Find a Commercial Space in Switzerland for Your Business

Published on September 29, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Switzerland, known for its economic stability and business-friendly environment, attracts many entrepreneurs looking to establish their companies there. Whether you’re looking for commercial space, an office, or a warehouse, finding the perfect location for your business is a crucial step. This article will guide you through the various steps and options available to find the professional space that best suits your needs in Switzerland.

Keys to Finding Your Dream Professional Space

Finding the ideal space for your business in Switzerland requires a methodical and well-planned approach. Here are some effective strategies to help with your search:

Define your needs precisely: Before starting your search, create a detailed list of your criteria. Consider the necessary square footage, desired location, allocated budget, essential equipment, and specifics related to your business. This step will help you target offers that match your expectations more effectively.

Use specialized online platforms: Many Swiss websites are dedicated to commercial property rentals. Portals like ImmoScout24, Homegate, or Comparis offer a wide selection of properties for rent throughout the country. Use search filters to refine your results according to your criteria.

Work with a local real estate agent: Real estate professionals have excellent knowledge of the local market and can save you valuable time. They often have access to offers that haven’t been published yet and can negotiate on your behalf with property owners.

Explore business parks: Swiss cities often have dedicated business zones offering suitable infrastructure and more competitive rents. Contact cantonal economic development offices to learn about opportunities in these areas.

Network and use word-of-mouth: In Switzerland, many opportunities arise through personal contacts. Attend professional events, join local entrepreneur associations, and don’t hesitate to talk about your search with people around you.

Visit locations and their surroundings: Once you’ve identified interesting spaces, take the time to visit them in person. Evaluate not only the interior but also the external environment: accessibility, public transportation, parking, proximity to services, etc.

Key Players in the Swiss Commercial Real Estate Market

To optimize your search for professional space in Switzerland, it’s essential to know the main market players. Here’s a list of the most reputable agencies and platforms for renting commercial spaces, offices, and warehouses:

• Wincasa: One of the market leaders, specialized in managing and renting commercial properties.
• SPG Intercity: Present in major Swiss cities, offers a wide range of real estate services for businesses.
• CBRE: International network with strong presence in Switzerland, expert in corporate real estate.

• ImmoScout24: Switzerland’s largest real estate portal, with a dedicated section for commercial spaces.
• Homegate: Offers a vast selection of professional properties for rent throughout the country.
• Comparis: Allows easy comparison of commercial rental offers.

• In Geneva: Régie du Rhône, Pilet & Renaud
• In Zurich: Intercity Verwaltungs-AG, Kuoni Mueller & Partner
• In Lausanne: Gérance Delacrétaz, Régie Braun SA

Cantonal economic development offices: These public organizations can direct you to rental opportunities in their canton’s business parks and inform you about available support.

Real estate management companies: Many property managers directly manage portfolios of commercial properties on behalf of owners. Contact them directly to learn about their offerings.

Professional networks: Cantonal chambers of commerce and professional associations can be excellent sources of information and contacts for finding space suitable for your business.

Don’t hesitate to diversify your sources and contact several of these players to maximize your chances of finding the ideal space. Each may have access to different offers and propose options you hadn’t considered.

Building a Strong Application: Essential Documents

When you’ve found the space that meets your expectations, you’ll need to build a strong application package to convince the owner or agency to choose you as a tenant. In Switzerland, requirements can be strict, especially for newly established or foreign companies. Here are the documents typically required:

• Commercial register extract (less than 3 months old)
• Company bylaws
• Balance sheets and income statements for the last two fiscal years (if available)
• Detailed business plan for startup companies
• Debt enforcement office certificate (less than 3 months old)

• Copy of ID or passport
• Residence permit for foreign nationals
• Personal debt enforcement office certificate (less than 3 months old)
• Last three pay stubs or tax declaration

• Proof of ability to pay the security deposit (typically 3 to 6 months’ rent)
• Bank solvency certificate
• Possibly a bank guarantee or personal surety

• Licenses or permits required for your business activity
• Professional liability insurance
• Any other relevant documents related to your industry

It’s important to note that requirements may vary by canton, municipality, type of space, and owner. Some landlords may request additional documents or stronger guarantees, especially for newly established companies or startups.

Prepare your documents in advance: Gather all these documents before you even start visiting properties. A complete and well-prepared package will allow you to react quickly when you find the ideal space, which can make a difference in a competitive market.

Be transparent: If your company is new or has particular financial characteristics, don’t hesitate to explain them clearly in a cover letter accompanying your application. Transparency is appreciated and can reassure the landlord.

Offer additional guarantees: If your application has weaknesses (recent company, limited revenue), consider offering additional guarantees, such as a personal surety or a larger advance rent payment.

Budget and Costs: What to Expect When Renting Commercial Space in Switzerland

Renting commercial space in Switzerland represents a significant investment that should be well anticipated. Costs can vary considerably depending on location, size, and quality of the property. Here’s an overview of the main expense categories to consider:

• Zurich and Geneva: 300 to 1000 CHF/m²/year for downtown offices
• Basel and Lausanne: 200 to 600 CHF/m²/year
• Medium-sized cities: 150 to 400 CHF/m²/year
• Industrial zones: 100 to 250 CHF/m²/year for warehouses

• Heating and hot water
• Common area maintenance
• Elevator
• Cleaning
• Various taxes

Security deposit: It’s generally equivalent to 3 to 6 months’ rent. This amount is blocked in a special bank account for the entire lease duration.

