Switzerland has a population of 7.6 million. The per capita GDP of its citizens is among the highest in the world. The Swiss economy has a highly developed service sector led by financial services and a manufacturing industry that specialises in high-technology, knowledge-based products and services.
New Zealand’s main exports include sheep meat, unwrought aluminium, venison, chemical wood pulp, oils and fish fillets.
Common entry points
Zürich is the largest city in Switzerland and its main commercial centre. Surveys have shown Zurich’s citizens to have a quality of life among the best in the world and some of its greatest wealth. Berne is the capital.
The wider Zurich area is Switzerland's economic centre and home to many international companies.
Getting your product into market
Duties vary according to the item imported.
There are tariffs and quotas on many agricultural products.
Imported goods and services are subject to a Swiss value added tax (VAT). The standard VAT rate is 7.6 percent, but for certain goods and services there is a reduced rate of 2.4 percent.
Tax
Resident companies are taxed on their worldwide income, except for profits from foreign branches. Non-resident companies are taxed on their permanent establishment branch income.
For private investments, dividends are subject to a 35 percent withholding tax.
Logistics
A number of airlines provide flights between Auckland and Zurich, including British Airways, Singapore Airlines, Qantas Airways, Air Canada, Emirates and Air New Zealand.
Setting up an office
Location is an important consideration when deciding where to set up an office in Switzerland. Costs, taxes and employment issues vary considerably among cantons (regions). Incentives for foreign investment may be available.
Foreign employees must have work permits granted at canton level and approved at the federal level.
Cultural and business tips
- Switzerland's business customs and practices are similar, though possibly more conservative and formal, when compared to other northern European countries.
- Punctuality is important.
- Switzerland is a multi-lingual country. Sixty-four percent of the population speak Swiss-German and 20 percent French. English is widely spoken in business circles.
