Canton of Uri & Location

Canton of Uri &
Location

The canton of Uri offers companies optimal conditions for sustainable growth: centrally located, excellently connected and organised to be business-friendly. Here you will find areas ripe for development, tax benefits, responsible skilled personnel and a reliable energy supply. Short distances and pragmatic processes make it easier to move here and strengthen your competitiveness. At the same time, Uri offers an impressively high quality of life – in a region that combines economic power, nature and history.

VL AIR URI 713851

Keyfacts

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Central location

Direct connection to the motorway, fast trains and airports.

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Business-friendly

Short distances, fast processes, direct support.

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Broad skilled labour potential

1.1 million people can be reached in less than an hour.

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Loyal workforce

Motivated, regionally anchored and technically adept.

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Low corporate taxes and costs

Only 10% tax burden – plus low location costs.

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High quality of life

Nature, culture and a low cost of living.

Areas & Sites

Uri – central, strong and steeped in history

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Uri is easily accessible – by road, rail and air. Located directly on Europe's north-south axis, the A2 motorway connects the canton with important economic areas. With its InterCity stop, Altdorf cantonal railway station is one of only 18 stations in Switzerland that are connected to the international high-speed network. International airports can also be reached quickly: Zurich in just one hour, Milan Malpensa in two.

Large catchment area for skilled personnel

Around 4 million people live in the extended catchment area of the canton of Uri and can be reached within a maximum of 90 minutes – a significant advantage for the recruitment of staff. Around 1.1 million people live within an hour's drive, giving Uri direct access to a large and diverse labour market. Especially in view of the commuting distance to the greater Bellinzona area (34 minutes).

Uri – is within reach and offers proximity.

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Short distances, clear responsibilities and fast decision-making processes make Uri a business-friendly location. Direct access to politicians, administrators and Location Promotion services ensure a smooth process for relocations and projects. The Location Promotion office provides companies with individual support – from initial contact through to realisation – and ensures direct contact with the Migration Office for questions relating to work and residence permits. 

Werkmatt Uri – space for ideas and growth

Werkmatt Uri, a commercial site provided by the canton, offers companies flexible space, modern infrastructure and ideal conditions for growth. Whether for production, research or services – this is where projects find the space they need to realise innovations.

Uri – offers space and creates scope.

Platzhalter Steuern

The canton of Uri combines tradition with progress: Structures developed over time ensure reliability and stability, while future prospects are created in a targeted manner. Companies benefit in particular from low taxes and low overall location costs. Both rents for office and residential space as well as prices for building land are significantly below the Swiss average and reduce fixed costs. Labour costs are also at a moderate level. With an effective tax burden of just 10%, Uri is ranked third out of 26 in the national ranking (BAK 2024) – a locational advantage that combines tradition and forward-looking economic development.

Uri – has history and shapes the future.

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Uri is one of the leading hydropower locations in Switzerland and is part of the "Water Castle of Europe". The canton produces reliable electricity from regional hydropower – far in excess of its own requirements. For companies, this means real locational advantages: stable energy grids, high security of supply and predictable energy costs. Energy-intensive companies in particular will find ideal conditions for sustainable and competitive production in Uri. The consistent utilisation of local resources makes the canton a strategically strong location for entrepreneurial growth.

At the same time, a motivated, loyal and well-qualified workforce is available – characterised by a strong work ethic, pronounced regional ties and sound experience in technical professions. Particularly in the fields of alpine technology, tourism, mechanical engineering and construction, Uri's specialists have practical skills that make the difference in demanding environments.

Uri – has power and provides energy.

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Uri not only stands for economic opportunities, but also for an excellent quality of life. With 38,000 inhabitants across 1,077 km², the canton offers space for nature, leisure and development. A wide range of indoor and outdoor sports opportunities, living traditions, a diverse cultural programme with international music festivals and active leisure clubs make Uri somewhere worth living. As the place where Switzerland was founded – with the historic Rütli meadow where the oath of the Swiss Confederation was sworn – and as home to the legendary folk hero, William Tell, Uri is also rich in history.


Uri – is unique and likes originals.

Platzhalter Steuern

Utilise tax benefits – keep more of your income in Uri

Whether for private individuals or entrepreneurs – the canton of Uri impresses with attractive tax conditions. Low charges, linear tax rates and uncomplicated procedures ensure that you keep more of your income or business profits. Discover the tax benefits for natural persons and legal entities and of flat-rate taxation here.

Daetwyler Fachkraefte

Migration to Uri – working and living in the canton

Good guidance is crucial for a successful start in Uri. If you want to live and work here and are from abroad, you need a residence permit and often also a work permit. The canton of Uri supports skilled workers, companies and the self-employed with clear processes and personalised advice. The labour office first checks the requirements under labour law. This is followed by an assessment under migration law. If both checks are positive, a permit can be issued.

Greater Zurich Area

Greater Zurich Area & Uri – connected for your success

As part of the Greater Zurich Area, Uri offers companies access to one of Europe's most innovative economic networks – with excellent transport links, a high quality of life and personal contacts on site. The Uri Economic Development Agency provides you with active support when you start up: fast, direct and practical.

Insights

Business news from Uri

Stay informed: here you will regularly find new articles, background reports and developments relating to Uri as a business location. Whether innovations, projects or success stories – our Insights provide relevant news for companies, specialists and interested parties.

Kaufvertrag für Baufeld 11 auf der Werkmatt Uri unterzeichnet

26 02 26 MM Kaufvertrag Risa Immobilien SA M Weber und U Camenzind

Highlights

Launch of the Alpine Drone Consortium (ADC) in Uri

VL EVT ADC 1004395

Gotthard Innovation Park receives planning permission

Rendering IG Innovationspark Gotthard

Highlights

Cantonal railway station makes Uri more attractive for commuters

Bahnhof mit Zug_VL AIR URI 917222

Highlights, Areas of focus

Werkmatt AG submits building application for site 13 at Werkmatt Uri

Baufeld 13_20240415 GRMWA Street