at the place where the property is<br />
situated and is assessed on the market or taxable value of the<br />
real estate without allow<strong>in</strong>g <strong>for</strong> deduction of debts. The tax rates<br />
applied range between 0.03 % and 0.3 %.
10.7 Double taxation treaty<br />
network.<br />
To m<strong>in</strong>imize the effect of double taxation <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong> and<br />
abroad, <strong>Switzerland</strong> has concluded tax treaties cover<strong>in</strong>g direct <strong>in</strong>come<br />
taxes with all important <strong>in</strong>dustrial countries and many other<br />
countries. Most of these treaties are patterned on the pr<strong>in</strong>ciples of<br />
the OECD model convention, which def<strong>in</strong>es where the <strong>in</strong>come or<br />
the assets are to be taxed and also describes the method <strong>for</strong> the<br />
elim<strong>in</strong>ation of double taxation. <strong>Switzerland</strong> adopted the tax exemption<br />
method, exempt<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>come allocable to a <strong>for</strong>eign country<br />
from taxation <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong>. Such <strong>in</strong>come and net worth is only<br />
considered <strong>for</strong> calculat<strong>in</strong>g the applicable tax rate (progression).<br />
On certa<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong>come streams (dividend, <strong>in</strong>terest and license fees)<br />
both states, the state <strong>in</strong> which the <strong>in</strong>come is earned and the state<br />
of the recipient’s residence, are entitled to tax them. However, the<br />
double tax treaty limits the right of taxation of the source state,<br />
and the source tax can be credited aga<strong>in</strong>st the tax levied <strong>in</strong> the<br />
recipient’s state of residence. To date, more than 70 tax treaties<br />
are <strong>in</strong> effect, plus also the EU bilateral agreements as of July 1,<br />
2005. As Swiss tax treaties are treated as <strong>in</strong>ternational conventions,<br />
they generally supersede federal as well as cantonal/municipal<br />
tax rules.<br />
Swiss double tax treaties apply to persons (<strong>in</strong>dividuals or companies)<br />
who are resident <strong>in</strong> one or both of the contract<strong>in</strong>g states.<br />
As already mentioned <strong>in</strong> chapter 10.3.5, Swiss residents apply<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>for</strong> lump-sum taxation generally qualify <strong>for</strong> treaty relief as well.<br />
However, some treaties provide <strong>for</strong> special conditions to be met<br />
<strong>in</strong> order to benefit from the treaty applied.<br />
Apart from the tax treaties cover<strong>in</strong>g direct <strong>in</strong>come taxes, <strong>Switzerland</strong><br />
also concluded a few tax treaties <strong>in</strong> the area of <strong>in</strong>heritance<br />
and estate tax. <strong>Switzerland</strong> has not negotiated any double tax<br />
treaties concern<strong>in</strong>g gift taxes so far. Furthermore, there are some<br />
special treaties relat<strong>in</strong>g to cross-border commuters, taxation of<br />
<strong>in</strong>ternational air and transport, and the tax situation of <strong>in</strong>ternational<br />
organizations and their staff.<br />
10.8 Transfer pric<strong>in</strong>g rules.<br />
Accord<strong>in</strong>g to Swiss tax law, transactions between group companies<br />
must be at arm’s length. <strong>Switzerland</strong> does not have separate<br />
transfer pric<strong>in</strong>g legislation and does not plan to enact such<br />
legislation <strong>in</strong> the near future. Instead, the Swiss tax authorities<br />
follow the transfer pric<strong>in</strong>g guidel<strong>in</strong>es of the OECD to determ<strong>in</strong>e<br />
if a transaction between related parties is at arm’s length. In<br />
<strong>Switzerland</strong>, no specific documentation requirements <strong>for</strong> transfer<br />
pric<strong>in</strong>g purposes must be observed. A company do<strong>in</strong>g bus<strong>in</strong>ess<br />
<strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong> should however have the appropriate documentation<br />
on file verify<strong>in</strong>g the arm’s-length nature of transactions with<br />
related parties.<br />
Federal Department of F<strong>in</strong>ance FDF<br />
www.efd.adm<strong>in</strong>.ch<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian<br />
<strong>Handbook</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Investors</strong> 2012<br />
103
11. Infrastructure.<br />
<strong>Switzerland</strong> is closely <strong>in</strong>tegrated <strong>in</strong>to the European transportation<br />
<strong>in</strong>frastructure thanks to a dense network of road,<br />
rail and air connections. Frequent and reliable connections<br />
guarantee the smooth and efficient transport of passengers<br />
and goods. The supply of energy, water, communications<br />
services and postal services is guaranteed at all times. A<br />
well-developed healthcare system ensures that the population<br />
has access to medical care without hav<strong>in</strong>g to travel long<br />
distances.<br />
Fig. 52: Quality of the <strong>in</strong>frastructure, 2011<br />
1 = underdeveloped, 7 = comprehensive and efficient<br />
1 <strong>Switzerland</strong> 6.7<br />
2 S<strong>in</strong>gapore 6.6<br />
3 France 6.5<br />
4 Hong Kong SAR 6.5<br />
5 Denmark 6.4<br />
10 Germany 6.2<br />
13 Japan 6.0<br />
14 Netherlands 6.0<br />
16 Luxemburg 5.9<br />
17 Belgium 5.9<br />
24 USA 5.7<br />
28 Great Brita<strong>in</strong> 5.6<br />
53 Ireland 4.6<br />
69 Ch<strong>in</strong>a 4.2<br />
79 Italy 4.0<br />
86 India 3.8<br />
100 Russia 3.6<br />
104 Brazil 3.6<br />
Source: World Economic Forum, The Global Competitiveness Report 2011 – 2012<br />
104 <strong>Handbook</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Investors</strong> 2012<br />
Federal Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy<br />
and Communications DETEC<br />
www.uvek.adm<strong>in</strong>.ch<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian<br />
11.1 Transport.<br />
The Swiss economy is supported by an excellent distribution <strong>in</strong>frastructure<br />
<strong>for</strong> supply<strong>in</strong>g goods and services. With 1.7 km of roads<br />
per square kilometer, <strong>Switzerland</strong> is one of the cont<strong>in</strong>ent’s most<br />
densely developed countries <strong>for</strong> motorized transport. Nevertheless,<br />
<strong>Switzerland</strong> is rightly known as a railway country, particularly<br />
as the national railway network has a length three times that of the<br />
highway network.<br />
The Swiss government’s transport policy is primarily aimed at<br />
improv<strong>in</strong>g the country’s attractiveness as a bus<strong>in</strong>ess location and<br />
manag<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>g mobility <strong>in</strong> an environmentally compatible<br />
manner.<br />
11.1.1 Road network<br />
<strong>Switzerland</strong>’s highway network is one of the densest <strong>in</strong> the world.<br />
There are currently 1,790 km (1,112 miles) of national highways<br />
<strong>in</strong> operation, provid<strong>in</strong>g access to all parts of the country. The<br />
high proportion of tunnels is remarkable: today 220 tunnels are<br />
<strong>in</strong> operation cover<strong>in</strong>g a total length of 220 km (about 136 miles).<br />
Every eighth kilometer runs underground. When f<strong>in</strong>ished, the
currently planned national road network should comprise a total<br />
of 1,892.5 km (1175 miles) and more than 270 tunnels with a total<br />
length of 290 km (180 miles). The ma<strong>in</strong> section of the national<br />
road network, which has not yet been completed, is <strong>in</strong>tended to<br />
be f<strong>in</strong>ished by 2015. At least three-quarters of the Swiss highway<br />
system consists of four-lane divided superhighways. The national<br />
highways are also major <strong>in</strong>ternational transport routes. The connection<br />
between Germany and Italy through the Gotthard Tunnel<br />
is of critical importance <strong>in</strong> Europe.<br />
In order to use <strong>Switzerland</strong>’s superhighways (Autobahns), every<br />
domestic and <strong>for</strong>eign motor vehicle weigh<strong>in</strong>g up to 3.5 metric<br />
tons must have a special highway sticker or «vignette» (currently<br />
CHF 40). The sticker is valid <strong>for</strong> a calendar year and can be<br />
purchased at customs and post offices, gas stations and highway<br />
rest stations. No special tunnel fees are charged <strong>for</strong> us<strong>in</strong>g the<br />
Gotthard and San Bernard<strong>in</strong>o transalp<strong>in</strong>e tunnels.<br />
A per<strong>for</strong>mance-related vehicle fee (LSVA) is levied on domestic<br />
and <strong>for</strong>eign trucks (motorized vehicles with a total weight of more<br />
than 3.5 tonnes, which are <strong>in</strong>tended <strong>for</strong> goods transportation). In<br />
addition to the total weight, the fee depends on the respective<br />
emissions category (Euro 0 – II) and the kilometers driven <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong><br />
and the Pr<strong>in</strong>cipality of Liechtenste<strong>in</strong>. For the most-used<br />
transit routes from the German to Italian border (around 300 km<br />
[186 miles] from Basel to Chiasso), 40 tonne trucks pay a fee of<br />
CHF 270 to 370 depend<strong>in</strong>g on the emission category. In addition<br />
a night (10:00 pm – 5:00 am) and Sunday driv<strong>in</strong>g ban applies to<br />
trucks.<br />
Federal Roads Office<br />
www.astra.adm<strong>in</strong>.ch<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian<br />
Cantonal Road Transport Offices<br />
www.strassenverkehrsamt.ch<br />
Languages: (depend<strong>in</strong>g on the respective Canton)<br />
Customs <strong>in</strong><strong>for</strong>mation on per<strong>for</strong>mance-related heavy<br />
transport fees<br />
www.ezv.adm<strong>in</strong>.ch > In<strong>for</strong>mation <strong>for</strong> companies > Taxes and<br />
duties<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian<br />
11.1.2 Rail<br />
Because of the punctuality and reliability of their public transport<br />
systems, the Swiss are the most frequent rail travelers <strong>in</strong> all of Europe.<br />
Every day, 9,000 tra<strong>in</strong>s run on the 3,000-km (1,865-mile) rail<br />
network operated by SBB (Swiss Federal Railways). In addition to<br />
SBB, there are a number of private railway companies <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong><br />
that operate on tracks cover<strong>in</strong>g somewhat more than 2,000<br />
km (almost 1,250 miles). In spite of the fact that this rail network<br />
has the highest capacity utilization <strong>in</strong> Europe, the tra<strong>in</strong>s are very<br />
punctual. In 2010, 87 % of passenger tra<strong>in</strong>s arrived at their dest<strong>in</strong>ation<br />
with<strong>in</strong> three m<strong>in</strong>utes of the scheduled arrival time. In order<br />
to protect the population and the environment, more and more<br />
freight traffic will be moved from road to rail <strong>in</strong> the future.<br />
Three major rail projects now underway will provide important<br />
benefits to <strong>Switzerland</strong> and Europe over the medium and long<br />
term. They will <strong>in</strong>crease transport capacities, reduce passenger<br />
and freight traffic on roads and highways, and help protect and<br />
preserve the ecologically sensitive Alp<strong>in</strong>e region.<br />
• Rail 2000: This is a largely completed rail project with the ma<strong>in</strong><br />
aim of offer<strong>in</strong>g faster and more direct rail connections all over<br />
<strong>Switzerland</strong>. It comprises an <strong>in</strong>crease <strong>in</strong> frequency as well<br />
as the build<strong>in</strong>g of new <strong>in</strong>frastructure. This then allows longdistance<br />
tra<strong>in</strong>s to run every half hour <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong>’s central region<br />
(Mittelland), and optimizes the connections between major<br />
centers. As per the end of 2010 only around 13 partial projects<br />
rema<strong>in</strong>, which should be f<strong>in</strong>ished completely by 2018.<br />
• AlpTransit or NRLA Project: The new Lötschberg and Gotthard<br />
transalp<strong>in</strong>e l<strong>in</strong>es are designed to provide new, fast north-south<br />
connections and facilitate substantial expansion of capacity<br />
and services. 42 passenger tra<strong>in</strong>s pass through the Lötschberg<br />
base tunnel, completed <strong>in</strong> 2007, which is 34 km (21 miles)<br />
long, every day at speeds of up to 250 km/h (155 mph). This<br />
br<strong>in</strong>gs both Valais as well as Northern Italy closer to the center<br />
of <strong>Switzerland</strong>. You can now get to Milan from Berne <strong>in</strong> less<br />
than 2 ¾ hours. As <strong>for</strong> freight transport, the new Lötschberg<br />
base route helps meet a key goal of Swiss transport policy,<br />
<strong>Handbook</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Investors</strong> 2012<br />
105
which is to transfer transalp<strong>in</strong>e freight traffic from road to rail.<br />
It permits a substantial <strong>in</strong>crease <strong>in</strong> transport capacities, and<br />
the larger tunnel cross-sections allow heavier freight tra<strong>in</strong>s to<br />
pass through (shuttle profile). The AlpTransit or NRLA project<br />
(«New Rail L<strong>in</strong>k through the Alps») is be<strong>in</strong>g built <strong>in</strong> stages.<br />
The Gotthard base tunnel, which is expected to be opened<br />
<strong>in</strong> 2015/2016, will be the longest tunnel <strong>in</strong> the world at 57 km<br />
(over 35 miles).<br />
• L<strong>in</strong>k to the European high-speed rail network: Connection<br />
to the European high-speed rail network (TGV and ICE) will<br />
make <strong>Switzerland</strong> the most important hub <strong>in</strong> Europe’s future<br />
high-speed network. The Swiss government will <strong>in</strong>vest a total<br />
of CHF 1,090 million (2003 prices) <strong>in</strong> the rail network by the<br />
end of 2015 <strong>in</strong> order to provide better connections with the<br />
European high-speed network. This will shorten travel times<br />
from <strong>Switzerland</strong> to Paris, Lyon, Munich, Ulm and Stuttgart.<br />
Swiss Federal Railways (SBB)<br />
www.sbb.ch<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian<br />
Federal Office of Transport FOT<br />
www.bav.adm<strong>in</strong>.ch<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian<br />
11.1.3 Air<br />
Zurich airport is one of the most important transport hubs <strong>in</strong><br />
Europe. Passengers appreciate the excellent standard of service<br />
at this airport. This is confirmed by its high rank<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the annual<br />
airport rank<strong>in</strong>gs. Zurich airport, <strong>for</strong> example, has already<br />
received the World Travel Award as Europe’s lead<strong>in</strong>g airport <strong>for</strong><br />
the seventh time <strong>for</strong> its user-friendl<strong>in</strong>ess and quality standard. In<br />
the renowned Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Award, Zurich airport<br />
was awarded third place beh<strong>in</strong>d Malta and Porto. The surveyed<br />
travelers particularly appreciated the pleasant atmosphere and<br />
the friendly personnel. For its extensive and systematic environmental<br />
management system, Zurich airport also received the<br />
Eco-Innovation Award <strong>for</strong> the first time. Zurich airport was also<br />
the first airport to <strong>in</strong>troduce emission-dependent land<strong>in</strong>g fees. In<br />
2010 around 22.8 million passengers used the airport. The freight<br />
106 <strong>Handbook</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Investors</strong> 2012<br />
volume <strong>in</strong> the same period totaled 411,035 tons. The airport currently<br />
serves 166 dest<strong>in</strong>ations on four cont<strong>in</strong>ents and 55 countries.<br />
Most of the fights (66 %) connect <strong>Switzerland</strong> with Europe,<br />
while 34 % are <strong>in</strong>tercont<strong>in</strong>ental fights. The <strong>in</strong>tercont<strong>in</strong>ental fights<br />
connect Zurich with 56 cities <strong>in</strong> 28 countries <strong>in</strong> North and South<br />
America, the Middle East, Far East and Africa.<br />
The two other <strong>in</strong>ternational airports <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong> – Geneva and<br />
Euro-Airport Basel – also have a large number of connections to<br />
key European bus<strong>in</strong>ess centers and holiday dest<strong>in</strong>ations and a<br />
number of direct flights to overseas dest<strong>in</strong>ations. Geneva handled<br />
11.9 million passengers and 61,079 metric tons of freight <strong>in</strong> 2010.<br />
The correspond<strong>in</strong>g figures <strong>for</strong> Basel were 4.1 million passengers<br />
and 43,654 metric tons of freight.<br />
The fact that the three <strong>in</strong>ternational airports are located <strong>in</strong> border<br />
