What is it that makes Switzerland an attractive country for entrepreneurs? Switzerland has a stable political and economic environment which allows for greater predictability, which is much appreciated by entrepreneurs. Its natural beauty and safe environment are all highly appreciated, and the Swiss financial marketplace is very strong and influential. Swiss policy is based on the economic development of entrepreneurs, both medium-sized and multinational companies. In addition, Switzerland is the home of many important NGOs and headquarters of various types of companies, with outwardlooking government policy and a welcoming attitude towards foreign entrepreneurs. Its world-renowned health system and education system, including private, public and international schools, continue to be highly valued by individuals and families. In addition to this, the Swiss tax system is recognised as being advantageous to entrepreneurs. This being said, our law firm’s experience tends to confirm that over the last few years the trend has changed, as a result of which people are looking less at the tax advantages and more towards the many other benefits of living in Switzerland. Has there been a noticeable change in the number of prospective businessmakers seeking entry to the country? Why do you think this might be? Since the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons between the European Union and Switzerland (AFMP)’s entry into force on 1 June 2002, the gap between Swiss citizens and foreigners with a self-employed activity in Switzerland has slightly decreased (in 2002 there was a difference of 7.8 points; in 2017 this had become a difference of 6.5 points). According to the last official statistics, 7.9% of the Swiss working population are selfemployed foreigners. We wish to point out that foreigners who have been naturalised are counted as Swiss citizens in these statistics. Furthermore, Switzerland encourages innovation, ranking second to the US What is Switzerland’s Attraction for Entrepreneurs? 56 LAWYER MONTHLY MAY 2023 Why do entrepreneurs gravitate towards Switzerland as a home base for new businesses? What are the advantages and legal challenges of doing so? We discover more in this interview with partner Béatrice Stahel and associates Arthur Seppey and Catherine Lagger-Fournier at MC AVOCATS SA, a leading Swiss business law firm that specialises in the relocation of individuals and entrepreneurs. Expert Insight
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