Switzerland inspires talented individuals to create
and achieve. It’s a country where work, innovation, creativity, leisure time, family, and recreation are optimally
balanced. With a vibrant cultural life, beautiful scenery, and high-quality real estate, Switzerland
offers a high standard of living.
Unique Quality of Life
Sport, leisure, recreation, and culture
From the High Alps to the fertile central plateau and the Mediterranean ambiance of Ticino, Switzerland has
a richly diverse landscape that inspires both residents and visitors, all packed into a small area – 220 kilometers
from north to south and 348 kilometers from west to east. In the summer you can swim in crystal-clear lakes and
rivers and enjoy the fresh air. Yet the nearest town is never far away, because with the short distances you can
reach any destination quickly and comfortably, whether by rail, bus, car, or boat. Switzerland’s major cities,
including Zurich, Geneva, Basel, and Bern, are ranked as some of the most attractive cities in the world in the
Mercer quality of living survey. No wonder Switzerland has been found to be one of the world’s happiest nations.
It’s the perfect place for people who love sports and the outdoors. Summer or winter, the legendary Swiss mountains
invite you to enjoy the stunning surroundings. The cultural life is characterized by diversity in a multilingual,
cosmopolitan environment. Museums, foundations, galleries, festivals, and independent bodies promote both Swiss
and international art and artists.
Switzerland hosts numerous cultural events with international appeal: the
Montreux Jazz Festival, Art Basel, Festival del film in Locarno, and the Zurich Film Festival, to name just a few.
First-class venues for seminars and conferences
First-class hotels with excellent facilities attract people seeking relaxation and well-being as well as seminar
and conference participants. There are good reasons why the World Economic Forum (WEF) draws leading business and
political figures to the paradise resort of Davos every year. By choosing to hold a business event in Switzerland,
organizers are opting for variety and authenticity. And thanks to the short distances, there is never far to travel
for things to see and do.
International environment
Cosmopolitanism and tolerance
Foreign workers and companies value the international outlook of the Swiss, who are characterized by their tolerance
and linguistic and cultural diversity. Switzerland is one of the most popular destinations for expats. Conversely,
foreign workers and companies make an important contribution to Switzerland’s prosperity.
Switzerland is an open country. For visits of up to three months a valid travel document is usually sufficient. Citizens
of some countries require a visa, which can be obtained from the Swiss representation in their country. Residence and
permanent residence permits are issued by the cantonal migration offices. A permit is required to work in Switzerland
for more than three months. The Swiss employer will usually take care of the necessary formalities.
Neutrality and international cooperation
Diplomacy, humanitarian engagement, and international networking are at the heart of Switzerland’s policy of neutrality.
Switzerland has been a member of the United Nations since 2002 and has been actively involved in UN specialized agencies
for much longer. The country also participates in economic organizations such as the European Free Trade Association
(EFTA). In addition, it represents the interests of countries that do not maintain diplomatic relations with certain
third countries.
As neutral territory, Switzerland is the ideal location for politically sensitive meetings and conferences. It is for
this reason that so many international organizations, like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations,
have their headquarters in Switzerland. Geneva is one of the most important centers of international cooperation in
the world. It is also the headquarters of the World Trade Organization (WTO) - the legal and institutional foundation
of the multilateral trading system and the only organization to regulate trade relations between states at global level.
Switzerland is also home to the International Olympic Committee (IOC), UEFA, FIFA, and more than 60 other international
sports organizations, in most cases the global or European headquarters.
Reliable infrastructure
Mobility and security in the heart of Europe
Three international airports in Zurich, Geneva, and Basel provide direct flights to all major destinations in Europe
and overseas. Switzerland’s excellent road network is one of the most dense in the world and is seamlessly linked to
Europe’s major routes. Urban and rural areas are connected by reliable rail and bus services. The famous yellow post
buses travel to the remotest Alpine valleys. The rail network operated by Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) and the various
regional transport companies covers more than 5,000 kilometers. Every day around 1 million passengers travel for work
or leisure on over 10,000 trains. The Swiss are world experts in railroad operation.
Freight transport also functions
very efficiently, with some 210,000 tons of freight being transported across Switzerland to Europe every day by Swiss
and foreign companies. As of 2016, Switzerland also features the longest railway tunnel in the world, the Gotthard Base
Tunnel.
Whether you are looking for a private building for your business, a technology park or serviced offices, there is an
enormous choice of high-quality, attractive commercial real estate. The regulations governing the purchase of real
estate by foreigners have been much relaxed in recent years.
Reliability and complete coverage
A well developed infrastructure meets the requirements of even the most demanding users in the information age. Leading
IT companies such as IBM, Google, and Disney have chosen to locate in Switzerland and depend on the security and
reliability of Swiss infrastructure and data technology. Switzerland also boasts a stable energy and water supply network
that covers the entire country. As the “reservoir of Europe” the country makes significant use of renewable hydropower.
The Swiss healthcare system is among the best in the world. Complete medical care of the highest standard is provided
by highly trained staff in medical practices, state-funded hospitals, and numerous private and specialist clinics. The
Swiss have one of the longest life expectancies on the planet at an average of 83 years.
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