areas only a short distance away from neighbor<strong>in</strong>g countries<br />
facilitates <strong>in</strong>ternational trade to and from the EU area through<br />
<strong>Switzerland</strong>. Air freight is an important freight transport option <strong>for</strong><br />
export<strong>in</strong>g companies <strong>in</strong> these regions. The most important export<br />
products <strong>in</strong>clude specialty chemical and pharmaceutical products,<br />
high-tech products, automotive components and perishable<br />
goods. Three-quarters of Swiss airfreight is processed at<br />
the cargo hub <strong>in</strong> Zurich. But the two other <strong>in</strong>ternational airports,<br />
Geneva and Euro-Airport Basel, are also becom<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>gly<br />
important freight support po<strong>in</strong>ts, particularly <strong>for</strong> express and courier<br />
services. The world’s lead<strong>in</strong>g express, package and courier<br />
services have posted steady growth <strong>in</strong> volume.<br />
The Berne, Lugano and St. Gallen-Altenrhe<strong>in</strong> regional airports<br />
also offer attractive scheduled flights to European dest<strong>in</strong>ations on<br />
a daily basis. Sion and St. Moritz-Samedan have seasonal bus<strong>in</strong>ess<br />
connections that are not only important <strong>for</strong> tourism but save<br />
time <strong>for</strong> the entire service sector.<br />
Overview of air travel<br />
www.swissworld.org > Economy > Transport > Air travel<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian, Spanish, Russian,<br />
Ch<strong>in</strong>ese, Japanese
Fig. 53: Direct air connections: Intercont<strong>in</strong>ental from Zurich (ZRH) and Geneva (GVA), 2009, on at least five days per week;<br />
<strong>in</strong> brackets: airport: number of flights daily; flight duration<br />
1 Montreal (GVA: 1; 8:05h;<br />
ZRH: 1; 8:10h)<br />
2 Toronto (GVA: 1; 11:05h;<br />
ZRH: 2; 8:50h)<br />
3 Chicago (ZRH: 1; 9:40h)<br />
4 Philadelphia (ZRH: 1; 9:05h)<br />
5 New York Newark<br />
(GVA: 1; 8:45h; ZRH: 2; 9:05h)<br />
6 New York JFK<br />
(GVA: 1; 8:35h; ZRH: 3; 8:40h)<br />
7 Boston (ZRH: 1; 8:15h)<br />
8 Wash<strong>in</strong>gton (GVA: 1; 9:12h;<br />
ZRH: 1; 9:10h)<br />
9 Atlanta (ZRH: 1; 10:25h)<br />
10 Miami (ZRH: 1; 10:25h)<br />
11 Los Angeles (ZRH: 1; 12:30h)<br />
Federal Office of Civil Aviation FOCA<br />
12 São Paulo (ZRH: 1; 12:00h)<br />
13 Johannesburg (ZRH: 1; 10:25h)<br />
14 Casablanca (GVA: 1; 2:50h)<br />
15 Dar es Salaam (ZRH: 1; 9:40h)<br />
16 Nairobi (ZRH: 1; 7:40h)<br />
17 Cairo (GVA: 1; 4:05h; ZRH: 1; 3:55h)<br />
18 Marrakesh (GVA: 1; 3:15h)<br />
19 Tunis (GVA: 1;1:55h)<br />
www.aviation.adm<strong>in</strong>.ch<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian<br />
Swiss International Airl<strong>in</strong>es<br />
www.swiss.com<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian<br />
20 Tel Aviv (GVA: 1; 4:00h)<br />
19<br />
20<br />
18<br />
17<br />
21 2425<br />
23<br />
22<br />
16<br />
15<br />
26<br />
27<br />
21 Doha (GVA: 1; 6:10h;<br />
ZRH: 1; 6:00h)<br />
22 Beirut (GVA: 1; 3:50h)<br />
23 Abu Dhabi (GVA: 1; 6:25h)<br />
24 Dubai (GVA: 1; 4:00;<br />
ZRH: 3; 6:05h)<br />
25 Muskat (ZRH: 1; 7:50h)<br />
26 Delhi (ZRH: 1; 7:45h)<br />
27 Mumbai (ZRH: 1; 8:15h)<br />
Zurich Airport<br />
www.flughafen-zuerich.ch<br />
Languages: German, English, French<br />
Geneva Airport<br />
www.gva.ch<br />
Languages: German, English, French<br />
28<br />
29<br />
30<br />
31<br />
32<br />
28 Bangkok (ZRH: 2; 11:00h)<br />
29 S<strong>in</strong>gapore (ZRH: 3; 12:05h)<br />
30 Hong Kong (ZRH: 1; 11:55h)<br />
31 Shanghai (ZRH: 1; 11:30h)<br />
32 Tokyo (ZRH: 1; 11:50h)<br />
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107
EuroAirport Basel<br />
www.euroairport.com<br />
Languages: German, English, French<br />
For <strong>in</strong>ternational corporations, the ability to schedule bus<strong>in</strong>ess<br />
fights at short notice is becom<strong>in</strong>g more and more critical. In<br />
addition to the national airports, there are also regional airports<br />
throughout the country set up to handle bus<strong>in</strong>ess aviation, and<br />
most of them are suitable <strong>for</strong> smaller jets (10 regional airfields).<br />
The modern <strong>in</strong>frastructure of these airports is designed <strong>for</strong> bus<strong>in</strong>ess<br />
travelers, offer<strong>in</strong>g either customs clearance or allow<strong>in</strong>g<br />
authorized cross-border travel by persons from the areas covered<br />
by the Schengen Agreement (the Schengen Area). In <strong>Switzerland</strong><br />
there are countless providers of bus<strong>in</strong>ess flights which have their<br />
own offices at larger airports and airfields. The offers range from<br />
charter planes to the use of pooled planes.<br />
Aerosuisse (Swiss aerospace umbrella organization)<br />
www.aerosuisse.ch<br />
Languages: German, French<br />
Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association <strong>Switzerland</strong><br />
www.aopa.ch<br />
Languages: German, French<br />
108 <strong>Handbook</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Investors</strong> 2012<br />
Fig. 54: National and regional airports <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong><br />
Source: Federal Office <strong>for</strong> Civil Aviation (FOCA)<br />
11.2 Energy.<br />
<strong>Switzerland</strong> has a reliable and secure nationwide energy supply<br />
system. Petroleum products accounted <strong>for</strong> 44.8 % of gross<br />
energy consumption <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong> <strong>in</strong> 2010. Nuclear power plants<br />
supplied 23.1 % of the nation’s energy, and 11.3 % were produced<br />
us<strong>in</strong>g hydropower. Gas also plays a relatively significant<br />
role, supply<strong>in</strong>g 10.6 % of the energy requirements <strong>in</strong> 2010. Electricity<br />
accounted <strong>for</strong> 24 % %5% of f<strong>in</strong>al consumption and was generated<br />
<strong>for</strong> the most part <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong>. Compared to the neighbor<strong>in</strong>g<br />
countries, <strong>Switzerland</strong> has a practically CO -free production<br />
2<br />
mix. The most important power suppliers <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong> are hydro<br />
power plants (2010: 56.5 %) and atomic power plants (2010:<br />
38 %). Compared to other countries, <strong>Switzerland</strong> thereby has an<br />
attractive energy mix at relatively low production costs, which are<br />
not directly l<strong>in</strong>ked to the price of oil and gas. <strong>Switzerland</strong>’s <strong>in</strong>tegration<br />
<strong>in</strong>to the <strong>in</strong>terconnected European energy system ensures<br />
that the entire country is supplied with electricity, even dur<strong>in</strong>g<br />
periods of particularly high power consumption. This also applies<br />
to the other <strong>for</strong>ms of energy, such as natural gas and petroleum.<br />
There is an extensive network of gasol<strong>in</strong>e stations that provide<br />
fuel <strong>for</strong> motor vehicles: over 3,600 <strong>for</strong> gasol<strong>in</strong>e and diesel as well<br />
as over 120 <strong>for</strong> natural and biogas. With<strong>in</strong> the scope of Swiss<br />
environmental policy, m<strong>in</strong>eral oil taxes are levied on gasol<strong>in</strong>e and<br />
diesel (approx. 75 rappen per liter), which are specially appropriated<br />
and largely flow back <strong>in</strong>to road build<strong>in</strong>g (steer<strong>in</strong>g tax). To<br />
promote environmentally-friendly fuels, fuels from renewable<br />
sources (such as biogas, bioethanol, biodiesel, vegetable and animals<br />
oils) are partially or fully exempt from the m<strong>in</strong>eral oil tax. The
taxation of natural and liquid gas, which are used as fuels, is also<br />
reduced. In addition there are voluntary private measures such<br />
as the climate charges on fuels, with which reduction measures<br />
are f<strong>in</strong>anced domestically and abroad. Nevertheless, the price of<br />
gasol<strong>in</strong>e, at CHF 1.69 per liter (2010) is comparatively moderate.<br />
The Swiss electric power market is highly fragmented. Approximately<br />
850 electric utility companies supply the country with<br />
electricity, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g eight associated companies, and numerous<br />
small producers. S<strong>in</strong>ce 2009, large consumers (requir<strong>in</strong>g more<br />
than 100,000 kWh per year) are able to select the supplier of their<br />
choice (partial liberalization of the market). From 2014 this option<br />
is also <strong>in</strong>tended <strong>for</strong> small companies and private consumers.<br />
Federal Office <strong>for</strong> Energy BFE<br />
www.bfe.adm<strong>in</strong>.ch<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian<br />
Large-Scale Power Consumer Group<br />
(Gruppe Grosser Stromkunden)<br />
www.stromkunden.ch<br />
Language: German<br />
11.3 Water.<br />
<strong>Switzerland</strong> is a country rich <strong>in</strong> water resources. 6 % of Europe’s<br />
fresh water supply is stored <strong>in</strong> the Swiss Alps. The Gotthard massif<br />
<strong>in</strong> the center of the Swiss Alps is a cont<strong>in</strong>ental divide. From<br />
here the Rh<strong>in</strong>e flows to the North Sea, the Rhone to the western<br />
Mediterranean, the Tic<strong>in</strong>o (Po) to the Adriatic Sea, and the Inn<br />
(Danube) to the Black Sea.<br />
Federal Office <strong>for</strong> the Environment (FOEN) – Water<br />
www.bafu.adm<strong>in</strong>.ch > Topics > Water<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian<br />
11.3.1 Dr<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g water<br />
The water that flows through all water pipes <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong> is so<br />
fresh and pure that it meets the purity requirements <strong>for</strong> m<strong>in</strong>eral<br />
water but is a thousand times cheaper. Even the water from<br />
public founta<strong>in</strong>s can be drunk without hesitation. Only 2 % of<br />
annual precipitation is utilized <strong>for</strong> the dr<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g water supply.<br />
The Swiss population uses about 400 liters of water per capita<br />
per day <strong>in</strong> households, <strong>in</strong>dustry and commercial operations.<br />
Household consumption accounts <strong>for</strong> 160 liters of that amount<br />
on average. Dr<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g water from water pipes costs on average<br />
about CHF 1.60 per thousand liters <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong>. At a daily cost<br />
of CHF 0.26 per person, the cost is just under CHF 0.80 per day<br />
<strong>for</strong> a 3-person household. Ground water from wells and spr<strong>in</strong>gs<br />
accounts <strong>for</strong> 80 % of consumption, and the rest comes primarily<br />
from lakes.<br />
Dr<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g water<br />
www.tr<strong>in</strong>kwasser.ch<br />
Languages: German, French, Italian<br />
11.3.2 Waste water disposal and water pollution control<br />
<strong>Switzerland</strong>’s role as the «moated castle of Europe» means that<br />
<strong>Switzerland</strong> is obligated to make special ef<strong>for</strong>ts <strong>in</strong> the area of<br />
water pollution control. Purification of waste water is a necessary<br />
requirement <strong>for</strong> ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g and preserv<strong>in</strong>g water ecosystems<br />
over the long term. Thanks to modern waste water purification<br />
technology, there is no health risk associated with swimm<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong>’s many lakes and rivers. The waste water from<br />
households, <strong>in</strong>dustry, bus<strong>in</strong>ess and agriculture is piped to purification<br />
systems through sewage pipes total<strong>in</strong>g 40,000 km to<br />
50,000 km <strong>in</strong> length (about 25,000 to 31,000 miles). Today 97 %<br />
of all Swiss households are connected to one of the country’s<br />
approx. 900 waste water treatment plants.<br />
11.4 Communication.<br />
With 120 mobile phone subscriptions per 100 <strong>in</strong>habitants, <strong>Switzerland</strong><br />
was <strong>in</strong> the middle of the OECD comparison <strong>in</strong> 2009. However,<br />
s<strong>in</strong>ce 2005 strong growth rates of 4% to 10% have been<br />
noted. After a somewhat restra<strong>in</strong>ed growth at first, the UMTS<br />
standard (“Universal Mobile Telecommunications System”) now<br />
also seems to be enjoy<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>g popularity: the number of<br />
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109
customers with subscriptions who also have access to UMTS, is<br />
grow<strong>in</strong>g quickly and <strong>in</strong> 2009 was 59 % of subscription customers.<br />
In 2010, 77 % of households <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong> had a broadband<br />
<strong>in</strong>ternet connection, whereby <strong>Switzerland</strong> was above the average<br />
level of the European Union (61 %). To ensure that the further<br />
development of <strong>in</strong>ternet services and applications is possible,<br />
the speed and per<strong>for</strong>mance of the network has to be constantly<br />
<strong>in</strong>creased. Consequently, the coord<strong>in</strong>ated implementation of a<br />
national optical fibre network – to which all residential and commercial<br />
build<strong>in</strong>gs are connected – is be<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>tensively promoted<br />
(«Fibre to the Home»).<br />
This cont<strong>in</strong>ually strong <strong>in</strong>crease <strong>in</strong> the number of mobile phone<br />
users as well as the progress <strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong>ternet technology have an<br />
effect on the development of <strong>in</strong>frastructure. In particular, <strong>for</strong> example,<br />
landl<strong>in</strong>e connections are <strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>gly be<strong>in</strong>g replaced with<br />
mobile phone connection – and albeit to a modest extent – by<br />
VoIP phones.<br />
Fig. 55: Internet subscribers, 2010<br />
Subscribers to high-speed Internet connections<br />
per 100 <strong>in</strong>habitants<br />
Netherlands 38,1<br />
<strong>Switzerland</strong> 38,1<br />
Denmark 37,7<br />
Norway 34,6<br />
Korea 34,0<br />
France 33,7<br />
Luxemburg 33,5<br />
Great Brita<strong>in</strong> 31,9<br />
Germany 31,9<br />
Sweden 31,8<br />
Belgium 30,8<br />
Canada 30,7<br />
F<strong>in</strong>land 28,6<br />
USA 27,7<br />
Japan 26,7<br />
OECD 24,9<br />
Austria 23,9<br />
Spa<strong>in</strong> 23,4<br />
Italy 22,1<br />
Ireland 21,1<br />
Portugal 19,8<br />
Source: OECD<br />
110 <strong>Handbook</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Investors</strong> 2012<br />
DSL<br />
Cable modem<br />
Optical fiber/LAN<br />
Other high-speed<br />
connection<br />
Federal Office of Communications (OFCOM)<br />
www.bakom.ch<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian<br />
IT companies – Indicators<br />
www.bfs.adm<strong>in</strong>.ch > Topics > IT companies<br />
Languages: German, French<br />
Internet doma<strong>in</strong> name registry (.ch, .li)<br />
www.nic.ch<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian<br />
11.5 Postal services.<br />
Swiss Post serves the entire country (universal nationwide service). It<br />
is a byword <strong>for</strong> reliability, break<strong>in</strong>g European records aga<strong>in</strong> and aga<strong>in</strong>.<br />
In recent years, the postal market has undergone fundamental<br />
changes. In addition to the government postal system, numerous<br />
private companies are now offer<strong>in</strong>g postal delivery services <strong>in</strong><br />
certa<strong>in</strong> areas <strong>in</strong> which competition is allowed. The package delivery<br />
market (<strong>for</strong> packages over 1 kg) has been liberalized s<strong>in</strong>ce 2004.<br />
Letters weigh<strong>in</strong>g more than 100 g can now be handled by private<br />
postal services, provided that they have the required license. This<br />
change occurred <strong>in</strong> April 2006. Swiss Post has ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong>ed its<br />
monopoly only over delivery of domestic letters and letters from<br />
abroad weigh<strong>in</strong>g 50g or less. Further liberalization steps are currently<br />
not be<strong>in</strong>g taken, whereby full liberalization is be<strong>in</strong>g discussed.<br />
With more than 3,400 post office branches and agencies, the post<br />
office network is very dense. In an <strong>in</strong>ternational comparison with<br />
seven other European countries, <strong>Switzerland</strong> has the highest density<br />
of post office branches per area and the smallest average distance<br />
to the nearest post office branch. In addition, Swiss Post offers total<br />
logistics solutions rang<strong>in</strong>g from procurement through warehous<strong>in</strong>g<br />
to <strong>in</strong><strong>for</strong>mation logistics, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g cross-border service.
