Top 5 Swiss Cantons and Cities to Launch a Startup in 2025
A Strategic Guide for Foreign Entrepreneurs
Switzerland has long attracted entrepreneurs from around the world thanks to its political stability, competitive taxation, and outstanding infrastructure. But for a foreign investor or founder, choosing the right canton and city to establish a startup in Switzerland in 2025 is a strategic decision that goes far beyond tax rates.
Each city has its own profile: specific economic environment, talent pool, educational and medical institutions, quality of life, access to markets and international networks. This guide provides an in-depth analysis of five key destinations — Geneva, Lucerne, Zug, Zurich, and Basel — to help you choose the ecosystem best suited for your startup in Switzerland.
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Geneva – Switzerland’s International Gateway for Startups
Geneva is one of Europe’s most international hubs to launch a startup in Switzerland. With nearly 50% foreign population, a multilingual environment, and competitive taxation (~14.7%), it is particularly attractive for fintech, healthtech, and social impact startups. Its strategic position on the Lake Geneva arc and its international airport, connected to over 140 destinations, make it a natural base for expansion into Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
Economic profile
- Strong position in finance, commodity trading, health, and social innovation.
- Home to international organizations (UN, WHO, WTO) and regional headquarters of multinationals.
- Startup ecosystem supported by FONGIT and its innovation fund.
Quality of life
- Natural setting: Lake Geneva, mountains, and ski resorts nearby.
- High safety standards and excellent public services.
- High cost of living, offset by some of the highest salaries in the world.
Human resources
- Multilingual workforce (French, English, Spanish, Arabic, Portuguese).
- International business culture and strong global market orientation.
Education & universities
- University of Geneva (law, economics, international relations).
- Prestigious international schools (International School of Geneva, Institut Florimont).
Healthcare & hospitals
- Geneva University Hospitals (HUG): cutting-edge care and research.
- Genolier Clinic: premium private healthcare.
Establishing a startup in Geneva means choosing a global ecosystem where access to capital, talent, and international decision-makers meets Swiss quality of life. Ideal for foreign entrepreneurs seeking to combine global networking with local stability.
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Lucerne – The Perfect Balance Between Business and Quality of Life to establish a startup in Switzerland
Located in the heart of Switzerland, Lucerne stands out with very low corporate taxation (~11.9%) to setup a startup in Switzerland and an exceptional living environment. Less publicized than Zurich or Geneva, it offers a peaceful atmosphere while staying connected to major economic centers. It is an ideal base for foreign entrepreneurs looking for a balance between tax competitiveness and quality of life.
Economic profile
- Key sectors: high-end tourism, light industry, financial services.
- Proximity to Zurich, Zug, and Bern.
Quality of life
- Stunning landscapes: Lake Lucerne and surrounding mountains.
- Family-friendly, safe environment.
- Slightly lower cost of living compared to larger Swiss cities.
Human resources
- Multilingual workforce (German, English, French).
- Talent pool from regional universities and specialized schools.
Education & universities
- University of Lucerne (law, economics, social sciences).
- Specialized schools in tourism, management, and engineering.
Healthcare & hospitals
- Luzerner Kantonsspital: modern cantonal hospital.
- Private clinics for personalized care.
Lucerne is an excellent choice for foreign entrepreneurs prioritizing low taxation, central accessibility across Switzerland, and a top-tier living environment to attract and retain international talent.
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Zug – The Tax Haven and Crypto Valley
Zug is globally known for its unbeatable tax rate (~11.85%) and its central role in the Crypto Valley. This small canton hosts an impressive number of international holdings, blockchain startups, and fintech companies. Its proximity to Zurich and Lucerne makes it a strategic base for startups in Switzerland and international business.
Economic profile
- Swiss leader in blockchain, crypto, and fintech.
- Massive presence of multinational headquarters and trading companies.
- Strong network through the Crypto Valley Association.
Quality of life
- Compact, safe, and green city.
- Premium lifestyle with quick access to mountains and lake.
- High cost of living balanced by high incomes.
Human resources
- Highly qualified talent in finance, IT, law, and engineering.
- English widely used in business.
Education & universities
- International School of Zug and Lucerne (English-language education).
- Quick access to Zurich and Lucerne universities.
Healthcare & hospitals
- Zug Cantonal Hospital for general care.
- Fast access to Zurich university hospitals.
Zug is the obvious choice for foreign entrepreneurs in crypto, fintech, or international holdings seeking to combine tax optimization with proximity to Switzerland’s main business hubs.
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Zurich – Switzerland’s Economic and Tech Capital
Zurich is Switzerland’s economic engine and is ranked among the most livable cities worldwide. It combines a powerful startup ecosystem, a high concentration of investors, and a highly skilled workforce. Ideal for international scale-ups and deeptech projects.
Economic profile
- Key industries: fintech, deeptech, medtech, insurance, banking.
- Regional headquarters of many multinationals.
- Startup ecosystem supported by Technopark Zurich and leading universities.
Quality of life
- Cosmopolitan, safe city.
