Moving to Zug
Advantageous taxation, Crypto Valley and quality of life by the lake.
Zug is a small town that plays in the big leagues. Its tax rate, among the lowest in Switzerland, has attracted multinationals (Glencore, Siemens, Johnson & Johnson) and has given rise to the famous Crypto Valley, a global hub for blockchain and decentralized technologies. Despite its modest size, Zug offers a remarkable quality of life with direct access to the lake and the mountains.
The rental market is very competitive due to high demand. Prices are high despite the small size of the city. Our support is all the more useful in a market where available goods go quickly.
Zug, the tax jewel of Switzerland
With just 32,000 inhabitants, Zug is one of the smallest cantonal capitals in Switzerland, but its economic influence is outsized. The canton of Zug has the highest GDP per capita in the country, thanks to one of the most advantageous taxes in Switzerland: the effective tax rate for businesses is around 11.9%, and that for individuals is significantly lower than the national average.
This tax attractiveness has attracted the headquarters of multinationals such as Glencore, Siemens, Johnson & Johnson, Partners Group and Transocean. Since 2016, Zug has also become the “Crypto Valley”, the global epicenter of blockchain. The Ethereum Foundation, Cardano and hundreds of blockchain startups are established there.
Despite its modest size, Zug offers a remarkable living environment on the shores of Lake Zug, with a breathtaking view of the Rigi and Pilatus peaks. The city is just 25 minutes by train from Zurich.
Neighborhoods and municipalities around Zug
The canton of Zug is compact but offers several attractive residential options for expatriates.
Zug city
Zug city center is charming with its pedestrianized old town, lakeside cafes and weekly market. New housing is rare and demand is very high. Rent: CHF 2,500 to CHF 3,600 for a 3.5 room apartment.
Baar
A neighboring municipality to Zug with 25,000 inhabitants, Baar offers more available housing and slightly lower prices. Well connected by bus, it retains a semi-rural character appreciated by families. Rent: CHF 2,200 to CHF 3,000.
Cham and Steinhausen
These municipalities north of Zug offer a green setting and more accessible rents. Cham borders Lake Zug and has good school infrastructure. Rent: CHF 2,000 to CHF 2,800 for a 3.5 room apartment.
Cost of living in Zug
If taxes are low, property prices are high due to high demand. However, purchasing power remains excellent thanks to substantial tax savings.
| Expenditure item | Average monthly cost |
|---|---|
| Rent 3.5 rooms (Zug city) | CHF 2,500 — 3,600 |
| Rent for 3.5 rooms (neighboring municipalities) | CHF 2,000 — 2,800 |
| Health insurance (adult) | CHF 340 — 450 |
| Taxes (economy vs Zurich) | 15 to 30% savings |
| Power supply (torque) | CHF 800 — 1,100 |
| Nursery (full time) | CHF 2,000 — 2,600 |
| Transport subscription (Zug zone) | CHF74 |
Transport and accessibility from Zug
Zug benefits from a strategic position on the north-south railway axis. Zug station is served by direct trains to Zurich (25 min), Lucerne (20 min), Bern (55 min) and Lugano (1h45). The urban bus network covers the entire canton.
The city is compact enough to get around on foot or by bike on a daily basis. Parking is easier than in Zurich, but the car remains secondary thanks to the excellent rail connection. Access to the A4 (direction Zurich) and A14 (direction Lucerne) motorways is quick.
Zurich Airport can be reached in 45 minutes by direct train, making international travel easy.
Quality of life and international community in Zug
Zug is a safe, family-friendly city, where the quality of life is exceptional. Lake Zug offers swimming opportunities in summer, sailing and walking all year round. The Zugerberg (local mountain) is a popular leisure area for hiking and mountain biking.
The international community is large in relation to the size of the city: around 30% of the population is foreign. The International School of Zug and Luzern (ISZL) is one of the best international schools in Switzerland. Many expat associations organize regular events.
The only downside is the nightlife and cultural life, more limited than in the big cities. But Zurich, at 25 minutes, more than makes up for it. Zug is the ideal choice for those looking for tax optimization, a peaceful living environment and proximity to the Zurich metropolis.
Highlights
Attractive taxation
Zug offers one of the lowest tax rates in Switzerland, both for individuals and businesses. This is a major attractive factor.
Crypto Valley
Zug is recognized as the global birthplace of blockchain. Ethereum Foundation, Cardano and hundreds of crypto startups are based there.
Compact living environment
Everything is accessible on foot or by bike. Lake Zug, the Rigi and Pilatus mountains are within easy reach.
Central position
25 minutes from Zurich by train, Zug combines the advantages of a small town with access to the services of a metropolis.
Settling in Zug
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