Swiss Post<br />
www.post.ch<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian<br />
11.6 Healthcare.<br />
11.6.1 Medical care<br />
Highly tra<strong>in</strong>ed medical professionals, famous hospitals and top<br />
medical <strong>in</strong>stitutions help make the Swiss healthcare system<br />
among the best <strong>in</strong> the world. Approximately 11.4 % of gross<br />
domestic product was spent on healthcare <strong>in</strong> 2010. A dense network<br />
of hospitals, medical and dental practices, and pharmacies<br />
ensures universal access to out-patient and <strong>in</strong>-patient care. Apart<br />
from 121 (2010) general hospitals, there are 179 (2010) specialized<br />
cl<strong>in</strong>ics. Emergency medical care on the road (emergency<br />
services of hospitals) or by air (Swiss air-rescue service - Rega)<br />
is well developed and functions professionally. An organization<br />
called Spitex provides residential medical care <strong>in</strong> one’s own<br />
home.<br />
Federal Office of Public Health<br />
www.bag.adm<strong>in</strong>.ch<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian<br />
Swiss Red Cross<br />
www.redcross.ch<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian<br />
Fig. 56: Healthcare <strong>in</strong>frastructure, 2011<br />
1 = Does not meet society’s needs<br />
10 = Meets society’s needs<br />
1 Belgium 9.24<br />
2 <strong>Switzerland</strong> 9.04<br />
3 Austria 8.92<br />
4 Iceland 8.53<br />
5 Germany 8.33<br />
6 Denmark 8.23<br />
7 France 8.17<br />
9 S<strong>in</strong>gapore 8.08<br />
11 Luxemburg 8.04<br />
15 Netherlands 7.77<br />
16 Japan 7.68<br />
22 Hong Kong SAR 6.90<br />
24 Great Brita<strong>in</strong> 6.74<br />
27 Italy 6.38<br />
32 USA 6.00<br />
39 Ireland 4.43<br />
43 India 4.03<br />
46 Ch<strong>in</strong>a 3.82<br />
53 Russia 2.77<br />
55 Brazil 2.15<br />
Source: IMD World Competitiveness Onl<strong>in</strong>e 2011<br />
Swiss Hospitals<br />
www.hplus.ch<br />
Languages: German, French, Italian<br />
Swiss Medical Association<br />
www.fmh.ch<br />
Languages: German, French, Italian<br />
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Swiss Index of Doctors<br />
www.med<strong>in</strong>dex.ch<br />
Languages: German, French, Italian<br />
Swiss Air-Rescue Service (Rega)<br />
www.rega.ch<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian<br />
Swiss Spitex Association<br />
www.spitexch.ch<br />
Languages: German, French<br />
11.6.2 Health <strong>in</strong>surance<br />
The basic health <strong>in</strong>surance that all persons resid<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong><br />
are required to carry guarantees access to good medical care. It<br />
covers medical treatment <strong>in</strong> the event of illness and <strong>in</strong> the event<br />
of accidents if treatment is not covered by accident <strong>in</strong>surance<br />
(even <strong>in</strong> <strong>for</strong>eign countries <strong>in</strong> some cases). Health <strong>in</strong>surance is not<br />
government <strong>in</strong>surance but is offered by 94 private <strong>in</strong>surers (health<br />
<strong>in</strong>surance funds). Supplemental <strong>in</strong>surance is optional.<br />
Overview of Health Insurance<br />
www.bag.adm<strong>in</strong>.ch > Topics > Health <strong>in</strong>surance<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian<br />
112 <strong>Handbook</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Investors</strong> 2012
12. Education and research.<br />
For a country lack<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> natural resources such as <strong>Switzerland</strong>,<br />
a well-educated work <strong>for</strong>ce and constant <strong>in</strong>novation are its<br />
most important capital. The Swiss education and research<br />
policy is designed accord<strong>in</strong>gly. Public schools, universities,<br />
postgraduate studies and <strong>in</strong>ternational private schools and<br />
board<strong>in</strong>g schools are known worldwide <strong>for</strong> their quality. The<br />
federal structure of the country also ensures proximity of<br />
the bus<strong>in</strong>ess world and research <strong>in</strong>stitutions to the education<br />
system, as well as high quality. One special feature of Swiss<br />
education is the dual tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g system: students have a choice<br />
between the traditional educational path at high schools and<br />
universities, or trade and <strong>in</strong>dustrial vocations and careers <strong>in</strong><br />
the service sector, where they receive hands-on tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g on<br />
the job.<br />
12.1 School<strong>in</strong>g and vocational<br />
tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g.<br />
Under the Swiss system, the cantons are responsible <strong>for</strong> the quality<br />
and type of education (basic education, universities, universities<br />
of applied sciences) with<strong>in</strong> their territory. Only the Swiss Federal<br />
Institutes of Technology are under federal direction. Various coord<strong>in</strong>ation<br />
bodies ensure that the education and <strong>in</strong>struction plans are<br />
harmonized among the cantons.<br />
Swiss Conference of Cantonal M<strong>in</strong>isters of Education (EDK)<br />
www.edk.ch<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian<br />
The Swiss Education Server<br />
www.educa.ch<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian<br />
Educational statistics<br />
www.bildungssystem.bfs.adm<strong>in</strong>.ch<br />
Languages: German, French<br />
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Fig. 57: <strong>Switzerland</strong>’s educational system<br />
Source: EDK, CDIP, CDEP, CDPE, October 2011<br />
114 <strong>Handbook</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Investors</strong> 2012
12.1.1 Basic and further education<br />
Education beg<strong>in</strong>s at the k<strong>in</strong>dergarten level at age five or six.<br />
Primary school starts at age seven and runs through to grades<br />
four to six, followed by the lower secondary level, the name and<br />
curriculum of which vary from canton to canton. Students attend<br />
a secondary school which corresponds to their personal level.<br />
With the completion of the lower secondary level, students have<br />
f<strong>in</strong>ished the n<strong>in</strong>e compulsory school years. Students can then either<br />
beg<strong>in</strong> vocational tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g, attend high school to prepare them<br />
<strong>for</strong> university studies or earn a specialized diploma.<br />
95 % of students f<strong>in</strong>ish their mandatory education at the public<br />
school where they reside; only 5 % attend private schools. Public<br />
Fig. 58: Quality of the education system, 2011<br />
1 = does not meet the needs of the economy<br />
10 = meets the needs of the economy<br />
1 F<strong>in</strong>land 8.39<br />
2 <strong>Switzerland</strong> 8.18<br />
3 S<strong>in</strong>gapore 8.05<br />
4 Canada 7.64<br />
5 Iceland 7.60<br />
7 Belgium 7.55<br />
8 Denmark 7.44<br />
9 Ireland 7.22<br />
10 Germany 6.97<br />
14 Netherlands 6.68<br />
15 New Zealand 6.66<br />
16 Hong Kong SAR 6.56<br />
18 India 6.24<br />
24 USA 6.56<br />
25 Great Brita<strong>in</strong> 5.45<br />
26 France 5.42<br />
28 Japan 5.26<br />
30 Luxemburg 5.13<br />
36 Italy 4.69<br />
47 Ch<strong>in</strong>a 4.10<br />
51 Russia 3.43<br />
58 Brazil 2.22<br />
Source: IMD World Competitiveness Onl<strong>in</strong>e, 2011<br />
schools enjoy a good reputation. In the 2009 OECD Program <strong>for</strong><br />
International Student Assessments (PISA), Swiss students scored<br />
higher than the average <strong>in</strong> OECD states, with the public schools<br />
achiev<strong>in</strong>g higher scores than the private schools.<br />
The public schools not only provide an education, they also fulfill<br />
an important <strong>in</strong>tegration function: children with different social,<br />
l<strong>in</strong>guistic and cultural backgrounds all attend the same schools.<br />
For <strong>Switzerland</strong>, a country with four national languages, multil<strong>in</strong>gual<br />
skills are extremely important. In addition to their mother<br />
tongue, children are taught a second national language and<br />
English beg<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> primary school.<br />
Fig. 59: Public spend<strong>in</strong>g on education per head <strong>in</strong> US dollars,<br />
2009<br />
1 Luxemburg 5,788<br />
2 Norway 4,712<br />
3 Denmark 4,480<br />
4 Sweden 3,592<br />
5 <strong>Switzerland</strong> 3,554<br />
7 USA 3,050<br />
8 Netherlands 2,880<br />
9 Belgium 2,821<br />
10 Ireland 2,734<br />
11 Great Brita<strong>in</strong> 2,730<br />
12 France 2,684<br />
19 Italy 1,787<br />
20 Germany 1,778<br />
21 Japan 1,678<br />
26 S<strong>in</strong>gapore 1,197<br />
27 Hong Kong SAR 1,073<br />
41 Russia 413<br />
42 Brazil 412<br />
54 Ch<strong>in</strong>a 114<br />
56 India 36<br />
Source: IMD World Competitiveness Onl<strong>in</strong>e, 2011<br />
PISA study<br />
www.pisa.oecd.org<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Spanish<br />
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12.1.2 Vocational tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g<br />
Basic vocational tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g beg<strong>in</strong>s after the completion of compulsory<br />
education. Great importance is placed on practical on-thejob<br />
tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g. Over three-quarters of all young people complete an<br />
apprenticeship, which lasts three to four years and consists of<br />
practical work <strong>in</strong> a company and theoretical studies at a vocational<br />
school. In addition, students are eligible to obta<strong>in</strong> professional<br />
certification, which entitles them to enter a university of<br />
applied sciences where they can earn a Bachelor’s or, <strong>in</strong> some<br />
cases, a Master’s degree. Universities of applied sciences provide<br />
a tertiary level of education. 80 % of Swiss students cont<strong>in</strong>ue<br />
their education once they have completed compulsory school<strong>in</strong>g,<br />
plac<strong>in</strong>g <strong>Switzerland</strong> near the top of all OECD countries with<br />
regard to further education.<br />
This dual system ensures that bus<strong>in</strong>esses have a choice of wellqualified<br />
and practically tra<strong>in</strong>ed employees <strong>in</strong> a given <strong>in</strong>dustry.<br />
The rate of unemployment among young people is approximately<br />
half as high as <strong>in</strong> Germany, Sweden and the United States. It is<br />
important to note that vocational tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g as a foundation of the<br />
Swiss school system does not reduce the importance of scientific<br />
subjects <strong>in</strong> education.<br />
Professional education and tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g play an important role <strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>Switzerland</strong>. Higher specialist and professional tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g courses are<br />
conducted with the approval of the federal authorities and professional<br />
associations. Successful completion of these courses leads<br />
to a Swiss federal vocational certificate or diploma. In <strong>Switzerland</strong><br />
there are over 100 federally recognized schools offer<strong>in</strong>g professional<br />
college degree programs, the majority of which are eng<strong>in</strong>eer<strong>in</strong>g<br />
colleges. These schools teach qualifications that often are<br />
learned only at universities <strong>in</strong> other countries. Vocational degrees<br />
are mutually recognized through bilateral agreements between<br />
<strong>Switzerland</strong> and the EU.<br />
116 <strong>Handbook</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Investors</strong> 2012<br />
Federal Office <strong>for</strong> Professional Education and Technology<br />
OPET<br />
www.bbt.adm<strong>in</strong>.ch<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian<br />
In<strong>for</strong>mation of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs<br />
FDEA about education, research and <strong>in</strong>novation<br />
www.evd.adm<strong>in</strong>.ch > Topics > Education, Research<br />
and Innovation<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian<br />
Swiss education system<br />
www.swissworld.org > Education<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian, Spanish, Russian,<br />
Ch<strong>in</strong>ese, Japanese<br />
Choice of profession, field of studies, career<br />
www.berufsberatung.ch<br />
Languages: German, French, Italian<br />
12.2 Further education.<br />
Cont<strong>in</strong>u<strong>in</strong>g education plays an important role <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong>.<br />
Public <strong>in</strong>stitutions such as universities or universities of applied<br />
sciences offer post-graduate programs and courses on various<br />
specialized topics which are open to everyone, not just graduates.<br />
Non-students can also sign up to sit <strong>in</strong> on regular courses.<br />
Adult education courses are publicly subsidized and open to<br />
everyone. There is also a wide variety of courses offered by<br />
private schools – from language courses to yoga to management<br />
courses.
Overview of schools and courses<br />
www.weiterbildung.ch<br />
www.ausbildung-weiterbildung.ch<br />
www.sem<strong>in</strong>are.ch<br />
Language: German<br />
Association of Swiss Adult Education Centers<br />
www.up-vhs.ch<br />
Languages: German, French<br />
12.3 Universities and colleges.<br />
12.3.1 Universities and technical colleges<br />
Fig. 60: Swiss higher-education landscape<br />
Source: SER State Secretariat <strong>for</strong> Education and Research<br />
In <strong>Switzerland</strong> there are ten cantonal universities at which the<br />
ma<strong>in</strong> language of <strong>in</strong>struction is either German (Basel, Berne,<br />
Zurich, Lucerne, St. Gallen), French (Geneva, Lausanne Neuchâtel),<br />
Italian (Lugano) or German and French (Fribourg). There is a<br />
Swiss Federal Institute of Technology <strong>in</strong> Lausanne (French) and<br />
one <strong>in</strong> Zurich (German).<br />
In the 2010/2011 autumn semester, around 131,000 students<br />
were enrolled <strong>in</strong> these twelve universities, 50 % of whom were<br />
female and 27 % were <strong>for</strong>eign students. This is one of the highest<br />
percentages of <strong>in</strong>ternational students worldwide. At 48 % (2009),<br />
the number of <strong>for</strong>eign professors is also comparatively high, and<br />
has been ris<strong>in</strong>g s<strong>in</strong>ce 2002, underl<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g the <strong>in</strong>ternational aspect of<br />
Swiss universities.<br />
There is a very wide range of subjects of study offered at Swiss<br />
universities. With the exception of medic<strong>in</strong>e, there are no specific<br />
restrictions on admission. For a Bachelor’s/Master’s degree,<br />
<strong>for</strong>eign students must meet the language requirements and some<br />
universities require students to pass an admissions exam. Tuition<br />
fees <strong>for</strong> <strong>in</strong>ternational students are also very reasonable. In addition<br />
to tuition, between CHF 18,000 and CHF 28,000 a year are<br />
required <strong>for</strong> liv<strong>in</strong>g expenses, depend<strong>in</strong>g on the city and personal<br />
needs. As a result of the Bologna Accords, which aim to create<br />
a European higher education area, all Swiss universities have<br />
converted all courses of study to the Bachelor’s/Master’s system.<br />
With<strong>in</strong> the scope of this re<strong>for</strong>m, courses of study are <strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>gly<br />
offered partially or fully <strong>in</strong> English (esp. Master’s courses). <strong>Switzerland</strong><br />
participates <strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong>ternational student exchange programs<br />
such as ERASMUS, mak<strong>in</strong>g it possible <strong>for</strong> <strong>for</strong>eign students to<br />
study at a Swiss university <strong>for</strong> a semester.<br />
Swiss universities have earned high praise worldwide <strong>for</strong> their<br />
curricula and fields of research <strong>in</strong> certa<strong>in</strong> areas of specialization<br />
<strong>in</strong> various degree subjects. The two federal <strong>in</strong>stitutes of technology<br />
<strong>in</strong> Zurich (ETHZ) and Lausanne (EPFL) work together with<br />
the <strong>in</strong>ternational research community to conduct cutt<strong>in</strong>g-edge<br />
research. They strive to attract world-renowned scientists. Swiss<br />
universities regularly rank among the top 100 universities worldwide<br />
and even higher <strong>in</strong> Europe, while some of the <strong>in</strong>stitutes are<br />
part of the world elite. Swiss colleges and universities are also<br />
<strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong>ternational research programs – particularly the EU<br />
Framework Program <strong>for</strong> Research and Technological Development<br />
– and offer postgraduate studies (e.g. <strong>in</strong> cooperation with<br />
<strong>for</strong>eign academic <strong>in</strong>stitutions).<br />
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117
Fig. 61: Tuition fees <strong>in</strong> CHF per year (2011/12)<br />
Federal<br />
Institute<br />
of Technology<br />
Lausanne<br />
Federal<br />
Institute<br />
of Technology<br />
Zurich<br />
Source: CRUS Rectors’ Conference of the Swiss Universities<br />
118 <strong>Handbook</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Investors</strong> 2012<br />
University<br />
of<br />
Basel<br />
University<br />
of<br />
Berne<br />
University<br />
of<br />
Fribourg<br />
University<br />
of<br />
Geneva<br />
University<br />
of<br />
Lausanne<br />
University<br />
of<br />
Lucerne<br />
University<br />
of<br />
Neuchâtel<br />
12.3.2 Universities of applied sciences<br />
University<br />
of St.<br />
Gallen<br />
University<br />
of<br />
Zurich<br />
University<br />
of<br />
Lugano<br />
(Lugano,<br />
Mendrisio)<br />
Swiss students 1,266 1,288 1,400 1,310 1,224 1,000 1,160 1,570 1,030 2,040 1,378 4,000<br />
Additional fees <strong>for</strong><br />
<strong>in</strong>ternational students<br />
– – – – 300 – – – 550 300 200 4,000<br />
Total <strong>in</strong>ternational<br />
students<br />
1,266 1,288 1,400 1,310 1,524 1,000 1,160 1,570 1,580 2,340 1,578 8,000<br />
Overview of universities<br />
www.ch.ch > Individuals > Education and Research > University<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian<br />
State Secretariat <strong>for</strong> Education and Research<br />
www.sbf.adm<strong>in</strong>.ch<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian<br />
University rank<strong>in</strong>gs<br />
www.universityrank<strong>in</strong>gs.ch<br />
Languages: German, English, French<br />
Swiss University Cont<strong>in</strong>u<strong>in</strong>g Education Association<br />
www.swissuni.ch<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian<br />
In<strong>for</strong>mation <strong>for</strong> <strong>for</strong>eign students<br />
www.swissuniversity.ch<br />
Language: English<br />
Study<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong><br />
www.crus.ch<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian<br />
Universities of applied sciences offer practical tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g at the<br />
Bachelor’s and Master’s level <strong>for</strong> professionals, most of whom<br />
have professional certification and have already gathered experience<br />
<strong>in</strong> their trade. In addition to normal teach<strong>in</strong>g, these universities<br />
conduct research and development projects with private<br />
companies, <strong>in</strong> particular smaller and medium-sized companies,<br />
and provide advanced tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g courses to local enterprises.<br />
Overview of universities of applied sciences<br />
www.bbt.adm<strong>in</strong>.ch > Universities of Applied Sciences<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian<br />
As a result, universities of applied sciences have partial responsibility<br />
<strong>for</strong> regional science and technology transfer and there<strong>for</strong>e<br />
are <strong>in</strong> cont<strong>in</strong>uous <strong>in</strong>teraction with the <strong>in</strong>dustry. They have a large<br />
pool of teach<strong>in</strong>g, research, development and services competence<br />
which is strongly geared to clients, markets and practice. In<br />
their role as research <strong>in</strong>stitutes, they are supported at the national<br />
level by the CTI Commission <strong>for</strong> Technology and Innovation and<br />
the Swiss Federal Institutes of Technology and universities.
