Graubünden/Grisons - Business Location with Quality of Life

Graubünden, also known as the Grisons, is the largest canton in Switzerland and is renowned worldwide for its tourism. Grabünden welcomes more than ten million tourists annually from all over the world, particularly to famous spots such as Engadin St. Moritz, Davos Klosters, and Flims Laax. The city of Davos is also host to several internationally important congresses, such as the World Economic Forum (WEF).

Excellent geographical location for international businesses

As well as making tourists and conference participants feel at home, this area is also a very attractive business location. A number of internationally renowned companies, such as Hamilton, Hoppe, Georg Fischer, Trumpf, Wittenstein, Würth International, Baxter, EMS Chemie and Cedes, are based in Graubünden.

Businesses are attracted by the excellent geographical position, close to the major German cities of Stuttgart and Munich, as well as the Italian city of Milan, a moderate tax rate (2010; 8.5% - max. 16.8% of net profit before taxes), well-organised infrastructure and 25% lower wage and real estate costs compared to Swiss metropolitan areas, and the highest quality of life in Switzerland (Cantonal rating, FACTS 2006). These location advantages are extremely lucrative, particularly for small and medium-sized businesses.

Dynamic economic development

The most developed industrial areas are the Bündner Rhine Valley and the Vorderes Prättigau, where about half of the canton's gross domestic product is generated. Graubünden is currently undergoing a phase of dynamic economic development with the objective of increasing the number of industrial sites and business areas. New industrial sites such as Tardisland, the biggest site in south eastern Switzerland, and San Vittore in the southern part of Graubünden, are currently undergoing development, and are about one hour's drive away from Zürich and Milan respectively.

Business location for life sciences and high technology

The Bündner Rhine Valley is evolving into a leading area for life sciences and high technology, including mechanical and precision engineering, electronics, sensors, mechatronics, chemicals, plastics, and information and communication technology.

These future-oriented key industries and their respective research institutes, such as the Centre Suisse d'Electronic et de Microtechnique SA (CSEM) and the AO foundation, have attracted other companies to invest in Graubünden. A new law is being drawn up to strengthen higher education, support research institutes, and increase knowledge and technology transfer to the region, thus consolidating its position as an up-and-coming business and industry hub.

Active support from the economic development and tourism agency

The local administration and authorities are geared to the needs of enterprises and investors, and requests are handled in a smooth and unbureaucratic manner. The economic development and tourism agency is a central contact point and one-stop-shop for new and existing companies. It informs, coordinates and actively supports entrepreneurs, and can offer financial support in the form of loans, contributions and tax reliefs.