Doing business in Switzerland: Case Studies of Korean companies

The bilateral economic relationship between South Korea and Switzerland is founded on a regulatory framework. In 1971, the two countries signed a bilateral investment and protection agreement, followed by a double taxation avoidance agreement in 1980. In 2006, the Korea-EFTA Free Trade Agreement came into effect, with 
Switzerland as a member of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA).

Building on this regulatory framework, the two countries have continued to achieve economic growth, with a recent increase in Korean companies establishing European entities in Switzerland. As of 2025, around 50 Korean companies are operating legal entities in Switzerland. Korean companies from diverse sectors, including manufacturing, life sciences, IoT, finance, and lifestyle, are increasingly focusing on Switzerland as a strategic gateway to expand into Europe. In particular, many Korean businesses in innovation and service industries are establishing a presence in Switzerland.

Companies that have expanded into Switzerland recognize it as an open and efficient business location, thanks to its excellent human resources, open society, free market principles, and political, economic, and social stability. Swiss Business Hub Korea has produced this booklet featuring the stories of companies that have successfully established and continue to operate businesses in Switzerland. We hope this provides a valuable opportunity to firsthand learn from those who have experienced the benefits of doing business in Switzerland.