12.3.3 Executive MBA program (EMBA)<br />
A special type of further education is the Executive MBA program,<br />
which is aimed at managers with many years of experience under<br />
their belt. Generally, EMBA courses are work-study programs that<br />
are based on a module system. Most of the degree programs<br />
also <strong>in</strong>clude time study<strong>in</strong>g abroad <strong>in</strong> addition to the courses <strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>Switzerland</strong>. IMD <strong>in</strong> Lausanne is a prime example of a top Swiss<br />
school whose EMBA program is regularly ranked as one of the<br />
best <strong>in</strong> the world. The program at the University of St. Gallen is<br />
also <strong>in</strong> the top 50 <strong>in</strong> the world.<br />
Fig. 62: Executive MBA: the top schools<br />
School <strong>Location</strong> Homepage<br />
IMD Lausanne (<strong>Switzerland</strong>),<br />
Europe (Ireland, Romania),<br />
Shanghai (Ch<strong>in</strong>a),<br />
Silicon Valley (USA)<br />
Omnium Alliance<br />
(University of St. Gallen,<br />
University of Toronto,<br />
partner schools)<br />
Brazil, Ch<strong>in</strong>a, India,<br />
Canada, <strong>Switzerland</strong><br />
University of St. Gallen St. Gallen (<strong>Switzerland</strong>),<br />
Hungary, Ch<strong>in</strong>a, Brazil<br />
University of Zurich Zurich (<strong>Switzerland</strong>),<br />
Yale (USA), Shanghai<br />
(Ch<strong>in</strong>a), Hyderabad<br />
(India)<br />
Rochester-Berne/University<br />
of Berne, University<br />
of Rochester<br />
GSBA Zurich, University<br />
of Maryland<br />
ZfU International <strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong><br />
School<br />
Berne (<strong>Switzerland</strong>),<br />
Rochester (USA),<br />
Shanghai (Ch<strong>in</strong>a)<br />
North America, Europe<br />
and Asia<br />
MBA/EMBA programs <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong><br />
www.f<strong>in</strong>d-mba.com/switzerland<br />
Language: English<br />
Swiss Education Portal<br />
www.ausbildung-weiterbildung.ch<br />
Language: German<br />
www.imd.ch/programs/<br />
emba<br />
English<br />
www.omniumgemba.<br />
com, www.gemba.<br />
unisg.ch<br />
English<br />
www.emba.unisg.ch<br />
German<br />
www.emba.uzh.ch<br />
German<br />
www.executive-mba.ch<br />
English<br />
www.gsba.ch/mba<br />
German, English<br />
Zurich, Boston (USA) www.zfu.ch/weiterbildung/masters<br />
German<br />
Programs at Swiss universities<br />
www.swissuniversity.ch<br />
Language: English<br />
Economist rank<strong>in</strong>g<br />
www.economist.com/whichmba<br />
Language: English<br />
F<strong>in</strong>ancial Times rank<strong>in</strong>g<br />
www.rank<strong>in</strong>gs.ft.com > MBA/EMBA<br />
Language: English<br />
12.4 International private schools<br />
and board<strong>in</strong>g schools.<br />
The Swiss education system also <strong>in</strong>cludes private schools. There<br />
are more than 260 private schools that teach courses <strong>in</strong> one of<br />
the three national languages of German, French and Italian or<br />
<strong>in</strong> English (and some also offer other languages) to more than<br />
100,000 students.<br />
Above all, <strong>in</strong>ternational schools are important <strong>for</strong> employees of<br />
<strong>for</strong>eign companies, who often only stay <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong> <strong>for</strong> a short<br />
time. There, children receive a suitable education <strong>in</strong> their native<br />
language or an <strong>in</strong>ternational education and are prepared <strong>for</strong> the<br />
school leav<strong>in</strong>g certificates valid <strong>in</strong> their home country, such as the<br />
Abitur, Baccalauréat or US University Admission Certificate. There<br />
is a suitable <strong>in</strong>stitute <strong>in</strong> every region and all big cities. The school<br />
fees are average compared to other countries.<br />
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Fig. 63: School fees <strong>for</strong> <strong>in</strong>ternational private schools<br />
English School French School German School<br />
City Annual tuition – Annual tuition – Annual tuition – Annual tuition – Annual tuition – Annual tuition –<br />
Primary Secondary Primary Secondary Primary Secondary<br />
Ljubljana 8,483* 9,068* 6,455 9,898 n.a. n.a.<br />
Dubl<strong>in</strong> 17,256* 20,677* 4,901 7,298 6,340 5,960<br />
Barcelona 13,568 14,765 5,852 6,291 6,276 6,419<br />
S<strong>in</strong>gapore 21,981 27,009 14,225 15,961 12,153 14,026<br />
Budapest 20,923 21,939 6,921 8,189 4,662 4,662<br />
Milan 17,120 19,386 5,510 6,920 7,531 7,531<br />
Geneva 26,292 35,384* 17,897 21,707 15,176 15,176<br />
Vienna 17,190* 21,826* 6,039 6,039 n.a. n.a.<br />
Frankfurt 20,548* 22,312* 4,891 5,967 n.a. n.a.<br />
Amsterdam 19,847 21,103 7,007 11,028 9,467 9,467<br />
Paris 27,162 31,665 6,562 6,606 10,027 10,027<br />
New York 34,500 36,750 21,470 24,450 17,000 17,000<br />
London 20,936 22,134 7,701 7,701 8,873 8,873<br />
Brussels 32,346 39,375 6,380 7,805 12,580 14,258<br />
* No English school available; data is based on the <strong>in</strong>ternational school.<br />
Source: Mercer, Cost-of-Liv<strong>in</strong>g Report, September 2011, www.mercer.com<br />
Swiss board<strong>in</strong>g schools are not just known <strong>for</strong> their high level<br />
of education, but also <strong>for</strong> their strict discipl<strong>in</strong>e and <strong>in</strong>ternational<br />
student body. Often they have very selective acceptance criteria<br />
and are known <strong>for</strong> their elite stand<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the world.<br />
Private school registry of <strong>Switzerland</strong><br />
www.swissprivateschoolregister.com<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian<br />
Association of Swiss Private Schools (VSP)<br />
www.swiss-schools.ch<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian, Spanish<br />
Swiss Group of International Schools<br />
www.sgischools.com<br />
Language: English<br />
120 <strong>Handbook</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Investors</strong> 2012<br />
12.5 Research and development.<br />
12.5.1 Swiss research <strong>in</strong>dustry<br />
The faster the pace of technological change, the greater the role<br />
that research and development play <strong>in</strong> the economy of a country.<br />
<strong>Switzerland</strong> is a country with <strong>in</strong>tensive research activities. It spent<br />
over 3 % of its GDP on research and development <strong>in</strong> 2008. S<strong>in</strong>ce<br />
1996 the real rate of change is 4.1 % as an annual average and is<br />
thereby higher than the annual average economic growth dur<strong>in</strong>g<br />
the same period (2.1 %). All relevant <strong>in</strong>dicators position <strong>Switzerland</strong><br />
<strong>in</strong> the top ranks of <strong>in</strong>ternational comparisons.<br />
Of the total CHF 16.3 billion spent on research and development<br />
<strong>in</strong> 2008, 73 % was f<strong>in</strong>anced by the private sector (approx. CHF<br />
12 billion). The pharmaceuticals <strong>in</strong>dustry (CHF 4.6 billion) and the<br />
mach<strong>in</strong>e <strong>in</strong>dustry (CHF 1.4 billion) have the highest expenditure.<br />
The comb<strong>in</strong>ed R&D expenses of all universities and research<br />
<strong>in</strong>stitutes amounted to CHF 9 billion <strong>in</strong> 2008, which was nearly<br />
one-quarter of total Swiss expenditure. In 2008 around 62,000<br />
people were <strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong> research, nearly 40,000 of whom work <strong>in</strong><br />
the private sector.
Fig. 64: Total per capita expenditure <strong>for</strong> research and<br />
development <strong>in</strong> USD, 2009<br />
1 <strong>Switzerland</strong> 1,953<br />
2 Luxemburg 1,801<br />
3 F<strong>in</strong>land 1,766<br />
4 Denmark 1,694<br />
5 Sweden 1,586<br />
8 Japan 1,316<br />
9 USA 1,307<br />
11 Germany 1,149<br />
14 France 936<br />
15 Netherlands 886<br />
16 Ireland 878<br />
17 Belgium 860<br />
18 S<strong>in</strong>gapore 833<br />
20 Great Brita<strong>in</strong> 658<br />
23 Italy 448<br />
30 Hong Kong SAR 236<br />
36 Russia 108<br />
37 Brazil 102<br />
42 Ch<strong>in</strong>a 64<br />
54 India 9<br />
Source: IMD World Competitiveness Onl<strong>in</strong>e 2011<br />
Government fund<strong>in</strong>g is provided pr<strong>in</strong>cipally <strong>for</strong> basic research.<br />
The private sector and the scientific community work closely<br />
together. Each <strong>in</strong>stitute at the university and college level has<br />
a coord<strong>in</strong>ation office <strong>for</strong> cooperation with the private sector.<br />
Fig. 66: Research <strong>in</strong>stitutions <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong><br />
Fig. 65: Nobel prizes per million <strong>in</strong>habitants, 2010<br />
1 <strong>Switzerland</strong> 1.53<br />
2 Norway 1.23<br />
3 Sweden 0.97<br />
4 Great Brita<strong>in</strong> 0.92<br />
5 USA 0.84<br />
6 Denmark 0.72<br />
8 Netherlands 0.48<br />
9 Germany 0.37<br />
13 Belgium 0.28<br />
14 France 0.27<br />
15 Ireland 0.22<br />
17 Hong Kong SAR 0.14<br />
19 Japan 0.09<br />
21 Italy 0.08<br />
22 Russia 0.07<br />
25 Ch<strong>in</strong>a 0.00<br />
26 India 0.00<br />
27 Brazil 0.00<br />
27 Luxemburg 0.00<br />
27 S<strong>in</strong>gapore 0.00<br />
Source: IMD World Competitiveness Onl<strong>in</strong>e 2011<br />
The CTI Commission <strong>for</strong> Technology and Innovation can make<br />
significant f<strong>in</strong>ancial contributions to research and development<br />
projects <strong>in</strong> which companies cooperate with non-profit research<br />
organizations.<br />
Institution <strong>Location</strong> Website<br />
CERN European Organization <strong>for</strong> Nuclear Research Geneva www.cern.ch<br />
English, French<br />
EAWAG Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology Dübendorf (ZH),<br />
Kastanienbaum (LU)<br />
EMPA Materials Science and Technology Research Institution Thun (BE), Dübendorf (ZH),<br />
St. Gallen<br />
www.eawag.ch<br />
German, English, French<br />
www.empa.ch<br />
German, English, French<br />
PSI Paul Scherrer Institute Villigen (AG) www.psi.ch<br />
German, English, French<br />
SLF WSL Institute <strong>for</strong> Snow and Avalanche Research Davos (GR) www.slf.ch<br />
German, English, French,<br />
Italian<br />
The Graduate<br />
Institute<br />
The Graduate Institute of International and Development<br />
Studies<br />
WSL Swiss Federal Institute <strong>for</strong> Forest, Snow and Landscape<br />
Research<br />
Source: Swiss National Science Foundation<br />
Geneva www.graduate<strong>in</strong>stitute.ch<br />
English, French<br />
Birmensdorf (ZH),<br />
Bell<strong>in</strong>zona (TI)<br />
www.wsl.ch<br />
German, English, French,<br />
Italian<br />
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121
State Secretariat <strong>for</strong> Education and Research SER<br />
www.sbf.adm<strong>in</strong>.ch > Topics > Research<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian<br />
Innovation promotion agency<br />
www.kti-cti.ch<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian<br />
Swiss National Science Foundation<br />
www.snf.ch<br />
Languages: German, English, French<br />
Promotion of science<br />
www.ch.ch > Individuals > Education and Research<br />
> Promotion of science<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian<br />
Swiss Portal <strong>for</strong> Research and Innovation<br />
www.myscience.ch<br />
Languages: German, English, French<br />
122 <strong>Handbook</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Investors</strong> 2012<br />
12.5.2 International research and development cooperation<br />
The Swiss private sector has a keen <strong>in</strong>terest <strong>in</strong> research cooperation<br />
with partners abroad, particularly from the EU. Research and<br />
development cooperation with <strong>in</strong>novative <strong>for</strong>eign partners also<br />
allows smaller companies access to know-how from which they<br />
can benefit. The bilateral agreements with the EU create even<br />
more favorable conditions <strong>for</strong> this type of cooperation and allow<br />
<strong>Switzerland</strong> to participate fully <strong>in</strong> all programs and activities of the<br />
EU’s Framework Research Programs.<br />
International research and development cooperation<br />
www.snf.ch > International<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian<br />
Swiss <strong>in</strong>ternational cooperation <strong>in</strong> education, research and<br />
technology<br />
www.sbf.adm<strong>in</strong>.ch > Topics > International cooperation<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian
13. Liv<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong>.<br />
Thanks to the excellent quality of life and the safe environment,<br />
life expectancy <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong> is among the highest <strong>in</strong><br />
the world. The undamaged natural surround<strong>in</strong>gs and varied<br />
cultural and recreational opportunities attract not only many<br />
tourists but also qualified <strong>for</strong>eign employees. Swiss households<br />
have an average monthly earned <strong>in</strong>come of CHF 6,956,<br />
of which about 70 % rema<strong>in</strong>s as disposable <strong>in</strong>come <strong>for</strong><br />
consumption after deduction of social security contri butions<br />
and taxes. <strong>Switzerland</strong> there<strong>for</strong>e has the highest purchas<strong>in</strong>g<br />
power <strong>in</strong> the world, despite relatively high prices.<br />
13.1 Safety and quality of life.<br />
<strong>Switzerland</strong> is a very safe country and offers an extremely high<br />
quality of life. <strong>Switzerland</strong> receives high marks, <strong>in</strong> both cities and<br />
rural regions, <strong>for</strong> important criteria such as <strong>in</strong>come, healthcare,<br />
climate and geography, political stability, safety and security,<br />
<strong>in</strong>dividual freedoms, and family and community life.<br />
Everyone is guaranteed freedom of movement and safety –<br />
everywhere and at all times. There are relatively few large population<br />
centers or extensive monotonous and impersonal hous<strong>in</strong>g<br />
developments. Children generally walk to school unaccompanied.<br />
The safe environment and the traditional discretion of the Swiss<br />
people are widely valued. Even <strong>in</strong>ternationally known celebrities<br />
can often move about <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong> without personal protection.<br />
Fig. 67: Global comparison of quality of liv<strong>in</strong>g, 2010<br />
New York, USA = 100<br />
1 Vienna. Austria 108.6<br />
2 Zurich. <strong>Switzerland</strong> 108.0<br />
3 Geneva. <strong>Switzerland</strong> 107.9<br />
4 Vancouver. Canada 107.4<br />
4 Auckland. New Zealand 107.4<br />
6 Dusseldorf. Germany 107.2<br />
7 Frankfurt. Germany 107.0<br />
7 Munich. Germany 107.0<br />
9 Berne. <strong>Switzerland</strong> 106.5<br />
10 Sydney. Australia 106.3<br />
11 Copenhagen. Denmark 106.2<br />
13 Amsterdam. Netherlands 105.7<br />
15 Brussels. Belgium 105.4<br />
17 Berl<strong>in</strong>. Germany 105.0<br />
19 Luxemburg. Luxemburg 104.6<br />
26 Dubl<strong>in</strong>. Ireland 103.6<br />
28 S<strong>in</strong>gapore. S<strong>in</strong>gapore 103.5<br />
34 Paris. France 102.9<br />
39 London. Great Brita<strong>in</strong> 101.6<br />
40 Tokyo. Japan 101.4<br />
49 New York. USA 100.0<br />
Source: Mercer Survey, Quality of Liv<strong>in</strong>g Global City Rank<strong>in</strong>gs, 2010<br />
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Fig. 68: Personal safety and property rights, 2011<br />
1 = low, 10 = high<br />
1 Denmark 9.3<br />
2 Austria 9.2<br />
3 F<strong>in</strong>land 9.2<br />
4 <strong>Switzerland</strong> 9.1<br />
5 Germany 9.0<br />
7 Hong Kong SAR 8.9<br />
9 S<strong>in</strong>gapore 8.8<br />
11 Japan 8.6<br />
12 Netherlands 8.6<br />
13 Luxemburg 8.5<br />
17 Ireland 8.3<br />
20 USA 8.2<br />
23 Great Brita<strong>in</strong> 7.8<br />
24 Belgium 7.8<br />
27 France 7.5<br />
34 India 6.7<br />
37 Italy 6.4<br />
46 Ch<strong>in</strong>a 5.0<br />
51 Brazil 4.7<br />
58 Russia 1.8<br />
Source: IMD World Competitiveness Onl<strong>in</strong>e 2011<br />
13.2 Relocation and <strong>in</strong>tegration.<br />
There are currently more than 8,600 <strong>for</strong>eign enterprises operat<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>in</strong> and from <strong>Switzerland</strong>. Many of them often send <strong>for</strong>eign managers<br />
and specialists to <strong>Switzerland</strong> <strong>for</strong> short-term temporary stays<br />
to work as expatriates. There are specialized relocation agencies,<br />
expat groups, books and websites designed to help these transferred<br />
employees orient themselves quickly to life <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong>.<br />
13.2.1 Relocation<br />
A move to a <strong>for</strong>eign country raises many questions depend<strong>in</strong>g on<br />
one’s <strong>in</strong>dividual situation. Which school is the most appropriate?<br />
Where can you shop? How do we f<strong>in</strong>d a house? How high are the<br />
taxes, duties and other fees? There are competent, <strong>in</strong>ternationally<br />
experienced consultants <strong>in</strong> all parts of the country who can give<br />
further assistance with these issues. Specialized relocation agencies<br />
offer comprehensive packages that cover relocation issues<br />
and the <strong>in</strong>itial orientation period <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong>. The Internet offers<br />
