Overview
OverviewThe Canton of Valais is located in southwestern Switzerland and is known for its spectacular Alpine landscapes, multilingual culture (French and German), and strategic position bordering France and Italy. With around 355,000 residents (2023), its capital is Sion. Valais combines a strong industrial base with leading roles in tourism, energy, and agriculture.
Economic Strengths & Infrastructure
✔ GDP: A diverse economy with strengths in energy production, precision industries, tourism, and agri-food.
✔ Key Industries: Hydropower and renewable energy, chemicals, medtech, ICT, food technology, and tourism (notably ski and wellness resorts).
✔ Education & Research: HES-SO Valais-Wallis (University of Applied Sciences), The Ark Innovation ecosystem for applied research and start-ups.
✔ Transport & Connectivity: Key Alpine transit routes, excellent rail connections to Geneva, Bern, and Milan; motorway links and proximity to Geneva Airport.
Taxation
Legal entities: Legal entities are subject to a corporate income tax at the tax rate of 16.1% (Sion) and a capital tax of 0.5% on taxable equity. Dividend income and capital gains from qualifying participations are exempted from corporate tax due to the participation exemption.
Individuals: Individuals are subject to progressive income tax with the top effective tax rates between 35.5% (Verbier) and 40% (Leukerbad). Private capital gains are tax exempt and dividends from qualifying participations are taxed with a discount of 40% at the cantonal and 30% at the federal level. Therefore, depending on the income structure, the effective tax rate may be significant. The canton levies wealth tax on an individual’s net wealth. Lump-sum taxation regime available.
Government Support for Business Location
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✔ Valais Economic Promotion Office Supports companies with site search, administrative formalities, and integration into local networks. Learn more |
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✔ The Ark Foundation (Innovation and Tech Transfer) Provides incubation, tech transfer, and innovation support for start-ups and SMEs. Learn more |
| ✔ Regional Business Networks Support for industrial zones, tourism businesses, and SMEs in various sectors. |
Additional Advantages
✔ Transparent legal environment and efficient company formation process.
✔ High-performance infrastructure, including energy security and digital connectivity.
✔ Exceptional living environment: world-class tourism, cultural richness, and family-friendly communities.
Useful Official Links
The Canton of Valais offers a unique blend of natural beauty, industrial strength, and innovation opportunities. LINDEMANNLAW advises individuals, families, and entrepreneurs on migration law, corporate law, tax, and legal aspects of relocating to Valais.