Agency fees: If you work through a real estate agency, fees may apply, typically equivalent to one month’s rent.

• Renovation or compliance work
• Furniture and IT equipment
• Signage and decoration

• Professional liability insurance
• Property and equipment insurance
• Possibly business interruption insurance

Taxes and local fees: Research the business taxes applicable in your chosen municipality.

Energy costs: Electricity, gas, and other energy consumption are typically the tenant’s responsibility and can represent a significant expense category.

Internet and telephone connection: Budget for installation and subscription costs for high-speed internet and a telephone system suited to your needs.

It’s crucial to properly estimate all these costs before committing. Don’t hesitate to request detailed quotes and negotiate certain aspects of the lease, such as the owner covering certain renovation work or a rent-free period at the beginning of the lease to allow you to get settled.

Attractive Cities and Regions: Where to Set Up at Lower Cost?

While major Swiss cities like Zurich, Geneva, or Basel offer interesting business opportunities, they’re also among the most expensive in Europe in terms of commercial rents. For entrepreneurs seeking better value for money, several cities and regions deserve consideration:

Lausanne and its region: The capital of Vaud canton offers an excellent compromise between economic dynamism and moderate costs. Areas like Bussigny or Crissier offer commercial spaces at attractive prices while benefiting from proximity to Lausanne.

Fribourg: This university city with growing economy offers rents significantly lower than major cities while benefiting from a central location in Switzerland.

Neuchâtel: Known for its watchmaking industry and cutting-edge technologies, Neuchâtel offers commercial spaces at competitive rates, particularly in its technology parks.

Biel/Bienne: Straddling French and German-speaking regions, Biel/Bienne offers easy access to markets in both of Switzerland’s main linguistic regions, with moderate real estate costs.

St. Gallen: This city in eastern Switzerland, known for its university and textile industry, offers commercial spaces at attractive prices while providing a high quality of life.

Sion and central Valais: The Valais capital and its surroundings are experiencing interesting economic development, with real estate costs significantly lower than those in the Lake Geneva region.

• Y-Parc in Yverdon-les-Bains (Vaud)
• BlueFactory in Fribourg
• Technopôle in Sierre (Valais)
• Switzerland Innovation Park in Biel/Bienne

Border regions: Areas near borders, like Jura, Ticino, or the Basel-Country region, can offer interesting opportunities, combining moderate Swiss costs with easy access to neighboring markets.

• Proximity to your target customers and suppliers
• Accessibility (public transportation, road network)
• Availability of qualified workforce
• Local business incentives and support
• Quality of life for your employees

Don’t hesitate to contact the economic development offices of different cantons. They can provide you with detailed information about business opportunities and available support in their region.

Support and Assistance: Help for Your Business Setup

Switzerland, though known for its economic liberalism, nevertheless offers various business support and assistance programs, particularly to facilitate business establishment. These supports vary by canton and municipality but can represent significant advantages for entrepreneurs. Here’s an overview of the main types of available support:

• Preferential rate loans for property acquisition or renovation
• Grants for setting up in certain priority economic zones
• Support for hiring and staff training

• Temporary exemptions from cantonal and municipal taxes (up to 10 years in some cases)
• Capital tax reductions for new businesses
• Tax deductions for R&D investments

• Business incubators offering spaces at moderate rents
• Technology parks offering infrastructure suited to startups
• Sector-specific incubators (biotech, fintech, etc.) with shared services

• Coaching services for new entrepreneurs
• Assistance finding suitable space
• Connections with local partners (suppliers, potential customers)

• Funding programs for innovative projects (Innosuisse)
• Facilitated access to university laboratories and equipment
• Networking with regional innovation clusters

• Guarantees to facilitate access to bank credit
• Export support (Switzerland Global Enterprise)
• Energy efficiency and sustainability programs

To benefit from these supports, here are some steps to take:

1. Contact the cantonal economic development office: This is often the entry point for information about available support and eligibility criteria.

2. Prepare a strong application: Your business plan, financial projections, and your company’s potential impact on the local economy will be determining factors.

3. Explore federal programs: Organizations like Innosuisse or the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) offer support programs at the national level.

4. Check with chambers of commerce: They can inform you about support specific to your industry.

5. Consult technology park and incubator websites: They often offer complete packages including space and support services.

6. Don’t forget municipalities: Some municipalities have their own business establishment support programs.

It’s important to note that these supports are generally conditional on specific criteria, such as job creation, innovation, or establishment in priority zones. Make sure you understand the conditions and commitments associated with each type of support before applying.

The search for professional space in Switzerland may seem complex, but with good preparation and by leveraging available resources, you can find the ideal space to develop your business. Remember that your location can significantly impact your business success. Take the time to properly evaluate your options and don’t hesitate to seek help from professionals to guide you through this crucial process.