- Direct access to the lake, the Alps, and winter sports.
- High cost of living, offset by strong purchasing power.
Human resources
- Highly skilled workforce.
- Business culture driven by performance and innovation.
Education & universities
- ETH Zurich (top 10 globally in engineering).
- University of Zurich (economics, law, medicine).
- Renowned international schools.
Healthcare & hospitals
- University Hospital Zurich: advanced care and medical research.
- High-end private clinics.
Zurich is the best choice to setup a startup in Switzerland for foreign entrepreneurs seeking direct access to investors, talent, and global networks, all within a cutting-edge technological ecosystem.
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Basel – Europe’s Life Sciences Hub
Basel is Switzerland’s life sciences capital and a strategic hub for biotech and medtech. Located at the border with France and Germany, it offers unique access to the European market while benefiting from Swiss stability and tax advantages.
Economic profile
- Home to pharma giants (Novartis, Roche).
- Over 800 companies active in health and chemistry.
- Support programs such as BaselArea.swiss and BaseLaunch.
Quality of life
- Cultural city (Art Basel, international museums).
- Multicultural and trilingual (German, French, English).
- More affordable cost of living compared to Zurich or Geneva.
Human resources
- Specialized talent in life sciences, chemistry, and health.
- Strong collaboration between industry and academia.
Education & universities
- University of Basel (Switzerland’s oldest, strong in sciences).
- Specialized schools in health and chemistry.
Healthcare & hospitals
- University Hospital Basel: research and advanced care.
- Private clinics for specialized treatment.
Basel is the ideal place for foreign entrepreneurs in biotech, medtech, and pharma, offering proximity to global leaders, a European network, and competitive taxation.
Choosing the Right Canton for Your Swiss Startup in Switzerland
- International network and foreign capital access → Geneva
- Low taxes and peaceful environment → Lucerne
- Tax optimization and blockchain ecosystem → Zug
- Economic powerhouse and tech ecosystem → Zurich
- Life sciences and European market access → Basel
Switzerland offers every foreign entrepreneur a stable tax framework, exceptional quality of life, and specialized ecosystems ready to support innovative growth. In 2025, choosing one of these five cantons means laying solid foundations for lasting success on both Swiss and international markets.
Expert Services of My Swiss Company SA for International Entrepreneurs
For more than 15 years, My Swiss Company SA has been assisting foreign investors and founders in setting up and launching startups in Switzerland, whether as a SA (AG) or Sàrl (GmbH). The company provides a turnkey service covering the entire process: strategic advice on canton and legal structure selection, drafting and filing articles of incorporation, work permit and visa applications, business domiciliation, bank account opening, VAT fiscal representation, resident director services in Switzerland, accounting, taxation, payroll management, insurance advisory, and full administrative support.
Thanks to in-depth expertise in cantonal specifics, Swiss tax regulations, and the needs of international entrepreneurs, My Swiss Company SA ensures a fast setup, fully compliant with legal requirements, and perfectly aligned with each client’s long-term development objectives.
FAQ – Top 5 Swiss Cantons and Cities to Launch a Startup in 2025
Q1: What are the best Swiss cantons to launch a startup in 2025?
The five most attractive destinations are: Geneva (international network), Lucerne (low taxation and quality of life), Zug (Crypto Valley and tax optimization), Zurich (economic and tech capital), and Basel (European life sciences hub).
Q2: Why does Geneva attract foreign entrepreneurs?
Geneva combines competitive taxation, a unique international network, a multilingual workforce, and the presence of international organizations and multinationals, making it ideal for fintech, healthtech, and social impact startups.
Q3: What tax advantages does Lucerne offer?
Lucerne has a corporate tax rate of around 11.9%, among the lowest in Switzerland, while offering an exceptional natural environment and central access to the whole country.
Q4: Why is Zug called the “Crypto Valley”?
Zug became a global hub for blockchain and cryptocurrencies thanks to very attractive taxation (~11.85%), a favorable regulatory framework, and the Crypto Valley Association, which connects a dense network of startups and investors.
Q5: What are Zurich’s strengths for startups?
Zurich offers a leading tech ecosystem, direct access to investors, two world-class universities (ETH Zurich and University of Zurich), and a highly skilled workforce.
Q6: Why is Basel Switzerland’s life sciences capital?
Basel hosts more than 800 companies in pharma, biotech, and medtech, is home to Novartis and Roche headquarters, and benefits from a strategic location on the French and German borders.
Q7: Which canton should I choose first to set up a startup in Switzerland?
It depends on your sector: Geneva for international business, Lucerne for soft taxation, Zug for fintech/blockchain, Zurich for tech and funding, and Basel for health and life sciences.
Q8: How can My Swiss Company SA support a foreign entrepreneur?
For over 15 years, My Swiss Company SA has been guiding international entrepreneurs in creating and establishing companies in Switzerland. Its services include strategic advice, company formation, domiciliation, bank account opening, VAT representation, resident director services, work permit and visa applications, tax advisory, payroll and insurance management, and full administrative support.