a wealth of <strong>in</strong><strong>for</strong>mation. A number of the cantonal economic development<br />
agencies also have their own onl<strong>in</strong>e <strong>in</strong><strong>for</strong>mation plat<strong>for</strong>ms<br />
that cater specifically to expatriates.<br />
124 <strong>Handbook</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Investors</strong> 2012<br />
Fig. 69: Attractiveness <strong>for</strong> highly qualified employees from <strong>for</strong>eign<br />
countries, 2011<br />
1 = not attractive, 10 = very attractive<br />
1 <strong>Switzerland</strong> 9.0<br />
2 USA 8.4<br />
3 S<strong>in</strong>gapore 8.1<br />
4 Australia 8.1<br />
5 Qatar 7.8<br />
6 Great Brita<strong>in</strong> 7.7<br />
7 Hong Kong SAR 7.6<br />
10 Luxemburg 7.4<br />
14 Netherlands 6.4<br />
15 Ireland 6.3<br />
16 Ch<strong>in</strong>a 6.3<br />
18 Brazil 5.9<br />
19 India 5.9<br />
23 Russia 5.5<br />
24 Belgium 5.4<br />
35 France 5.0<br />
36 Germany 5.0<br />
41 Denmark 4.5<br />
44 Japan 4.1<br />
55 Italy 2.8<br />
Source: IMD World Competitiveness Onl<strong>in</strong>e 2011<br />
Personal effects of the person mov<strong>in</strong>g location (household items,<br />
personal collections, animals, vehicles etc.) can be imported <strong>in</strong>to<br />
<strong>Switzerland</strong> duty-free. The only requirement is that the imported<br />
objects must have been used by you personally, abroad, <strong>for</strong> at<br />
least six months and will cont<strong>in</strong>ue to be used by you after import.<br />
Apart from the completed application <strong>for</strong>m the entry-po<strong>in</strong>t customs<br />
office has to be submitted an application <strong>for</strong>m, an employment<br />
contract, rental contract or the deregistration certificate from the<br />
country of departure (<strong>for</strong> citizens from the EU/EFTA with the exception<br />
of Romania and Bulgaria) upon enter<strong>in</strong>g the country. After<br />
enter<strong>in</strong>g <strong>Switzerland</strong> you are obligated to register with<strong>in</strong> the first<br />
fourteen days with the local residential authorities. To do so the<br />
follow<strong>in</strong>g documents are required:<br />
• Valid official identity document such as passport or identity<br />
card (<strong>for</strong> each family member enter<strong>in</strong>g the country)<br />
• Confirmation of health <strong>in</strong>surance (proof of mandatory basic<br />
coverage). The period <strong>for</strong> register<strong>in</strong>g with a Swiss health <strong>in</strong>surance<br />
fund is three months, so confirmation of health <strong>in</strong>surance<br />
can also be submitted later<br />
• One passport photo (<strong>for</strong> each family member enter<strong>in</strong>g the<br />
country)
• Personal documents (e.g. extract from register of births and<br />
marriages, marriage certificate, birth certificates <strong>for</strong> m<strong>in</strong>or<br />
children, etc.)<br />
• Employment contract<br />
If a vehicle is be<strong>in</strong>g brought <strong>in</strong>to <strong>Switzerland</strong>, it must be registered<br />
<strong>for</strong> a technical <strong>in</strong>spection and <strong>in</strong>sured and licensed <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong><br />
with<strong>in</strong> twelve months. A Swiss driver’s license is also required<br />
with<strong>in</strong> the same time period.<br />
Application <strong>for</strong>m <strong>for</strong> personal effects<br />
www.ezv.adm<strong>in</strong>.ch > In<strong>for</strong>mation <strong>for</strong> private <strong>in</strong>dividuals > Important<br />
note > Mov<strong>in</strong>g house, gett<strong>in</strong>g married and <strong>in</strong>heritance<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian<br />
13.2.2 Language courses<br />
Many Swiss citizens understand English and/or a second national<br />
language of <strong>Switzerland</strong>. In order to become <strong>in</strong>tegrated <strong>in</strong>to Swiss<br />
society, however, knowledge of the national language spoken<br />
<strong>in</strong> the particular region is a great advantage. Depend<strong>in</strong>g on the<br />
area, the language may be German (spoken by 64 % of the Swiss<br />
population), French (20 %), Italian (7 %) or Romansh (1 %). The<br />
fact that there are four national languages <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong> does not<br />
mean, however, that all Swiss people can speak four languages.<br />
There are large numbers of private companies and <strong>in</strong>dividuals offer<strong>in</strong>g<br />
language courses tailored to every need. Public <strong>in</strong>stitutions<br />
also offer language courses <strong>in</strong> the respective national language<br />
<strong>in</strong> conjunction with immigrant <strong>in</strong>tegration ef<strong>for</strong>ts. Consult<strong>in</strong>g the<br />
Yellow Pages or the website of the Swiss Federation <strong>for</strong> Adult<br />
Learn<strong>in</strong>g is recommended.<br />
13.3 Rent<strong>in</strong>g an apartment.<br />
Anyone <strong>in</strong>terested <strong>in</strong> rent<strong>in</strong>g an apartment should contact the<br />
advertiser (often a professional property management company)<br />
and set up an appo<strong>in</strong>tment to see the apartment. If the apartment<br />
meets your expectations, you are generally asked to fill out an application<br />
<strong>for</strong>m. This <strong>for</strong>m <strong>in</strong>cludes <strong>in</strong><strong>for</strong>mation such as age, marital<br />
status, profession or occupation, children, residence status, employer,<br />
salary and pets. Applicants are often required to provide<br />
an abstract from the debt en<strong>for</strong>cement register as proof that they<br />
can pay the rent. This document can be obta<strong>in</strong>ed from the local<br />
debt en<strong>for</strong>cement office.<br />
13.3.1 Security deposit and lease agreement<br />
Tenants must often pay a certa<strong>in</strong> amount <strong>in</strong> advance as a security<br />
deposit. It may total as much as three months’ rent and is deposited<br />
<strong>in</strong> a special bank account <strong>in</strong> the tenant’s name. The deposit<br />
serves as security <strong>for</strong> the landlord. After mov<strong>in</strong>g out, the tenant<br />
will receive the deposit back, with <strong>in</strong>terest.<br />
The tenant has the right to move <strong>in</strong>to a clean and functional<br />
property. The <strong>for</strong>mal handover takes place be<strong>for</strong>e the new tenant<br />
moves <strong>in</strong>. The tenant and landlord <strong>in</strong>spect the condition of the<br />
property together and record any defects <strong>in</strong> writ<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
In general, tenants pay rent monthly – <strong>in</strong> advance <strong>for</strong> the next<br />
month. Usually tenants also pay additional costs such as heat<strong>in</strong>g,<br />
hot water or cable television costs. Tenants receive monthly bills<br />
from the utility company <strong>for</strong> the electricity consumed <strong>in</strong> the apartment<br />
itself. S<strong>in</strong>ce there are various providers of telephone and<br />
Internet connections (and often cable television as well), tenants<br />
enter <strong>in</strong>to separate agreements <strong>for</strong> these services and pay providers<br />
directly.<br />
If landlords wish to <strong>in</strong>crease the rent (after renovations or a rise<br />
<strong>in</strong> mortgage rates, <strong>for</strong> example), they must do so us<strong>in</strong>g an official<br />
<strong>for</strong>m. Any tenant who considers a rent <strong>in</strong>crease unreasonable<br />
has 30 days <strong>in</strong> which to submit a written appeal to the arbitration<br />
authority.<br />
The lease or rental agreement may be term<strong>in</strong>ated by either the<br />
tenant or the landlord. The required terms of notice are stated <strong>in</strong><br />
the agreement. Any tenant giv<strong>in</strong>g notice of term<strong>in</strong>ation must do<br />
so <strong>in</strong> writ<strong>in</strong>g, preferably by registered letter. Married couples have<br />
equal rights. This means that the notice of term<strong>in</strong>ation is not valid<br />
unless signed by both spouses. When mov<strong>in</strong>g out, tenants are<br />
required to hand over a clean property. The tenant and landlord<br />
<strong>in</strong>spect the condition of the property together and record any<br />
defects <strong>in</strong> writ<strong>in</strong>g. They decide jo<strong>in</strong>tly which party shall pay <strong>for</strong><br />
any repairs that might be necessary.<br />
13.3.2 House rules and ma<strong>in</strong>tenance<br />
In most cases, professional property management companies<br />
are responsible <strong>for</strong> build<strong>in</strong>g management. In large build<strong>in</strong>gs <strong>in</strong><br />
particular, there is also a build<strong>in</strong>g super<strong>in</strong>tendent who can answer<br />
tenants’ questions, make small repairs and oversee security and<br />
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125
ma<strong>in</strong>tenance. Regional tenants’ associations can also assist tenants<br />
with problems.<br />
Useful <strong>in</strong><strong>for</strong>mation <strong>for</strong> tenants<br />
www.bwo.adm<strong>in</strong>.ch > Documentation > Publications<br />
> In<strong>for</strong>mation sheet on liv<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian<br />
Tenants’ associations<br />
German-speak<strong>in</strong>g <strong>Switzerland</strong>: www.mieterverband.ch<br />
Language: German<br />
French-speak<strong>in</strong>g <strong>Switzerland</strong>: www.asloca.ch<br />
Language: French<br />
Tic<strong>in</strong>o: www.asi-<strong>in</strong>foalloggio.ch<br />
Language: Italian<br />
13.4 Telephone, Internet and TV.<br />
Until liberalization <strong>in</strong> 1998, the Swiss telecommunications market<br />
was dom<strong>in</strong>ated by Swisscom. Today the population can choose<br />
among numerous providers of landl<strong>in</strong>e and mobile telephone,<br />
VoIP and Internet services. Swisscom, Orange and Sunrise are<br />
the major providers of mobile telephone services. In addition,<br />
however, there are also other companies that use the networks<br />
of the major providers and offer very attractive terms (<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g<br />
M-Budget Mobile, Coop Mobile, yallo and mobilezone). All services<br />
are also available to <strong>for</strong>eign nationals who are liv<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong><br />
temporarily. However, registration is obligatory (even <strong>for</strong> prepaid<br />
plans). Sett<strong>in</strong>g up Internet access is easy. Analog connections,<br />
ISDN, DSL and various cable connections are available.<br />
upc cablecom and Swisscom are the market leaders <strong>for</strong> television.<br />
With upc cablecom’s analog cable connection, which is already<br />
<strong>in</strong>stalled <strong>in</strong> half of all Swiss households, you can get approximately<br />
40 TV channels with any television set. An additional receiver is<br />
required <strong>for</strong> digital reception. It is also possible to receive over 100<br />
channels via the telephone l<strong>in</strong>e with Bluew<strong>in</strong>-TV (from Swisscom).<br />
More than 300 regional cable operators offer services similar to<br />
those of upc cablecom. And of course you can also receive televi-<br />
126 <strong>Handbook</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Investors</strong> 2012<br />
sion channels via satellite. Anyone listen<strong>in</strong>g to the radio or watch<strong>in</strong>g<br />
television <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong> must always pay reception fees. These<br />
fees must be paid regardless of which programs are watched or<br />
listened to or how they are received. The reception fees <strong>for</strong> radio<br />
and TV channels are <strong>in</strong>voiced and collected by Billag AG.<br />
Telephone book<br />
www.local.ch<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian<br />
Service providers and price comparisons<br />
www.comparis.ch<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian<br />
www.teltarif.ch<br />
Language: German<br />
Billag<br />
www.billag.com<br />
Languages: German, French, Italian<br />
13.5 Insurance.<br />
Swiss citizens have comprehensive <strong>in</strong>surance coverage. Swiss<br />
families spend an average of 21 % of their household budget on<br />
<strong>in</strong>surance overall. Medical <strong>in</strong>surance is by far the most expensive.<br />
Contributions to social security and unemployment <strong>in</strong>surance<br />
are mandatory, as is medical and fire <strong>in</strong>surance. Contributions<br />
to social security and unemployment <strong>in</strong>surance are set by the<br />
government and are directly deducted from the salary. Medical<br />
and liability <strong>in</strong>surance can be purchased privately based on one’s<br />
own choice of provider.<br />
Anyone who rents an apartment is urged to take out <strong>in</strong>surance<br />
cover<strong>in</strong>g household contents and personal liability (available either<br />
separately or <strong>in</strong> comb<strong>in</strong>ation). Contents <strong>in</strong>surance covers damage
such as floor damage caused by an overflow<strong>in</strong>g bathtub. Personal<br />
liability <strong>in</strong>surance covers any damage caused by the <strong>in</strong>sured person<br />
to third parties (property damage and/or personal <strong>in</strong>jury).<br />
Every owner of a motor vehicle is required to have motor vehicle<br />
liability <strong>in</strong>surance. It covers personal <strong>in</strong>jury and/or property damage<br />
caused by operation of the <strong>in</strong>sured motor vehicle, regardless of<br />
who is driv<strong>in</strong>g the vehicle at the time of the accident. Partial and<br />
comprehensive/collision <strong>in</strong>surance coverage is also recommended.<br />
13.6 Public transport.<br />
Thanks to public transport, people <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong> have many<br />
ways to get around even if they do not have their own car. The<br />
rail, bus and boat network is very dense, and traffic <strong>in</strong>tensity one<br />
of the highest <strong>in</strong> the world. Boats not only operate <strong>for</strong> tourism<br />
purposes but also represent important transport connections.<br />
There is not a s<strong>in</strong>gle village <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong> that is not served by<br />
some <strong>for</strong>m of public transport at least every two hours.<br />
There is a wide range of tickets and passes <strong>for</strong> public transport.<br />
The basic rule is that the longer a pass is valid, the cheaper it<br />
is. For a 12-month pass you pay the equivalent of eight months’<br />
worth of s<strong>in</strong>gle tickets. And with the «General-Abo», a one-year<br />
pass <strong>for</strong> all <strong>for</strong>ms of public transport, you can travel freely on the<br />
SBB rail network, most private railways, boats, buses and urban<br />
transit networks. The low-priced «Halbtax-Abo», which is available<br />
<strong>for</strong> one, two or three years, gives holders a 50 % discount<br />
on the full price. Children up to 6 years of age ride free, and<br />
children under 16 years can travel with the «Junior ticket» at no<br />
charge when they are accompanied by their parents, and with the<br />
«grandchildren card» accompanied by their grandparents. Young<br />
people between the ages of 16 and 25 can ride free <strong>in</strong> 2nd class<br />
cars after 7 p.m. with the «Gleis 7» pass. While these special<br />
rates benefit people resid<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong>, tourists can also<br />
benefit from offers that are designed especially <strong>for</strong> them.<br />
Timetables, tickets<br />
www.sbb.ch > Travelcards & tickets<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian<br />
Travel<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>for</strong>eign visitors<br />
www.swisstravelsystem.ch<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian<br />
13.7 Leisure activities.<br />
Fig. 70: Favorite leisure activities<br />
Daily At least<br />
once per<br />
week<br />
Meet<strong>in</strong>g friends 11.9 % 65.5 %<br />
Read<strong>in</strong>g 70.9 % 19.0 %<br />
Go<strong>in</strong>g <strong>for</strong> walks 22.3 % 51.6 %<br />
Go<strong>in</strong>g to bars/restaurants 4.0 % 42.6 %<br />
Handicrafts and garden<strong>in</strong>g 13.1 % 41.1 %<br />
Play<strong>in</strong>g sport 6.5 % 54.5 %<br />
Surf<strong>in</strong>g the <strong>in</strong>ternet 32.7 % 29.5 %<br />
Go<strong>in</strong>g to the movies 0.1 % 1.8 %<br />
Go<strong>in</strong>g to the theater or opera 0.0 % 1.6 %<br />
Visit<strong>in</strong>g sport<strong>in</strong>g events 0.1 % 8.4 %<br />
Go<strong>in</strong>g to discos 0.0 % 6.9 %<br />
Play<strong>in</strong>g music 8.7 % 16.5 %<br />
Attend<strong>in</strong>g courses 0.3 % 9.7 %<br />
Source: Federal Statistical Office, 2006<br />
13.7.1 Leisure and cultural activities<br />
<strong>Switzerland</strong> offers a great variety of cultural and recreational<br />
activities. It is no accident that the country is an ideal year-round<br />
dest<strong>in</strong>ation <strong>for</strong> nature lovers, sports enthusiasts, people seek<strong>in</strong>g<br />
peace and quiet, art lovers, and bus<strong>in</strong>ess travelers. <strong>Switzerland</strong><br />
stands <strong>for</strong> <strong>in</strong>dividuality, true relaxation, adventure and prestige.<br />
Both tourists and permanent Swiss residents f<strong>in</strong>d just what they<br />
