VAUD: THE PERFECT SETTING TO INVEST

Our agency is the partner of foreign companies wishing to set up in Switzerland, in the canton of Vaud. With more than 2,000 high-tech companies and 50,000 direct jobs, numerous universities, centers of higher education and research centers, our canton forms a living ecosystem, strongly connected locally and internationally, and focused on people.

The access to talents, multiculturalism, political and economic stability, companies and skills of our region make it a unique innovation hub for those who wish to establish their headquarters, a site for production, research or R&D, right in the heart of Europe.

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Handbook for investors

In this guide we provide useful, detailed information on setting up and running a business in Vaud and in Switzerland.

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OUR « INVEST » SERVICES AT A GLANCE

Each year, we meet entrepreneurs from around the world to assess their needs. We give them a one-stop shop for help with the various steps involved in setting up their business in our region, free of charge. Learn more about our services below.

Company visits

We support foreign companies during their assessment of the canton of Vaud as a potential site for their business, R&D, or production activities by organizing visits.

Fiscal and financial framework

Companies registered in Switzerland benefit from lower taxation rates than in most European countries. Additionally, the national VAT rate is by far the lowest on the continent at just 7.7%. We collaborate with law firms with significant experience in working with international firms and we provide advice on financial tools available for newly registered companies.

Company creation

We assist companies in all the necessary steps to set up their company in the canton of Vaud, including choosing the right legal form, connecting with a bank and a notary, as well as registering with the company register. As each project is unique, companies benefit from personalized advice.

Real estate

The canton of Vaud has numerous premises than can accommodate any type of administrative, commercial, industrial or technological activities. Additionally, large plots of constructible land are available throughout the canton. We help companies find and identify the best sites according to their needs, which could for example be in one of the canton’s seven state-of-the-art technology parks.

Key advice and support

In collaboration with the Employment Office (SDE) and the Population Service (SPOP), we support companies arriving in the canton for all their administrative procedures related to the hiring of staff, such as visas, work permits, and the payment of salaries. We also put them in touch with the right partners in the academic world as well as with reputable recruitment firms.

Connection

Our agency has a large network of partners and contacts in the political, industrial, academic and banking sectors, both in Switzerland and abroad. Additionally, we offer companies the opportunity to network at our weekly or monthly events to facilitate their integration into the Vaud ecosystem.

We grow innovation

Vaud is the perfect setting to invest and innovate in the heart of Europe. Discover our region's assets in video or via our digital channels!

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"The canton of Vaud is a unique place where ideas thrive thanks to the high density of technology companies and the multidisciplinary nature of the innovation areas."

Per Falk, President Ferring Pharmaceuticals

What do you know about Switzerland?

Why invest in the canton of Vaud

At the crossroads of the world

The region has a glowing global reputation, in particular thanks to the various international events that are organized there.

Center of innovation

The canton of Vaud is a leading European hub in terms of technology and innovation, most notably in research and development.

Qualified workforce

Thanks to its education and professional training system, the canton of Vaud has an extensive workforce that is qualified and often multilingual.

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Our success stories

CISCO

This US giant which specializes in network equipment has been based in Rolle since 2007. The group also has a development unit within the EPFL Innovation Park and is anticipating widespread digital disruption across all sectors of industry.

Flyability

Plus sûrs, plus rapides et moins coûteux: les drones de la start-up<br />vaudoise Flyability ont conquis le marché de la vérification d’installations difficiles d’accès.

Merck

Merck develops advanced treatments in the canton of Vaud. Now, the German multinational plans to expand its production capacity in the region.

See all our success stories

GET IN TOUCH WITH OUR KEY ACCOUNT MANAGERS!

Our team is at your disposal for personalized advice on setting up a company or running an innovation project in the canton of Vaud.

Yuliya Blaser

Head of Investment

ICT, Digital, SportTech

Xavier Philipona

Senior Investment Officer

Frédéric Reymond

Key Account Manager

Life sciences, FoodTech