Lucerne, as a hub for business and innovation, has undergone remarkable development in recent years. Compared to ten years ago, the canton now offers an even more attractive overall package: taxes are low, planning certainty is high—as is the quality of life. The business environment has become more international and innovation-driven. Thanks to a pioneering spirit and innovative strength, Switzerland and Lucerne are now among the most competitive locations worldwide. The Canton of Lucerne’s business-friendly location policy has contributed positively to this momentum.
To further enhance its appeal, Lucerne is committed to forward-looking regional development. The focus is on promoting innovation so that Lucerne can become one of the world’s leading innovation and business hubs in the near future. Fascinating opportunities are emerging in new fields—where AI was the buzzword just the day before yesterday, today it’s space. With the establishment of the ETH Swiss GeoLab and the American space company Axiom Space, two leading players have set up operations in the Canton of Lucerne. The pace of technological innovation is rapid, and Lucerne aims to keep up.
Numerous defined development priorities also offer potential—areas where economic dynamism can be generated and sustained in the future. All of these areas have distinct profiles that are suitable for various business uses and also offer unique opportunities for investors. The revised cantonal structure plan, which was approved by the cantonal government, serves as the foundation. In addition to the further development of business districts, the revision focused on a more proactive land-use policy. Major cantonal projects such as the Lucerne transit railway station and the Lucerne highway bypass ensure that Lucerne remains future-proof and maintains its high level of accessibility in the area of transportation infrastructure.
We must stay on the ball and continue to improve the location’s competitive advantages so that the vision becomes a reality: Lucerne 2035—one of the world’s leading economic and innovation hubs.
Testimonials
Beat Bühlmann, Chairman of the Board of Directors, finpension ag
“Lucerne is not only our home, but also the perfect location to establish and expand our financial services: it’s well-connected, has top-tier professionals, and offers an excellent quality of life.”
Fabian Handl, Member of the Executive Board and the Board of Directors, Bepartner ag
“As a fiduciary, I help foreign companies make the most of Lucerne’s location advantages: the excellent tax rates, competitive real estate costs, and business-friendly conditions.”
Jailson Luis Satler, Managing Director, WEG International GmbH
“The excellent infrastructure here in the Lucerne economic region supports our business operations and offers our employees a high quality of life—ideal for business events, networking, and further growth.”
David Renggli, CEO and Member of the Board of Directors, Renggli AG
“The Lucerne economic region offers ideal conditions: central accessibility, a skilled workforce, and a strong environment for entrepreneurship and innovation.”
Lucerne by the Numbers
Economy – Key Figures
| Companies (2024) | 34,044 |
| Industry Focus: Location Promotion | International Headquarters Life Sciences & Health ICT & New Work Green Tech Advanced Manufacturing Building Technology |
| Full-Time Equivalents (FTE) | 204,270 |
| FTE, Primary Sector | 4.9% |
| FTE, Sector 2 | 21.9% |
| FTE, Sector 3 | 73.2% |
| GDP per capita in CHF (2020) | 67,936 |
| Unemployment rate (2024) | 1.5% |
| Commuters (2024) | 38,300 |
| Outbound commuters (2024) | 38,800 |
Real Estate – Key Figures
| Housing stock (2024) | 213,845 |
| Apartment Vacancy Rate (2025) | 0.78% |
| Housing Growth (1990 to 2024) | 65.2% |
| Office supply rate (2025) | 6.2% |
Taxes and Financial Strength – Key Figures
| Corporate income tax rate in CHF (City of Lucerne, 2026) | 11.66% |
| Total income and capital taxes in CHF (2025) | 429 million |
| National Fiscal Equalization in CHF (2026) | -97 million |
| National fiscal equalization in CHF (2016) | -253 million |
Location – Key Figures
| Area in km² | 1,493 |
| Permanent resident population | 441,500 |
| Number of municipalities | 79 |