need here: summer and w<strong>in</strong>ter sports on the doorstep, charm<strong>in</strong>g<br />
market towns or busy urban centers, culture or nature, relaxation<br />
or action, every hour of the day. Cultural life and opportunities<br />
<strong>for</strong> participat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> sports and social activities are plentiful, both<br />
<strong>in</strong> the city and the countryside, due to decentralized residential<br />
development. <strong>Switzerland</strong> is home to prestigious events such as<br />
the Lucerne Festival and the Montreux Jazz festival, the Menuh<strong>in</strong><br />
Festival <strong>in</strong> Gstaad, the Film Festival <strong>in</strong> Locarno, the Art Basel, the<br />
Omega European Masters golf tournament <strong>in</strong> Crans-Montana, and<br />
Swiss Indoors Basel or the athletics meet<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> Zurich. In addition<br />
to these major events, there is also a lively local cultural scene.<br />
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127
Swiss tourism, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g an events calendar<br />
www.myswitzerland.com<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian, Spanish, Russian,<br />
Ch<strong>in</strong>ese, Japanese<br />
Traditions <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong><br />
www.swissworld.org > Culture > Traditions<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian, Spanish, Russian,<br />
Ch<strong>in</strong>ese, Japanese<br />
13.7.2 Clubs and volunteer work<br />
Many Swiss citizens are active <strong>in</strong> clubs and pursue hobbies <strong>in</strong><br />
their non-work<strong>in</strong>g hours. Even the smallest communities and<br />
villages cultivate and promote an active cultural and club life and<br />
offer the necessary <strong>in</strong>frastructure. From music, theatre, sports<br />
and politics to hik<strong>in</strong>g and conservation, there is hardly an area<br />
of life that does not have its own special club. Men are primarily<br />
<strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong> athletics, cultural and political groups, whereas<br />
women participate not only <strong>in</strong> sports but also <strong>in</strong> charitable and<br />
church-oriented activities. There is often no clear-cut divid<strong>in</strong>g l<strong>in</strong>e<br />
between hobbies and volunteer work. Approximately one-fourth<br />
of the population <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong> participates <strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong>stitutionalized<br />
volunteer ef<strong>for</strong>ts without pay. S<strong>in</strong>ce <strong>Switzerland</strong> does not require<br />
clubs and organizations to be registered, there is no complete list.<br />
However, the homepages of municipalities generally give <strong>in</strong><strong>for</strong>mation<br />
about local clubs.<br />
Volunteer work<br />
www.<strong>for</strong>um-freiwilligenarbeit.ch<br />
Languages: German, French<br />
www.benevol.ch<br />
Language: German<br />
128 <strong>Handbook</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Investors</strong> 2012<br />
Addresses of municipalities<br />
www.ch.ch > Index of authorities<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian<br />
13.8 Income and cost of liv<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
Swiss households consist on average of 2.18 persons and have a<br />
monthly earned <strong>in</strong>come of CHF 6,956. Together with <strong>in</strong>come from<br />
other sources and transfer <strong>in</strong>come, gross <strong>in</strong>come totals CHF 9,103.<br />
After deduction of social security contributions and taxes, approximately<br />
70 % rema<strong>in</strong>s as disposable <strong>in</strong>come <strong>for</strong> consumption. There<br />
are considerable regional differences <strong>in</strong> real disposable <strong>in</strong>come (after<br />
the deduction of all fixed costs). Real disposable <strong>in</strong>come is below<br />
the Swiss average (low RDI value) not only <strong>in</strong> the bus<strong>in</strong>ess centers<br />
but also <strong>in</strong> a small number of mounta<strong>in</strong> communities. These are<br />
popular tourism areas with very high real estate prices. The cantons<br />
of Aargau, Lucerne, Schaffhausen, Schwyz, Solothurn and Thurgau<br />
are <strong>in</strong> attractive locations and have high real disposable <strong>in</strong>come<br />
(high RDI value), while the large cities of Berne, Geneva, Lausanne<br />
and Zurich are at the other end of the scale (Fig. 71).<br />
Example (Credit Suisse Economic Research, study 2011):<br />
A couple with two children has a s<strong>in</strong>gle-family residence of<br />
medium standard (80 % mortgage). They have CHF 300,000 <strong>in</strong><br />
sav<strong>in</strong>gs, and their jo<strong>in</strong>t earn<strong>in</strong>gs total CHF 150,000. After figur<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>in</strong> the government family allowance and <strong>in</strong>come from <strong>in</strong>vestments,<br />
the household has a gross <strong>in</strong>come of about CHF 155,200.<br />
After deduct<strong>in</strong>g all the mandatory contributions (taxes, retirement<br />
and social security contributions, and premiums <strong>for</strong> compulsory<br />
health <strong>in</strong>surance) as well as liv<strong>in</strong>g costs, ancillary costs and utilities,<br />
the family has the follow<strong>in</strong>g real disposable <strong>in</strong>come:<br />
• <strong>in</strong> Altdorf (Uri), a community with a high RDI value: CHF 69,700<br />
• <strong>in</strong> Hergiswil (Nidwalden), a community with a low RDI value:<br />
CHF 39,800
Fig. 71: Real disposable <strong>in</strong>come <strong>in</strong> Swiss municipalities, 2011<br />
RDI <strong>in</strong>dicator 2011<br />
– 5.2 to – 2.0<br />
– 2.0 to – 1.0<br />
– 1.0 to – 0.3<br />
– 0.3 to – 0.0<br />
0.0 to 0.3<br />
0.3 to 0.6<br />
0.6 to 1.0<br />
1.0 to 1.5<br />
1.5 to 2.0<br />
2.0 to 3.0<br />
Cantons<br />
Sources: Credit Suisse Economic Research, Geostat<br />
Accord<strong>in</strong>g to a UBS study (fig. 73), <strong>Switzerland</strong> has the highest<br />
purchas<strong>in</strong>g power <strong>in</strong> the world, i.e. the highest real disposable <strong>in</strong>come<br />
when compared with prices. The price level <strong>in</strong> Zurich is the<br />
second-highest <strong>in</strong> the world, followed by Geneva <strong>in</strong> third place.<br />
Only Oslo is more expensive than the two Swiss cities. An <strong>in</strong>ternational<br />
comparison has shown that salaries <strong>in</strong> Zurich are <strong>in</strong> first<br />
place, followed by Copenhagen <strong>in</strong> second and Geneva <strong>in</strong> third.<br />
<strong>Handbook</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Investors</strong> 2012<br />
129
Fig. 72: Average household budget, 2008<br />
Gross <strong>in</strong>come (earned <strong>in</strong>come,<br />
transfers etc.)<br />
Source: Federal Statistical Office, HABE 2008<br />
Consumer spend<strong>in</strong>g<br />
www.swissworld.org > Economy > Wages and Prosperity<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian, Spanish,<br />
Russian, Ch<strong>in</strong>ese, Japanese<br />
Statistics on <strong>in</strong>come, consumption and assets<br />
www.bfs.adm<strong>in</strong>.ch > Economic and social situation of the<br />
population > Income, consumption and assets<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian<br />
130 <strong>Handbook</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Investors</strong> 2012<br />
9,103 100,0 %<br />
Mandatory transfer expenses − 2,443 − 26.8 %<br />
Social <strong>in</strong>surance contributions − 887 − 9.7 %<br />
Taxes − 1,063 − 11.7 %<br />
Health <strong>in</strong>surance funds: basic health <strong>in</strong>surance − 493 − 5.4 %<br />
Money transfer expenses to other households − 195 − 2.1 %<br />
Available <strong>in</strong>come 6,465 71.00 %<br />
Other <strong>in</strong>surance, fees and transfers – 532 – 5.8 %<br />
Consumer spend<strong>in</strong>g − 5,311 − 58.3 %<br />
Food and non-alcoholic beverages − 656 − 7.2 %<br />
Alcoholic beverages and tobacco products − 102 − 1.1 %<br />
Restaurants and lodg<strong>in</strong>gs − 521 − 5.7 %<br />
Cloth<strong>in</strong>g and shoes − 228 − 2.5 %<br />
Liv<strong>in</strong>g costs and energy − 1,476 − 16.2 %<br />
Furnish<strong>in</strong>g and on-go<strong>in</strong>g household costs − 265 − 2.9 %<br />
Health expenses − 234 − 2.6 %<br />
Transport − 745 − 8.2 %<br />
Communication − 172 − 1.9 %<br />
Enterta<strong>in</strong>ment, recreation and culture − 631 − 6.9 %<br />
Other goods and services − 281 − 3.1 %<br />
Sporadic <strong>in</strong>come 405 4.50 %<br />
Number of people per household 2.21 − 100 %<br />
Fig. 73: International comparison of purchas<strong>in</strong>g power, 2010<br />
Cities Net hourly <strong>in</strong>come divided<br />
by the cost of the entire<br />
commodities basket,<br />
<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g rent (Zurich = 100)<br />
Zurich 100.0<br />
Luxemburg 94.3<br />
Dubl<strong>in</strong> 93.5<br />
Geneva 91.1<br />
New York 90.5<br />
Berl<strong>in</strong> 79.9<br />
Brussels 79.7<br />
Hels<strong>in</strong>ki 77.4<br />
London 77.3<br />
Copenhagen 76.9<br />
Amsterdam 76.4<br />
Lyon 74.9<br />
Frankfurt 75.6<br />
Munich 75.0<br />
Tokyo 74.0<br />
Oslo 68.8<br />
Paris 67.8<br />
Hong Kong SAR 49.8<br />
Moscow 49.3<br />
São Paolo 41.7<br />
S<strong>in</strong>gapore 35.2<br />
Shanghai 24.1<br />
Beij<strong>in</strong>g 22.9<br />
Source: UBS, Prices and Earn<strong>in</strong>gs: a worldwide comparison of purchas<strong>in</strong>g<br />
power, August 2010
14. Promot<strong>in</strong>g <strong>Switzerland</strong>.<br />
<strong>Location</strong> promotion is an important component of Swiss<br />
economic policy and is done <strong>in</strong> partnership with the bus<strong>in</strong>ess<br />
community and the cantons. With<strong>in</strong> the program «<strong>Switzerland</strong><br />
Trade & Investment Promotion.», the activities <strong>for</strong> promot<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>for</strong>eign <strong>in</strong>vestment <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong> are organized and coord<strong>in</strong>ated<br />
on behalf of the state.<br />
14.1 Responsibilities.<br />
In accordance with <strong>Switzerland</strong>’s federal <strong>for</strong>m of government,<br />
responsibility <strong>for</strong> state location promotion is shared between the<br />
federal government and the cantons.<br />
«<strong>Switzerland</strong>. Trade & Investment Promotion.» is responsible at the<br />
national level <strong>for</strong> market<strong>in</strong>g <strong>Switzerland</strong> as a bus<strong>in</strong>ess location to<br />
<strong>in</strong>vestors <strong>in</strong> other countries, serves as the first po<strong>in</strong>t of contact<br />
<strong>for</strong> <strong>for</strong>eign <strong>in</strong>vestors and puts them <strong>in</strong> touch with the appropriate<br />
cantonal authorities.<br />
It is the job of the cantonal economic development agencies to<br />
<strong>in</strong><strong>for</strong>m potential <strong>in</strong>vestors about the advantages of locat<strong>in</strong>g a<br />
bus<strong>in</strong>ess <strong>in</strong> their canton, ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong> contact with <strong>in</strong>terested <strong>in</strong>vestors,<br />
present concrete location proposals and organize local<br />
support <strong>for</strong> <strong>in</strong>vestors through regional offices and municipalities –<br />
even after <strong>in</strong>vestments have been made – as a <strong>for</strong>m of customer<br />
service.<br />
14.2 Promotional policy and tools.<br />
In l<strong>in</strong>e with <strong>Switzerland</strong>’s liberal economic system, economic<br />
policy <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong> focuses on optimum structur<strong>in</strong>g and support<br />
of the general bus<strong>in</strong>ess environment. F<strong>in</strong>ancial assistance programs<br />
are timely and strategic. In general, government f<strong>in</strong>ancial<br />
assistance always complements private <strong>in</strong>itiatives.<br />
The possible fund<strong>in</strong>g options, the mix of various <strong>in</strong>struments and<br />
the scale of payments depend on the specific <strong>in</strong>vestment project.<br />
There is always room <strong>for</strong> <strong>in</strong>dividual solutions. It is there<strong>for</strong>e advisable,<br />
once a project has been roughly evaluated, to discuss it first<br />
with the cantonal economic development agencies. «<strong>Switzerland</strong>.<br />
Trade & Investment Promotion.» can provide assistance <strong>in</strong> this<br />
regard.<br />
14.3 <strong>Switzerland</strong> Trade & Investment<br />
Promotion services.<br />
«<strong>Switzerland</strong>. Trade & Investment Promotion.» opens the door to<br />
<strong>Switzerland</strong> and the country’s authorities. In close collaboration<br />
with partners from different regions and cantons and from the<br />
private sector, the program assists companies as they plan their<br />
operations:<br />
• Mak<strong>in</strong>g contact with regional and cantonal economic development<br />
offices<br />
• Look<strong>in</strong>g <strong>for</strong> the ideal location <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong><br />
• Meet<strong>in</strong>g legal and adm<strong>in</strong>istrative requirements<br />
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131
• Work<strong>in</strong>g together with research centers and universities<br />
• Enter<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>to partnerships with Swiss companies <strong>in</strong> the same<br />
sector<br />
• Procur<strong>in</strong>g work and residence permits<br />
• Def<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g the ideal corporate structure and learn<strong>in</strong>g about the<br />
Swiss tax system<br />
«<strong>Switzerland</strong>. Trade & Investment Promotion.» supports companies<br />
at any time dur<strong>in</strong>g the fact f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>g and <strong>in</strong>vestment project.<br />
The contact addresses can be found <strong>in</strong> the appendix.<br />
«<strong>Switzerland</strong>. Trade & Investment Promotion.»<br />
www.<strong>in</strong>vest-<strong>in</strong>-switzerland.com<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian, Portuguese,<br />
Russian, Ch<strong>in</strong>ese, Japanese<br />
Onl<strong>in</strong>e portal of the «<strong>Switzerland</strong> <strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> and Investment<br />
<strong>Handbook</strong>»<br />
www.swissnetwork.com<br />
Language: English<br />
14.4 Cantonal promotion.<br />
Most Swiss cantons have their own economic development agencies.<br />
All cantons can offer tax relief to bus<strong>in</strong>esses as an economic<br />
development <strong>in</strong>centive. Other <strong>in</strong>centives or <strong>for</strong>ms of economic<br />
assistance vary from canton to canton, depend<strong>in</strong>g on <strong>in</strong>terest and<br />
regional economic conditions (see chapter 15.1).<br />
132 <strong>Handbook</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Investors</strong> 2012<br />
Fig. 74: Examples of cantonal <strong>in</strong>centives<br />
Area of assistance Type of assistance<br />
Investment f<strong>in</strong>anc<strong>in</strong>g • Grant<strong>in</strong>g or arrang<strong>in</strong>g bank loan guarantees<br />
• Interest subsidies or assumption of<br />
<strong>in</strong>terest costs<br />
• Interest-free or subsidized-<strong>in</strong>terest<br />
cantonal loans<br />
• One-off contributions (non-repayable)<br />
Procurement of land<br />
and premises<br />
• Arrang<strong>in</strong>g <strong>for</strong> purchase or lease of<br />
bus<strong>in</strong>ess premises and land<br />
• Cost contributions <strong>for</strong> plann<strong>in</strong>g and/or<br />
develop<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>dustrial sites<br />
• Cost contributions <strong>for</strong> conversion of<br />
plant build<strong>in</strong>gs<br />
Personnel • Contributions to <strong>in</strong>itial tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g or<br />
retra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g costs<br />
Taxes • Tax relief <strong>for</strong> start-up and development<br />
phase and <strong>for</strong> restructur<strong>in</strong>g projects<br />
Source: Legal and <strong>in</strong><strong>for</strong>mational documents from the cantonal economic<br />
development agencies<br />
14.5 Tax relief as part of regional<br />
policy.<br />
As part of federal regional policy, there is specific support <strong>for</strong><br />
the economic development of structurally weak regions such as<br />
mounta<strong>in</strong>ous areas and rural districts. Major <strong>in</strong>vestment and<br />
<strong>in</strong>novation projects and the establishment of new companies<br />
<strong>in</strong> these regions can be supported by the federal government<br />
through tax relief (see map of applicable regions <strong>in</strong> fig. 75). The<br />
ma<strong>in</strong> requirement <strong>for</strong> federal tax relief is that the canton <strong>in</strong> question<br />
also supports the project by provid<strong>in</strong>g an equivalent level of<br />
tax relief.<br />
The application process <strong>for</strong> tax relief <strong>in</strong> connection with regional<br />
policies is always handled by the cantons. The cantonal economic<br />
development agencies <strong>in</strong> question provide advice on the best<br />
way to proceed.
