The Swiss Business Hub Japan, the official representative of Switzerland Global Enterprise in Japan, supports Japanese companies expanding into Switzerland and Europe.
In collaboration with cantonal, regional, and private-sector partners, the Hub - integrated into the diplomatic missions of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs - guides investors through every step, from evaluating Switzerland’s business advantages and selecting the ideal location to navigating legal, administrative, and tax matters. It also connects companies with innovation clusters, research centers, and universities to ensure a seamless and successful market entry.
Our team in Japan
I believe that there are many opportunities to gain a foothold in Switzerland for business diversification through inter-company collaborations, especially in the science background, and through industry-government-academia projects.
Masatoshi Aketagawa
Director Electronic Materials Development Center - Idemitsu Research and Business Development EuropeContact
Swiss Business Hub Japan
c/o Embassy of Switzerland
5 Chome-9-12 Minami-Azabu
1068589 Minato-ku
Japan
Frequently asked questions
Answers to the most common questions from Japanese investors
How does the Swiss Business Hub Japan support Japanese companies exploring Switzerland as a business location?
The Swiss Business Hub Japan offers free, confidential and hands-on support throughout the entire exploration and establishment process. This includes market intelligence, introductions to cantonal authorities and Switzerland Innovation Parks, fact-finding missions and ongoing guidance after landing. As an official organization mandated by the Swiss Confederation and the cantons, Switzerland Global Enterprise is a neutral and trusted first point of contact for Japanese companies considering FDI or R&D collaboration in Switzerland.
Is it difficult to sustain a business in Switzerland given its high living and labor costs?
Although Switzerland has relatively high salary and living costs, companies benefit from access to a highly skilled and multilingual workforce. In addition, income tax, social security, and pension contributions are often lower than in many other European countries, meaning that the overall cost burden for employers may not be significantly different in practice. Switzerland also offers a high degree of political and economic stability, supported by its long-standing neutrality. Furthermore, corporate tax rates are comparatively attractive by European standards.
As Switzerland is not a member of the European Union, can Japanese companies still use it as a base for their European operations
Yes. Switzerland is located at the heart of Europe and is closely integrated with the EU through an extensive network of bilateral agreements. Companies based in Switzerland benefit from excellent transport links, a highly international business environment and access to key European markets. Switzerland is therefore well suited for European headquarters, R&D centres and other high-value activities, particularly for Japanese companies in sectors such as life sciences, advanced manufacturing, robotics and clean technologies.
