guide

Geneva

The second most populous city in Switzerland, Geneva is a global city and one of the most important financial centres in both Europe and the wider world. Known as the ‘Peace Capital’ the city is perhaps best known for its role in international diplomacy and is home to a number of international organizations including many agencies of the United Nations and the Red Cross.

The location

Perched on the banks of Lake Geneva in the French-speaking part of Switzerland, the city is surrounded by the Alps and the Jura mountain ranges.

With cool winters and many world-renowned ski resorts close by, and warm summers it isn’t hard to see why Geneva regularly appears towards the top of Mercer’s Quality of Living rankings. 

Neighbouring areas - price comparisons, per person per month

The prices given below are the minimum to maximum average cost for serviced offices, per person per month, derived from our Sales Team's knowledge.
Area Indicative price range
Geneva
CHF500 - 1700
Zurich    CHF600 - 1200
Paris
CHF600 - 1500
Munich CHF400 - 900


Beijing Great Wall

Looking for an office in Geneva

The demand for office space in Geneva remains very high at the current time with only around 5% of the city’s space available for rent.

Large spaces are scarce in the CBD with companies with bigger requirements having to search in the sub-markets, particularly around the airport area.

Costs
A typical four-person serviced office in Geneva will cost approximately CHF 1,800 – 2,400 per month to rent while cheaper options can be found the further you move away from the CBD.

However, when looking at serviced offices keep in mind that costs usually cover a variety of amenities, which may include internet, meeting rooms, reception services etc. As such they can offer great value for money.

Instant Office are able to accommodate most enquiries, from one person through to 100 or more depending on the specifics.

Five things you probably didn’t know about Geneva:

  • Over 40% of Geneva’s residents come from outside of Switzerland making it one of Europe’s most international cities
  • The World Wide Web was invented and developed at the CERN laboratories in Geneva
  • Dubbed Europe’s tallest fountain, the Jet d’Eau sends water from Lake Geneva 140m into the air and is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks
  • Geneva has one of the shortest average commute times of all major cities worldwide
  • Lake Geneva is so large it can take up to three hours to drive around its perimeter

Geneva_UN

Why choose Geneva?

Yes, Geneva may be one of the most expensive cities in the world to live in, but it is also one with the highest quality of living with numerous benefits to companies looking to set up business in the area.

Due to Switzerland’s low tax rates, along with Zurich, Geneva attracts major international companies in the world of finance and beyond. 

The city benefits from excellent infrastructure, a highly educated and multilingual workforce and can offer secure and stable economic and political surroundings. 

Geographically it is also ideally located for those that also do business in neighbouring France.



A closer look at Geneva

The following districts are the most popular areas in which to rent office space:

CBD
  • The CBD is the main focus for business in Geneva with major international companies such as Caterpillar, DuPont, Take Two Interactive and Electronic Arts all have a strong office present in the city
  • A large finance sector that specialises in international trade and private banking
  • Home to a number of luxury watch makers including Rolex, Charriol, Chopard and Raymond Weil
  • University of Geneva, founded by John Calvin and one of the top universities in Europe also located in the heart of the CBD
Vernier and Geneva Airport
  • Vernier is located around 15 minutes from the centre of Geneva
  • Approximately 10% of the built up area consists of industrial buildings, while the area is also popular with the power and water infrastructure industry
  • One of the most important international auto shows, the Geneva Motor Show, takes place at Palexpo, a large convention centre close to the airport
Nyon
  • Situated 25km north east of Geneva’s city centre 
  • Ideal location for companies that do business in both Geneva and Lausanne 
  • Companies that have offices in Nyon include the Swiss subsidiary of French publisher Glénat Editions and the regional headquarters of Edwards Lifesciences, a medical equipment company

Want to find out more?

If you’re looking to move into the area, or simply require more information, contact Instant Offices' specialist local consultants.

Email our team or call us and we'll be delighted to help you.


Share this guide

Find your next office
Search & compare over 15,000 offices across the world