Fig. 75: Applicable regions <strong>for</strong> tax relief, 2011<br />
Eligible areas based on the DEA ord<strong>in</strong>ance of November 28, 2007<br />
As at 01/01/2011<br />
Source: State Secretariat <strong>for</strong> Economic Affairs SECO<br />
Tax relief (regional policy)<br />
www.seco.adm<strong>in</strong>.ch > Topics > Site promotion > SME policy<br />
Languages: German, French, Italian<br />
Also see chapter 9.4.3<br />
14.6 Other organizations provid<strong>in</strong>g<br />
assistance.<br />
14.6.1 Commission <strong>for</strong> Technology and Innovation CTI<br />
CTI is <strong>Switzerland</strong>’s federal <strong>in</strong>novation promotion agency. For<br />
over 60 years, it has fostered knowledge and technology transfer<br />
between bus<strong>in</strong>esses and universities. It br<strong>in</strong>gs partners from<br />
these two areas together <strong>in</strong> applied research and development<br />
projects and provides assistance to start-up companies dur<strong>in</strong>g<br />
the development phase. <strong>Switzerland</strong> has one of the highest levels<br />
of <strong>in</strong>novation of any country <strong>in</strong> the world. CTI has a budget of<br />
around CHF 100 million and operates under the «Science to Market»<br />
slogan. Companies work with universities to generate new<br />
knowledge that can be used to develop products and services<br />
and br<strong>in</strong>g them to market.<br />
CTI provides fund<strong>in</strong>g <strong>for</strong><br />
• Market-oriented R&D projects carried out jo<strong>in</strong>tly by companies<br />
and universities <strong>for</strong> develop<strong>in</strong>g products and services<br />
• The <strong>for</strong>mation and development of science-based companies<br />
• Knowledge and technology transfer through plat<strong>for</strong>ms and<br />
networks<br />
R&D project grants are available <strong>in</strong> all discipl<strong>in</strong>es <strong>in</strong>volv<strong>in</strong>g scientific<br />
<strong>in</strong>novation. Project applications are submitted <strong>in</strong> accordance<br />
with the bottom-up pr<strong>in</strong>ciple. Grants are awarded on the basis of<br />
<strong>in</strong>novative content and market potential.<br />
In its Venturelab program, CTI helps promis<strong>in</strong>g entrepreneurs get<br />
started by guid<strong>in</strong>g them through customized tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g modules.<br />
<strong>Handbook</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Investors</strong> 2012<br />
133
The modules give them the tools and methods they need to implement<br />
an excit<strong>in</strong>g bus<strong>in</strong>ess idea and establish a new company.<br />
Young entrepreneurs can also apply <strong>for</strong> professional coach<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
Support is provided to knowledge-<strong>in</strong>tensive technology-based<br />
companies with great market potential.<br />
CTI’s KTT <strong>in</strong>itiative strengthens knowledge and technology transfer<br />
between universities and <strong>in</strong>dustries <strong>in</strong> the same region. Investment<br />
mentors provide assistance to SMEs and universities <strong>in</strong> mak<strong>in</strong>g<br />
contacts and develop<strong>in</strong>g projects. Innovative Swiss companies<br />
and researchers are also offered development opportunities<br />
through access to <strong>in</strong>ternational programs and networks such as<br />
IMS, ESA and EUREKA.<br />
Commission <strong>for</strong> Technology and Innovation CTI<br />
www.kti.adm<strong>in</strong>.ch<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian<br />
venturelab<br />
www.venturelab.ch<br />
Languages: German, English, French, Italian<br />
CTI Start-up<br />
www.ctistartup.ch<br />
Language: English<br />
134 <strong>Handbook</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Investors</strong> 2012<br />
14.6.2 Technology parks and bus<strong>in</strong>ess <strong>in</strong>cubation centers<br />
Facilities and support centers designed to encourage or facilitate<br />
entrepreneurial activity are part of a modern economy’s <strong>in</strong>frastructure.<br />
<strong>Switzerland</strong> has a large number of technology parks<br />
and bus<strong>in</strong>ess <strong>in</strong>cubator or start-up centers. Most have jo<strong>in</strong>ed<br />
together to <strong>for</strong>m networks or associations. They differ <strong>in</strong> concept<br />
and specific focus; some have developed <strong>in</strong> close cooperation<br />
with universities while others stem from purely private <strong>in</strong>itiatives.<br />
They offer premises (generally at preferential rates) <strong>for</strong> the startup<br />
and development phase as well as shared <strong>in</strong>frastructure and<br />
professional support.<br />
Participation by their umbrella organizations <strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong>ternational<br />
networks allows them to use technology park <strong>in</strong>frastructures<br />
throughout Europe. This allows companies to speed up the difficult<br />
start-up phase and save on start-up costs. A number of bus<strong>in</strong>ess<br />
<strong>in</strong>cubation centers have also been <strong>for</strong>med <strong>in</strong> major cities. They<br />
also serve as short-term start-up locations <strong>for</strong> <strong>for</strong>eign companies<br />
establish<strong>in</strong>g new operations <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong> by provid<strong>in</strong>g flexible<br />
and expandable premises, contacts, and bus<strong>in</strong>ess <strong>in</strong>cubation support.<br />
Advantages of technology parks and bus<strong>in</strong>ess <strong>in</strong>cubation centers:<br />
• Services: advisory services, coach<strong>in</strong>g, telephone service, etc.<br />
• Contacts with universities<br />
• An environment surrounded by like-m<strong>in</strong>ded entrepreneurs<br />
• Infrastructure and flexible premises<br />
• Network<strong>in</strong>g<br />
• Higher chance of success; average survival rate over 90 %<br />
Technopark Allianz<br />
www.technopark-allianz. ch<br />
Language: German<br />
Association of Swiss Technology Parks and <strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong><br />
Incubators<br />
www.swissparks.ch<br />
Language: English
Fig. 76: Technology parks and <strong>in</strong>cubator centers<br />
Source: <strong>Location</strong> promotion program of the canton of Zurich,<br />
www.gruenden.ch<br />
Berne/Mittelland<br />
1 GründerZentrum Bern<br />
www.<strong>in</strong>nobe.ch<br />
2 Berner Technopark<br />
www.bernertechnopark.ch<br />
3 <strong>in</strong>noBE AG*, Bern, Biel, Thun<br />
www.<strong>in</strong>nobe.ch<br />
4 Neuunternehmer-Zentrum WRT Thun<br />
www.wrt.ch<br />
5 e.Tower Thun<br />
www.e-towers.ch<br />
6 Gründerzentrum Solothurn*, Solothurn<br />
www.gzs.ch<br />
7 Coach<strong>in</strong>g service du Jura bernois Bévilard<br />
www.cep.ch/coach<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Western <strong>Switzerland</strong><br />
8 Parc scientifique PSE, Lausanne<br />
www.parc-scientifique.ch<br />
9 biopôle park Lausanne, Epal<strong>in</strong>ges<br />
www.biopole.ch<br />
55<br />
41<br />
53<br />
57<br />
58<br />
50<br />
49<br />
49 49<br />
51<br />
52<br />
54<br />
56<br />
10 Y-Parc AG, Yverdon<br />
www.y-parc.ch<br />
11 BioAlps*, Geneva<br />
www.bioalps.org<br />
12 Eclosion SA, Plan-les-Ouates GE<br />
www.eclosion.ch<br />
13 Fongit, Plan-les-Ouates GE<br />
www.fongit.ch<br />
14 Neode Parc, La Chaux-de Fonds/Neuchâtel<br />
www.neode.ch<br />
15 Fri Up, Fribourg<br />
www.friup.ch<br />
Valais<br />
16 CimArk SA*, Sion<br />
www.cimark.ch<br />
17 BioArk, Monthey<br />
www.bioark.ch<br />
18 IdeArk, Martigny<br />
www.ideark.ch<br />
19 PhytoArk, Sion<br />
www.phytoark.ch<br />
<strong>Handbook</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Investors</strong> 2012<br />
135
20 TechnoArk, Sierre<br />
www.technoark.ch<br />
21 Fondation The Ark, Sion<br />
www.theark.ch<br />
22 Centre des Compétences F<strong>in</strong>ancières, Sion/Naters<br />
www.ccf-valais.ch<br />
Central <strong>Switzerland</strong><br />
23 <strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong>park Zug<br />
www.bus<strong>in</strong>essparkzug.ch<br />
24 Technopark Luzern<br />
www.technopark-luzern.ch<br />
25 microPark Pilatus, Alpnach<br />
www.microparkpilatus.ch<br />
26 mccs – Micro Center Central-<strong>Switzerland</strong> AG, Sarnen<br />
www.mccs.ch<br />
27 areal #1 Unternehmerzentrum Nidwalden, Stansstad<br />
www.nw.ch<br />
28 Technologiezentrum Ste<strong>in</strong>en<br />
www.technologiezentrum.ch<br />
29 InnovationsTransfer Zentralschweiz*, Horw<br />
www.itz.ch<br />
30 Zentrum für neue Technologien Hohle Gasse, Küssnacht<br />
www.hohle-gasse.ch<br />
Northwest <strong>Switzerland</strong><br />
31 bus<strong>in</strong>ess parc Re<strong>in</strong>ach<br />
www.bus<strong>in</strong>essparc.ch<br />
32 Tenum AG Liestal<br />
www.tenum.ch<br />
33 TZW Technologiezentrum Witterswil<br />
www.tzw-witterswil.ch<br />
34 Sp<strong>in</strong>-off Inkubator Basel<br />
www.eva-basel.ch<br />
35 bus<strong>in</strong>ess parc Re<strong>in</strong>ach im Laufental, Zw<strong>in</strong>gen<br />
www.bus<strong>in</strong>essparc.ch<br />
36 Technologie- und Gründerzentrum Zurzibiet<br />
www.zurzibiet.ch<br />
37 Technopark Aargau, W<strong>in</strong>disch<br />
www.technopark-aargau.ch<br />
Zurich/Eastern <strong>Switzerland</strong><br />
38 Startzentrum Zürich<br />
www.startzentrum.ch<br />
39 Technopark Zürich<br />
www.technopark.ch<br />
136 <strong>Handbook</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Investors</strong> 2012<br />
40 glaTec Dübendorf<br />
www.glatec.ch<br />
41 grow Gründerorganisation Wädenswil<br />
www.grow-waedenswil.ch<br />
42 Technologiezentrum L<strong>in</strong>th, Ziegelbrücke<br />
www.technologiezentrum.ch<br />
43 Stiftung Futur, Rapperswil<br />
www.futur.ch<br />
44 Technologiepark Wetzikon<br />
www.tp-wetzikon.ch<br />
45 ri.nova impulszentrum Rebste<strong>in</strong><br />
www.r<strong>in</strong>ova.ch<br />
46 E-Tower*, Chur<br />
www.e-towerchur.ch<br />
47 Innozet, Grüsch<br />
www.<strong>in</strong>nozet.ch<br />
48 Technopark® W<strong>in</strong>terthur<br />
www.technopark-w<strong>in</strong>terthur.ch<br />
49 Jung-Unternehmer-Zentrum, Wil, Flawil, Wattwil<br />
www.tedizentrum.ch<br />
50 START! Gründungszentrum, Frauenfeld<br />
www.gruendungszentrum.ch<br />
51 HTC High-Tech-Center AG, Tägerwilen<br />
www.high-tech-center.ch<br />
52 Spider Town, Tägerwilen<br />
www.spidertown.ch<br />
53 ITS Industrie- und Technozentrum*, Schaffhausen<br />
www.its.sh.ch<br />
54 tebo, St. Gallen<br />
www.tebo.ch<br />
55 BIO-Technopark Zürich-Schlieren<br />
www.bio-technopark.ch<br />
56 KMU-Zentrum, Vaduz<br />
www.kmu-zentrum.li<br />
Tic<strong>in</strong>o<br />
57 Centro Promozione Start-up, Lugano<br />
www.cpstart-up.ch<br />
58 Galleria High-Tech-Center, Manno<br />
www.galleria.ch<br />
* These centers offer services but no office space.
15. Appendix.<br />
15.1 Addresses.<br />
<strong>Switzerland</strong>. Trade & Investment<br />
Promotion.<br />
c/o Osec<br />
Stampfenbachstrasse 85<br />
CH-8006 Zurich<br />
Tel. +41 44 365 51 51<br />
Fax +41 44 365 52 21<br />
locationpromotion@osec.ch<br />
www.<strong>in</strong>vest-<strong>in</strong>-switzerland.com<br />
Europe<br />
Germany<br />
Swiss <strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> Hub Germany<br />
c/o Schweizerisches<br />
Generalkonsulat<br />
Hirschstrasse 22<br />
70173 Stuttgart<br />
Germany<br />
Tel. +49 711 22 29 43 29<br />
Fax +49 711 22 29 43 19<br />
stu.sbhgermany@eda.adm<strong>in</strong>.ch<br />
France<br />
Suisse. Promotion du Commerce<br />
et des Investissements.<br />
c/o Ambassade de Suisse<br />
142, rue de Grenelle<br />
75007 Paris<br />
France<br />
Tel. +33 1 49 55 67 07<br />
Fax +33 1 49 55 67 67<br />
par.sbhfrance@eda.adm<strong>in</strong>.ch<br />
Great Brita<strong>in</strong><br />
Swiss <strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> Hub UK<br />
c/o Embassy of <strong>Switzerland</strong><br />
16-18 Montagu Place<br />
London W1H 2BQ<br />
Great Brita<strong>in</strong><br />
Tel. +44 20 76 16 60 00<br />
Fax +44 20 77 23 64 55<br />
lon.sbhuk@eda.adm<strong>in</strong>.ch<br />
Italy<br />
Swiss <strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> Hub Italy<br />
c/o Camera di Commercio<br />
Svizzera-Italia<br />
Via Palestro, 2<br />
20121 Milano<br />
Italy<br />
Tel. +39 02 7632 031<br />
Fax +39 02 78 1084<br />
sbhitaly@ccsi.it<br />
Russia<br />
Swiss <strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> Hub Russia<br />
c/o Embassy of <strong>Switzerland</strong><br />
Kursovoy Per. 7<br />
119034 Moscow<br />
Russia<br />
Tel. +7 495 258 38 44<br />
Fax +7 495 225 88 42<br />
mot.sbhrussia@eda.adm<strong>in</strong>.ch<br />
Americas<br />
Brazil<br />
Swiss <strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> Hub Brazil<br />
c/o Consulado Geral da Suíça<br />
Av. Paulista 1754, 4° andar<br />
Edificio Grande Avenida<br />
01310-920 São Paulo<br />
Brazil<br />
Tel. +55 11 33 72 82 00<br />
Fax +55 11 32 53 57 16<br />
sao.sbhbrazil@eda.adm<strong>in</strong>.ch<br />
USA<br />
<strong>Switzerland</strong>. Trade & Investment<br />
Promotion.<br />
c/o Consulate General of<br />
<strong>Switzerland</strong><br />
633 Third Avenue, 30 th Floor<br />
New York, NY 10017-6706<br />
USA<br />
Tel. +1 212 599 5700 ext 1032<br />
Fax +1 212 599 4266<br />
chi.sbhusa@eda.adm<strong>in</strong>.ch<br />
<strong>Handbook</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Investors</strong> 2012<br />
137
Asia Pacific<br />
Ch<strong>in</strong>a<br />
<strong>Switzerland</strong>. Trade & Investment<br />
Promotion.<br />
c/o Swiss <strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> Hub Ch<strong>in</strong>a<br />
Sanlitun Dongwujie 3<br />
100600 Beij<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Ch<strong>in</strong>a<br />
Tel. +86 10 8532 88 88<br />
Fax +86 10 6532 43 53<br />
bei.sbhch<strong>in</strong>a@eda.adm<strong>in</strong>.ch<br />
Japan<br />
<strong>Switzerland</strong>. Trade & Investment<br />
Promotion.<br />
c/o Swiss <strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> Hub Japan<br />
5-9-12 M<strong>in</strong>ami Azabu, M<strong>in</strong>to-ku<br />
Tokyo 106-8589<br />
Japan<br />
Tel. +81 3 5449 8408<br />
(International calls)<br />
Tel. 0120 844 313 (Toll-free,<br />
domestic calls only)<br />
Fax +81 3 3473 6090<br />
tok.sbhjapan@eda.adm<strong>in</strong>.ch<br />
IMEA<br />
India<br />
<strong>Switzerland</strong>. Trade & Investment<br />
Promotion.<br />
c/o Swiss <strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> Hub India<br />
502 Dalamal House, 5 th Floor<br />
206, Jamnalal Bajaj Marg<br />
Nariman Po<strong>in</strong>t<br />
Mumbai 400 021<br />
India<br />
Tel. +91 22 4343 5600<br />
Fax +91 22 2285 6566<br />
mum.sbh<strong>in</strong>dia@eda.adm<strong>in</strong>.ch<br />
138 <strong>Handbook</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Investors</strong> 2012<br />
Cantonal Economic<br />
Development Agencies<br />
Aargau (AG)<br />
Aargau Services<br />
<strong>Location</strong> Market<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Ra<strong>in</strong> 53<br />
P.O. Box<br />
CH-5001 Aarau<br />
Tel. +41 62 835 24 40<br />
Fax +41 62 835 24 19<br />
aargau.services@ag.ch<br />
www.aargauservices.ch<br />
Appenzell Ausserrhoden (AR)<br />
Department of Economic<br />
Affairs & Agriculture<br />
Office of Economic Affairs<br />
Government Build<strong>in</strong>g<br />
CH-9102 Herisau<br />
Tel. +41 71 353 61 11<br />
Fax +41 71 353 62 59<br />
<strong>in</strong>fo@wifoear.ch<br />
www.ar.ch/wirtschaft<br />
