Company relocations – Valais gains, while Zurich loses the most businesses

CRIF AG examined the relocation destinations of businesses in the Commercial Register that moved their head offices within Switzerland in 2024. The Cantons of Valais, Appenzell Ausserrhoden, and Freiburg reported the highest net influx of businesses.

In 2024, 37,816 existing businesses relocated their head offices within Switzerland. Of these relocations, 80.6% occurred within the same canton, while 7,470 businesses moved to a different canton.

Valais records the highest net influx of companies

The highest net influx of companies from other cantons was reported by the Canton of Valais (88 businesses), followed by Appenzell Ausserrhoden (65) and Freiburg (39).

Valais mainly attracted businesses from the Cantons of Vaud (101) and Geneva (83). Appenzell Ausserrhoden benefited from relocations from St. Gallen (63), Zurich (45), and Zug (19). The Canton of Freiburg reported the highest number of incoming businesses from the Cantons of Vaud (80), Bern (67), and Geneva (21).

Zurich reports the highest net outflow of companies

The highest net outflow figures were seen in the Canton of Zurich (133 businesses). Other cantons reporting a high net outflow level were Vaud (‑87), Lucerne (‑61), and Bern (‑46).

Most businesses that left Zurich moved their headquarters to the Cantons of Zug (301), Aargau (237), and Schwyz (227). Companies from the Canton of Vaud moved to the Cantons of Geneva (152), Valais (101), and Freiburg (80). From the Canton of Lucerne, most business relocations were to the Cantons of Zug (115), Zurich (83), and Aargau (59).

About the survey process

The analysis looked at all businesses registered in the Commercial Register that relocated their head offices within Switzerland in 2024.