Canton Zurich Economic Development Department
"We strengthen Zurich as a location and make the work of employees and companies easier."
Please contact us regarding location issues and starting up companies in Canton Zurich. For larger projects, we assist companies by 'piloting' them through the administration, and we always aim to ensure that the administrative burden for companies is kept low. To strengthen future-oriented industries in Canton Zurich, we encourage networking among companies and other organizations in selected sectors along the value creation chain.
Canton Zurich – Your Next Location?
We offer support for companies who are interested in setting up here throughout the entire process of evaluating locations until they start operations at their new address, and we collaborate closely with partners from the private sector. We aim to be a "one-stop shop," acting as the point of entry to the cantonal administration for companies who are interested in setting up in Canton Zurich, and we coordinate the various aspects to ensure a smooth procedure.
Work Permits
The Work Permits Department examines applications and issues permits for foreign employees in Canton Zurich who do not yet benefit from the free movement of persons between Switzerland and the EU. Many applications are submitted via e-workpermits.zh.ch; Canton Zurich's online platform was the first one to be certified in Europe.
Canton Zurich Company Foundation Platform
Do you have a good business idea and want to set up a company quickly and easily? At the Canton Zurich Company Foundation Platform, you can discover which points need to be clarified and how to proceed.
Economic Development: Cluster Activities and Young Entrepreneurship
As well as handling location business, the Economic Development Department cooperates with the City of Zurich Economic Development Department to initiate and support cluster activities and projects to encourage young entrepreneurship. The Economic Development Department is involved in various projects to ensure that young enterprises will find good conditions when they start out in Zurich, and it aims to make the difficult initial period somewhat easier for them.
Through better networking, the cluster activities are intended to optimize value and knowledge creation chains, to encourage innovation and to raise external awareness. These activities are promoted: creative business, life sciences, information and communication technologies, clean-tech, and the financial sector which is so vital for Zurich.
Are You a New Resident in Canton Zurich?
The "Welcome website" offers you links to other websites, information and a host of useful tips that will make it easier for you get off to a good start in our canton.
Organization of the Economic Development Department
The Canton Zurich Economic Development Department comprises the Cluster and Sector Team and the Work Permits Department. The Economic Development Department is part of the Office for Economic Development and Labor within the Economic Directorate of Canton Zurich.
We also cooperate closely with the regional and municipal economic development departments.
Marketing for the extended Zurich economic area (the cantons of Graubünden, Glarus, Schwyz, Zug, Zurich, Aargau, Schaffhausen, and Solothurn) is handled abroad in cooperation with the Greater Zurich Area Marketing Organization.