Appenzell Ausserrhoden - An Attractive Location for Any Organisation

Appenzell Ausserrhoden is a small canton, but it is big in business. In addition to large companies, there are numerous small and medium-sized enterprises where both highly-experienced professionals and the latest university graduates are in high demand.

The balanced spread of small-to-medium size businesses and large international conglomerates makes Appenzell Ausserrhoden an attractive location for any sector.

Main sectors include health and social services, electrical engineering, textiles and metal products. Its multifaced economic structure offers a wide variety of products, especially for high-tech solutions and companies providing services.

High standards, low costs: Appenzell Ausserrhoden's economic structure

Thanks to its economic structure, Appenzell Ausserrhoden is able to distinguish and establish itself through its pronounced growth orientation. A regulatory framework that favours entrepreneurs and efficient staff ensures a high return on investment in Appenzell Ausserrhoden as well.

In addition, an increasing number of new companies have set up their offices in the region, many of them thanks to the fact that corporate profits are taxed at only six percent. Despite the low unemployment figures, the canton of Appenzell Ausserrhoden has an above-average supply of qualified labour at its disposal. At the same time, companies profit from the cross-boarder labour market.

Labour and living costs are among the lowest in Switzerland. Even real estate for business activity and private use is quite low in price.

Quick export market access to Germany, Italy and Austria

The central location in eastern Switzerland, near Lake Constance, gives customers fast access to export markets such as Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein and Italy.

Within an hour you are able to pass three of four boarders and reach a further two airports (Zurich and Altenrhein). Additionally, it takes you only a few minutes longer to reach the airport of Friedrichshafen in Germany.

A population of roughly 53,000 citizens live in the twenty communes. Appenzell Ausserrhoden's capital is Herisau, which is the location of most of the cantonal government offices. The region's small size ultimately provides the advantages of manageability and efficiency without excessive bureaucracy.

As well as this, the population is also famous for its sense of humour and unique traditions, such as celebrating New Year's Eve twice.

The office for economics of Appenzell Ausserrhoden, with its short official channels, supports customers in both multifaceted and practical ways, means clear and transparent relationships can be formed, with adept consultation available.

We provide support to existing businesses and assist start-ups, as well as long-established companies who would like to build up their business in Appenzell Ausserrhoden. Dialogue and solidarity among businesses is given pride of place in Appenzell Ausserrhoden.