Relocation to the Canton of Jura | Migration Law, Corporate Law and Tax

Overview

The Canton of Jura is Switzerland’s youngest canton, established in 1979 after separating from Bern. Located in the northwestern Jura Mountains and bordering France, it has about 74,000 residents (2023). The capital is Delémont. Jura is French-speaking and known for its precision industries, quality of life, and competitive business environment — particularly for SMEs and manufacturers.

Economic Strengths & Infrastructure

✔ GDP: Highly specialized in manufacturing, particularly microtechnology and watchmaking, with a strong SME sector.
✔ Key Industries: Watchmaking, microtech, medtech, agri-food, renewable energy, forestry, and precision engineering.
✔ Education & Research: Haute École Arc (HE-Arc), University of Applied Sciences of Western Switzerland (HES-SO), and tech incubators like Creapole.
✔ Transport & Connectivity: Rail and motorway links to Basel, Bern, and France; nearby access to Basel-Mulhouse Airport and key European corridors.$

Taxation

Legal entities: Legal entities are subject to a corporate income tax at the tax rate of 15.7% (Delémont) and a capital tax of 0.18% 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 35.4% (Kammersrohr) and 41.2% (Saignelégier). Private capital gains are tax exempt and dividends from qualifying participations are taxed with a discount of 30% 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

	✔ Jura Promotion Économique (Jura Economic Promotion Office) Supports investors with location scouting, financial incentives, fast-track permits, and regulatory advice. Learn more
	✔ Creapole – Innovation and Business Incubator Supports start-ups and SMEs with infrastructure, funding support, and business development services. Learn more
	✔ Jura Industrial Zones Several regional parks (e.g., Innodel, La Communance) offer ready-to-build land and serviced industrial lots.

Additional Advantages

✔ Attractive tax rates and financial incentives for new companies.
✔ Streamlined administrative procedures and accessible local government.
✔ High quality of life: nature, affordability, bilingual talent, and work-life balance.

Useful Official Links

The Canton of Jura offers an ideal platform for precision industries, start-ups, and cross-border entrepreneurs. LINDEMANNLAW advises on all legal and fiscal aspects of your relocation — including migration law, company setup, and Swiss-French cross-border tax planning tailored to Jura.