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Sensible politics - reliable economy With a population of seven million (of which approx. 20% are foreigners), Switzerland has a German, French, Italian and a very small Raeto-Romance- speaking region, each with their own cultural traditions. Without the typically Swiss art of negotiation and compromise, no working balance between such diverse regions could ever have been achieved. And this art involves the people themselves, not just a ruling elite. The right to demand a referendum or to launch political initiatives gives ordinary citizens a unique level of involvement in the running of their affairs. As a result, the Swiss have taken direct democracy further than probably any other nation in the world. The feeling of responsibility this system cultivates as well as the political stability it engenders are decisive factors in the economic success story of Switzerland. The extremely stable currency and the trade balance surpluses are two measurable results. All this has contributed to the reputation of reliability that Swiss enterprise has gained and is determined to maintain.

Neuhausen, Canton of Schaffhausen

This long tradition of constant control by the people demands more responsibility from the individual, and it forces the Swiss to weigh short-lived success against longer-term benefits. In Switzerland, social harmony, solid legislation, preferential corporate taxation and dynamic foreign trade are supported and directly influenced by the individual.

An excellent business environment

Many of the world's major companies have chosen Switzerland as the location for their global, European or regional headquarters, their international finance companies or research and development facilities. Some examples are Amgen (European headquarters) in Lucerne, LEGO (production facilities) in Zug, Kühne & Nagel (international holding) in Schwyz, Philip Morris (European headquarters) in Vaud, Compaq Computers (European headquarters) in Kloten/Zurich, or the IBM research laboratory in Rueschlikon/Zurich.

As a result of recent corporate tax reforms, doing business in Switzerland has become even more attractive as the tax system has been further improved. Also as a result of these reforms, the Swiss holding company gained again attractiveness and ranks today among the best holding jurisdictions in the world.

Switzerland is often perceived as a very expensive country and accessible only to wealthy individuals and large companies. However the overall cost of living and doing business in Switzerland compares very favourably with Germany, France, the Netherlands or the USA. What counts is what you get: State-of-the-art transport, communications, energy supplies and waste disposal systems cost no more in Switzerland than the price paid elsewhere for traffic congestion and environmental degradation.

Swiss Banking and Insurance

Banking and insurance are the foundation of Switzerland's financial system, which is arguably the most solid in the world. Swiss banks and insurance companies are extremely safe as the entire Swiss financial industry is tightly regulated. By providing sophisticated services to the discerning investor, by offering financial privacy, and through their solid reputation, safety and worldwide presence, Swiss banks and insurance companies are unique. Click here for more information on Swiss Annuities and Life Insurance

Some of the many advantages of Switzerland include:

	Political, social and economic stability
	Multi-lingual, highly qualified and motivated workforce
	First-class infrastructure, excellent banking facilities
	Very attractive lifestyle and healthy environment
	Efficient and reliable public services
	Possible fiscal incentives for substantial investments
	Favourable taxation system with moderate tax rates

To establish yourself or your business in Switzerland will require securing relationships with key partners such as government officials, bankers and corporate professionals. You need experienced consultants to build a network of contacts and help you to become established in your new environment.

The specialised services of Henley & Partners are a resource and complement to other law and consulting firms. We can help other firms and their clients with the unique and specific details required by the immigration and business relocation process and related tax planning.

Every day, private clients, businesses as well as other law and consulting firms worldwide rely on us for professional advice on doing business in Switzerland, tax planning, real estate, and more. Let the combined expertise and global reach of our consultants and associates work for you. For further information or to arrange a private consultation contact us today.

To find out more about the possibilities of residence and business opportunities in Switzerland, contact Henley & Partners. Through our offices in Zurich and Zug, we are best positioned to advise and assist you with all matters regarding Switzerland.