Comprehensive information and links about Switzerland Schwyz

Schwyz is the capital of the Canton of Schwyz, Switzerland.

As of 2002 its population is 14'045. With the territory of 53.17 km², the population density is 264

The Canton of Schwyz - an Outline

Characteristics • a canton in the heart of the country, easily managed • no genuine centres of industry • a tightly funded and hence efficient administration • efficient instruments for promoting industry • clear and manageable organisation • long-term balanced financial situation with low tax burden • established democracy with stable conditions • unspoilt recreational region at the foot of the Alps

Aims of economic policy TheThe Canton of Schwyz intends to locate those industrial and service operations that provide jobs for qualified staff, manufacture in a way that is compatible with the environment, have a value-added quota that is as high as possible and are of small or medium-size. International headquarters are a further target group..

It appeals to those entrepreneurs who wish to relocate in an area with outstanding infrastructures and who particularly value entrepreneurial freedom.

Economic structure The Canton of Schwyz has no dominating industries and – with one exception – no genuine industrial giant. There are mainly fairly small and medium-sized commercial operations. 88% of all companies employ fewer than ten employees. Only 0.6% have a workforce of more than 100. This means that when market conditions change adjustments can be made quickly and more flexibly. The aftermath of a recession is not quite so deep.

Within the canton, economic development is varied. One can find industry side by side with areas where agriculture, international or local tourism, and recreation are practically the only source of employment. These varied levels of development are reflected in the tax burden within the canton.

Labour market within the canton About half the population (55.4%) is gainfully employed. 4.7% are still employed in agriculture, 32.6% in the sector of industry and trade and 62.7% in the services industry.

Every day approximately 20,100 workers commute to jobs outside the canton. This is equivalent to nearly 29% of those employed. It can be assumed that most people prefer to work close to their homes. From this point of view the labour potential is very good.

Instruments for promoting the economy The Canton of Schwyz is not familiar with investment subsidies and special terms in the form of direct payments to companies and businesses. Management initiative is highly regarded in this area, too.

This means that what is available as far as the promotion of trade and industry are concerned is essentially restricted to providing good services. But this is particularly intensive. Manageable organization in terms of administration for both employers and employees and the largely intact population structure all explain why it is possible to work expeditiously.

Essentially the Commercial Department is the office responsible for economic development and can also contact other bodies (such as the office for industry, trade and labor, aliens department, labor inspectorate, revenue department, commercial register, etc.).

The uncomplicated Schwyz administration is aware that prompt handling of affairs and ‘citizen friendliness’ are part of these favorable conditions, but are non-quantifiable.

The ins and outs of tax legislation The tax rate may be said to be low but precise. Maintaining an attractive rate of taxation is a declared objective of the legislature’s economic policy. Taxation for investment, holding, foreign base and mixed companies is particularly attractive. For this a special directive can be requested from the business promotion service (address at end).

Schwyz is the only canton in Switzerland with no inheritance or gift tax.