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Location Switzerland! Study of Crédit Suisse - 2010
Credit Suisse has published a locational quality indicator (LQI) for the cantons and regions in Switzerland since a multiple of years now. The new one for 2010 was just published today.
Not surprisingly there are the known relevant locations such as Zug and Zurich at the forefront, and peripheral regions, such as Wallis and Jura on the bottom of the list.
However, this LQI is a farily theoretical value. Location comparisons using statistical characteristics and mathematical models are often biased, so the result is almost a prejudice of the assumptions made. In addition, questions of location per se are extremely complex, as each investment project couple different requirements, personal matters, prefinded necessities and other elements, neglecting whether they have more short-or long-term influence.
To have a low tax rate in a specific Canton is nice but says litteraly little about what real cost one will encounter. What is the genious tax practice, which deductions are tolerated and to what extend, which tax rate really applies to my company and the size of my business. Do they understands my business and is the environment suitable for what my business is needing. What about the availability of employees, the cost of production. Such questions can amplify and guide a calculated LQI in any direction.
Then the question about charges: What does the foundation of the company costs, the administration, can I find staff and for what salary. It makes a difference whether one settles in Central Switzerland like Zug, with practical full employment or at the border to Germany / France where skilled workers are still available and yet for far better terms.
Or do you have a technology company? Whether your branch is life sciences, medical technology, the watch or operate machinery, can also affect your choice of location. You might want to go where people understand your language, know your business (sometimes also the opposite). Switzerland has four official languages, something you should consider as well! For the record, did you know that each canton has its own tax system (26!) and even each community (3000) has it own.
You shall not try to understand Switzerland with the values you might have experienced abroad. Switzerland is amazingly different in many ways, for the good and for the bad. Although a very small in size, Switzerland is extremely heterogeneous because of its unique political system (federalism and direct democracy). Switzerland is somehow a miniature copy of today's European Union but much smaller. It is not always easy to get an overview and you have to invest some time to make comparisons. However, it's worth it! Proof are the numerous foreign companies which continue to establish entities and the important immigration.
YOu don't have to do this on your own. We from Lemur Scouting GmbH are willing to support you in all related matters. Profit from long year of experiences and contact us. We are active all over Switzerland.