Switzerland’s Investment Surge: Why Asian Companies, Especially from China, Are Gaining Ground in Europe

Amid European investment slowdown, Switzerland becomes a gateway for strategic expansion—especially for Asia-based companies.

According to the newly released EY Standort Schweiz 2025 report (May 2025), Switzerland recorded a significant 24.7% increase in foreign direct investment (FDI) in 2024—jumping from 89 to 111 projects year-on-year. While FDI across Europe declined for a second consecutive year, Switzerland is clearly bucking the trend. For decision-makers in Asia, this shift is a strategic signal: the Swiss market is more than stable—it’s expanding and open for business.

China Moves Ahead in Europe—Switzerland Part of the Upswing

In a milestone moment, Chinese firms overtook U.S. companies as the largest foreign investors in Germany for the first time. This reflects a wider pattern: Asian multinationals, particularly from China, are gaining influence across the European investment landscape.

Switzerland has become a strategic location for these firms—not just for European market access, but for innovation partnerships, regulatory clarity, and premium branding. The country’s neutrality, high productivity, and central location make it a compelling destination for board-level expansion strategies.

In 2024, Switzerland ranked 11th in Europe for total investment projects—but showed one of the highest growth rates. Compared to 2022, the number of FDI projects nearly doubled. For Asian executives evaluating their footprint across Europe, Switzerland now offers the dual advantage of growth potential and geopolitical reliability.

Broader Context: Europe’s Investment Climate Shifts

While Switzerland gained ground, Europe as a whole lost momentum. The EY report notes a 5% overall drop in FDI projects across the continent, with Germany down 17% and the UK and France also declining

For Asian companies looking to diversify operations or build a resilient EU base, these dynamics highlight the need for selective market entry—prioritizing stable, high-value jurisdictions as Switzerland is.

Moreover, Swiss investment policies are transparent, and the country’s decentralized cantonal system provides flexibility in location-specific incentives and regulatory frameworks—critical for CFOs, general counsels, and investment committees.

Switzerland’s ability to attract foreign investors during a period of continental uncertainty demonstrates the strength of its business environment. For companies looking to establish or expand operations in Switzerland – as a hub for Europe – the data underscores the importance of targeted, hands-on support for investment projects.

3i Business Solutions: Enabling Asia-Europe Expansion with Precision

At 3i-bsag.com, we support Asian and global enterprises in making confident, well-informed FDI decisions in Switzerland and beyond. From site selection and legal structuring to deal negotiation and local partnerships, we provide comprehensive, hands-on support tailored to your sector and scale.

Whether your board is considering a new European HQ, a manufacturing hub, or an innovation satellite, Switzerland offers a smart, resilient base—and we help make it happen. The need for actionable intelligence and grounded execution becomes even more critical. The latest trends are clear – opportunity is there, but success depends on local expertise and proactive, hands-on guidance.

What makes 3i Business Solutions especially unique is its ability to deliver competent, engaged and strong implementations. Learn more.

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