Appenzell Innerrhoden (AI)<br />
Economic Development<br />
Marktgasse 2<br />
CH-9050 Appenzell<br />
Tel. +41 71 788 94 44<br />
Fax +41 71 788 94 45<br />
wirtschaft@ai.ch<br />
www.ai.ch<br />
Basel-City (BS) and Basel-<br />
Country (BL)<br />
BaselArea<br />
Economic Promotion<br />
Aeschenvorstadt 36<br />
CH-4010 Basel<br />
Tel. +41 61 295 50 00<br />
Fax +41 61 295 50 09<br />
<strong>in</strong>fo@baselarea.ch<br />
www.baselarea.ch<br />
Berne (BE)<br />
Berne Economic Development<br />
Agency<br />
Canton of Berne<br />
Münsterplatz 3<br />
CH-3011 Berne<br />
Tel. +41 31 633 41 20<br />
Fax +41 31 633 40 88<br />
<strong>in</strong>fo@berne<strong>in</strong>vest.com<br />
www.berne<strong>in</strong>vest.com<br />
Fribourg (FR)<br />
Fribourg Development Agency<br />
Boulevard de Pérolles 25<br />
P.O. Box 1350<br />
CH-1700 Fribourg<br />
Tel. +41 26 304 14 00<br />
Fax +41 26 304 14 01<br />
promfr@fr.ch<br />
www.promfr.ch<br />
Geneva (GE)<br />
Geneva Economic<br />
Development Office<br />
Rue des Battoirs 7<br />
P.O. Box 740<br />
CH-1211 Geneva 4<br />
Tel. +41 22 388 34 34<br />
Fax +41 22 388 31 99<br />
promotion@etat.ge.ch<br />
www.whygeneva.ch<br />
Glarus (GL)<br />
Office of Economic Affairs<br />
Zw<strong>in</strong>glistrasse 6<br />
CH-8750 Glarus<br />
Tel. +41 55 646 66 14<br />
Fax +41 55 646 66 09<br />
kontakt@glarusnet.ch<br />
www.glarusnet.ch<br />
Grisons (GR)<br />
Economic Development and<br />
Tourism Agency<br />
Economic Development<br />
Grabenstrasse 1<br />
CH-7001 Chur<br />
Tel. +41 81 257 23 42<br />
Fax +41 81 257 21 92<br />
<strong>in</strong>fo@awt.gr.ch<br />
www.awt.gr.ch<br />
Jura (JU)<br />
Economic Development<br />
12, Rue de la Préfecture<br />
CH-2800 Delémont<br />
Tel. +41 32 420 52 20<br />
Fax +41 32 420 52 21<br />
bde@jura.ch<br />
eco.jura.ch<br />
Lucerne (LU)<br />
<strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> Development<br />
Lucerne<br />
Alpenquai 30<br />
CH-6005 Lucerne<br />
Tel. +41 41 367 44 00<br />
Fax +41 41 367 44 01<br />
<strong>in</strong>fo@lucerne-bus<strong>in</strong>ess.ch<br />
www.lucerne-bus<strong>in</strong>ess.ch<br />
Neuchâtel (NE)<br />
Service de l’économie<br />
Office de promotion<br />
économique<br />
Avenue de la Gare 2<br />
CH-2000 Neuchâtel<br />
Tel. +41 32 889 68 23<br />
neco@ne.ch<br />
www.neuchateleconomie.ch<br />
Nidwalden (NW)<br />
Economic Promotion<br />
Canton of Nidwalden<br />
Stansstaderstrasse 54<br />
CH-6371 Stans<br />
Tel. +41 41 618 76 54<br />
Fax +41 41 618 76 58<br />
wirtschaftsfoerderung@nw.ch<br />
www.nw.ch<br />
Obwalden (OW)<br />
<strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> & Residential<br />
Promotion <strong>in</strong> Obwalden<br />
Dorfplatz 1<br />
CH-6060 Sarnen<br />
Tel. +41 41 660 90 66<br />
Fax +41 41 660 90 69<br />
<strong>in</strong>fo@iow.ch<br />
www.iow.ch<br />
Schaffhausen (SH)<br />
Economic Promotion<br />
Canton of Schaffhausen<br />
Herrenacker 15<br />
CH-8200 Schaffhausen<br />
Tel. +41 52 674 03 03<br />
Fax +41 52 674 06 09<br />
economic.promotion@generis.ch<br />
www.economy.sh
Schwyz (SZ)<br />
Office <strong>for</strong> Economy<br />
Bahnhofstrasse 15<br />
P.O. Box 1187<br />
CH-6431 Schwyz<br />
Tel. +41 41 819 16 34<br />
Fax +41 41 819 16 19<br />
wirtschaftsfoerderung@sz.ch<br />
www.schwyz-wirtschaft.ch<br />
Solothurn (SO)<br />
Solothurn Economic<br />
Development Agency<br />
Untere Sternengasse 2<br />
CH-4509 Solothurn<br />
Tel. +41 32 627 95 23<br />
Fax +41 32 627 95 92<br />
wifoe@awa.so.ch<br />
www.standortsolothurn.ch<br />
St. Gallen (SG)<br />
<strong>Location</strong> Promotion<br />
<strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> Development Agency<br />
<strong>for</strong> the Canton of St. Gallen<br />
Davidstrasse 35<br />
CH-9001 St. Gallen<br />
Tel. +41 71 229 35 60<br />
Fax +41 71 229 47 40<br />
<strong>in</strong>fo.vdafw@sg.ch<br />
www.location.sg.ch<br />
Tic<strong>in</strong>o (TI)<br />
Sezione della promozione<br />
economica<br />
Viale S. Fransc<strong>in</strong>i 17<br />
CH-6501 Bell<strong>in</strong>zona<br />
Tel. +41 91 814 35 41<br />
Fax +41 91 814 44 57<br />
dfe-use@ti.ch<br />
www.copernico.ch<br />
Thurgau (TG)<br />
Thurgau <strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong><br />
Development Agency<br />
Zürcherstrasse 183<br />
CH-8510 Frauenfeld<br />
Tel. +41 52 724 26 06<br />
Fax +41 52 724 26 37<br />
<strong>in</strong>fo@wiftg.ch<br />
www.wiftg.ch<br />
Uri (UR)<br />
Economic Affairs, Canton of Uri<br />
Department of Economic<br />
Development<br />
Klausenstrasse 4<br />
CH-6460 Altdorf<br />
Tel. +41 41 875 24 01<br />
Fax +41 41 875 24 12<br />
wirtschaft@ur.ch<br />
www.ur.ch/wfu<br />
Valais (VS)<br />
<strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> Valais<br />
Office <strong>for</strong> Economic<br />
Development<br />
Maison de Courten<br />
Place St. Theodule<br />
CH-1950 Sion<br />
Tel. +41 27 606 73 50<br />
Fax +41 27 606 73 56<br />
<strong>in</strong>fo@bus<strong>in</strong>ess-valais.ch<br />
www.bus<strong>in</strong>ess-valais.ch<br />
Vaud (VD)<br />
Economic Development<br />
Canton of Vaud<br />
Avenue de Gratta-Paille 2<br />
P.O. Box 19<br />
CH-1000 Lausanne 22<br />
Tel. +41 21 644 00 60<br />
Fax +41 21 644 00 79<br />
dev@dev.ch<br />
www.dev.ch<br />
Important notice<br />
Zug (ZG)<br />
Economic Promotion of the<br />
Canton of Zug<br />
Economic Contact<br />
Aabachstrasse 5<br />
CH-6301 Zug<br />
Tel. +41 41 728 55 04<br />
Fax +41 41 728 55 09<br />
economy@zug.ch<br />
www.zug.ch/economy<br />
Zurich (ZH)<br />
Office of Economy and Labour<br />
of the Canton of Zurich<br />
Economic Development<br />
Walchestrasse 19<br />
CH-8090 Zurich<br />
Tel. +41 43 259 49 92<br />
Fax +41 43 259 51 71<br />
standort@vd.zh.ch<br />
www.standort.zh.ch<br />
Regional <strong>Location</strong> Market<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Organisations<br />
BaselArea<br />
Economic Development<br />
Aeschenvorstadt 36<br />
CH-4010 Basel<br />
Tel. +41 61 295 50 00<br />
Fax +41 61 295 50 09<br />
<strong>in</strong>fo@baselarea.ch<br />
www.baselarea.ch<br />
Greater Geneva Berne area<br />
Economic Development<br />
Agency<br />
World Trade Center<br />
Avenue de Gratta-Paille 2<br />
P.O. Box 252<br />
CH-1000 Lausanne 22<br />
Tel. +41 21 644 00 90<br />
Fax +41 21 644 00 99<br />
<strong>in</strong>fo@ggba-switzerland.org<br />
www.ggba-switzerland.org<br />
Greater Zurich Area AG<br />
Limmatquai 112<br />
CH-8001 Zurich<br />
Tel. +41 44 254 59 59<br />
Fax +41 44 254 59 54<br />
<strong>in</strong>fo@greaterzuricharea.ch<br />
www.greaterzuricharea.ch<br />
St.GallenBodenseeArea<br />
Economic Development<br />
Davidstrasse 35<br />
CH-9001 St. Gallen<br />
Tel. +41 58 229 22 14<br />
<strong>in</strong>vest@sgba.ch<br />
www.sgba.ch<br />
The <strong>in</strong><strong>for</strong>mation and data conta<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> this publication are drawn from a variety of sources and<br />
have been researched with the greatest possible care. Persons wish<strong>in</strong>g to use <strong>in</strong><strong>for</strong>mation from this<br />
publication do so at their own risk. Osec as well as third parties who have provided <strong>in</strong>put <strong>for</strong> the<br />
various chapters assume no liability <strong>for</strong> the accuracy, currency or completeness of the <strong>in</strong><strong>for</strong>mation<br />
published <strong>in</strong> the Investor’s <strong>Handbook</strong>.<br />
<strong>Handbook</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Investors</strong> 2012<br />
139
15.2 Table of figures.<br />
Fig. 1: <strong>Switzerland</strong>’s <strong>in</strong>ternational rank<strong>in</strong>gs .....................8<br />
Fig. 2: Map show<strong>in</strong>g the location of <strong>Switzerland</strong> ............9<br />
Fig. 3: The political system <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong> ....................11<br />
Fig. 4: Political stability ..................................................12<br />
Fig. 5: The most cosmopolitan economies ...................14<br />
Fig. 6: International organizations and important<br />
NGOs with their headquarters <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong> ....15<br />
Fig. 7: <strong>Switzerland</strong> <strong>in</strong> figures .........................................16<br />
Fig. 8: 2011 (nom<strong>in</strong>al) per capita gross domestic<br />
product ...............................................................17<br />
Fig. 9: Industry structure and percentage of<br />
employees ..........................................................18<br />
Fig.10: 2011 Competitiveness rank<strong>in</strong>g ...........................18<br />
Fig. 11: 2011 Global Innovation Index ............................18<br />
Fig. 12: Trade balance as a percentage of GDP .............19<br />
Fig. 13: Imports and exports by economic block ...........19<br />
Fig. 14: Direct <strong>in</strong>vestments ..............................................20<br />
Fig. 15: Economic freedom .............................................26<br />
Fig. 16: An overview of trademark rights ........................29<br />
Fig. 17: Overview of legal <strong>for</strong>ms ......................................42<br />
Fig. 18: Procedure <strong>for</strong> establish<strong>in</strong>g a company<br />
(AG, GmbH) ........................................................46<br />
Fig. 19: Foundation costs <strong>for</strong> stock corporations (AG) ...47<br />
Fig. 20: Foundation costs <strong>for</strong> companies with<br />
limited liability (GmbH) .......................................47<br />
Fig. 21: Do I need a visa? ................................................50<br />
Fig. 22: Visa regulations <strong>for</strong> certa<strong>in</strong> countries .................50<br />
Fig. 23: Types of permits .................................................53<br />
Fig. 24: Work and residence permits: rules and<br />
procedures .........................................................56<br />
Fig. 25: Countries with which <strong>Switzerland</strong> has a<br />
tra<strong>in</strong>ee agreement ..............................................59<br />
Fig. 26: Onl<strong>in</strong>e sources of <strong>in</strong><strong>for</strong>mation on real estate ......60<br />
Fig. 27: Market prices <strong>for</strong> office space ............................61<br />
Fig. 28: Steps <strong>in</strong> a purchase transaction .........................62<br />
Fig. 29: Construction sites: market prices <strong>for</strong><br />
commercial build<strong>in</strong>gs .........................................63<br />
Fig. 30: Market prices <strong>for</strong> rental apartments ...................64<br />
Fig. 31: Market prices <strong>for</strong> owner-occupied apartments ..65<br />
Fig. 32: Permit requirement by group ..............................66<br />
Fig. 33: International comparison of worker motivation ..68<br />
Fig. 34: International experience .....................................69<br />
Fig. 35: Monthly gross salary (central value) ...................69<br />
Fig. 36: Gross annual earned <strong>in</strong>come (median) <strong>in</strong> each<br />
occupational group ............................................70<br />
Fig. 37: Industry labor costs: direct remuneration<br />
and non-wage labor costs ......................................... 70<br />
140 <strong>Handbook</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Investors</strong> 2012<br />
Fig. 38: Salary statement example: employer and<br />
employee contributions......................................71<br />
Fig. 39: Labor market deregulation .................................72<br />
Fig. 40: Employer-employee understand<strong>in</strong>g ...................73<br />
Fig. 41: Day, even<strong>in</strong>g and night periods ..........................74<br />
Fig. 42: Appo<strong>in</strong>tments and dismissals ............................76<br />
Fig. 43: Overview of compulsory contributions ...............77<br />
Fig. 44: Global f<strong>in</strong>ancial centers ......................................82<br />
Fig. 45: Mortgage <strong>in</strong>terest rates, 1985 – 2011 ..................86<br />
Fig. 46: State <strong>in</strong>centives ..................................................88<br />
Fig. 47: Credit rat<strong>in</strong>g: the ten safest countries ................89<br />
Fig. 48: Capital costs<br />
Fig. 49: Inflation, 2011 .....................................................90<br />
Fig. 50: Total tax rate (TTR) .............................................94<br />
Fig. 51: International bus<strong>in</strong>ess activity ..........................101<br />
Fig. 52: Quality of the <strong>in</strong>frastructure ..............................104<br />
Fig. 53: Direct air connections: Intercont<strong>in</strong>ental<br />
from Zurich (ZRH) and Geneva (GVA) ..............107<br />
Fig. 54: National and regional airports <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong> ...108<br />
Fig. 55: Internet subscribers .........................................110<br />
Fig. 56: Healthcare <strong>in</strong>frastructure ..................................111<br />
Fig. 57: <strong>Switzerland</strong>’s educational system ....................114<br />
Fig. 58: Quality of the educational system 2011 ...........115<br />
Fig. 59: Public spend<strong>in</strong>g on education ..........................115<br />
Fig. 60: Swiss higher-education landscape ..................117<br />
Fig. 61: Tuition fees <strong>in</strong> CHF per year .............................118<br />
Fig. 62: Executive MBA: the top schools ......................119<br />
Fig. 63: School fees <strong>for</strong> <strong>in</strong>ternational private schools ...120<br />
Fig. 64: Total per capita expenditure <strong>for</strong> research and<br />
development <strong>in</strong> USD ........................................121<br />
Fig. 65: Nobel prizes per million <strong>in</strong>habitants .................121<br />
Fig. 66: Research <strong>in</strong>stitutions <strong>in</strong> <strong>Switzerland</strong>.................121<br />
Fig. 67: Global comparison of quality of liv<strong>in</strong>g ..............123<br />
Fig. 68: Personal safety and property rights .................124<br />
Fig. 69: Attractiveness <strong>for</strong> highly qualified employees<br />
from <strong>for</strong>eign countries, .....................................124<br />
Fig. 70: Favorite leisure activities ..................................127<br />
Fig. 71: Real disposable <strong>in</strong>come <strong>in</strong> Swiss<br />
municipalities ...................................................129<br />
Fig. 72: Average household budget ..............................130<br />
Fig. 73: International comparison of purchas<strong>in</strong>g<br />
power ...............................................................130<br />
Fig. 74: Examples of cantonal <strong>in</strong>centives ......................132<br />
Fig. 75: Applicable regions <strong>for</strong> tax relief ........................133<br />
Fig. 76: Technology parks and <strong>in</strong>cubator centers .........135
Countries of Europe.<br />
<strong>Handbook</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Investors</strong> 2012<br />
141
Swiss map.<br />
142 <strong>Handbook</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Investors</strong> 2012
Language regions.<br />
<strong>Handbook</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Investors</strong> 2012<br />
143
<strong>Switzerland</strong>. Trade & Investment Promotion.<br />
Stampfenbachstrasse 85<br />
CH-8006 Zürich<br />
Phone +41 44 365 51 51<br />
locationpromotion@osec.ch<br />
Copyright © Osec April 2012. All rights reserved.<br />
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