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Switzerland
Why Switzerland?
Switzerland consistently ranks as a favoured destination for international corporations and High-Net-Worth Individuals (HNWIs). Switzerland is located in the heart of Europe, enjoys a very stable economy and has robust political and legal systems. It offers an excellent business environment with low tax rates and a very attractive network of double taxation agreements (over 80).
Switzerland also boasts a skilled, multilingual and motivated workforce, and it is known for its first-class infrastructures and excellent banking facilities, making the country a very attractive place to host wealth-planning structures for families worldwide.
Advantages
Switzerland is a safe and secure place for foreign investors, as it has maintained a degree of bank secrecy and has kept up the franc’s long-term external value. However, starting and running a business in Switzerland requires that one should require understanding the country’s laws, rules, and regulations. Below are some advantages of doing business in Switzerland:
Banking and Financial Services
Banking and financial services are the largest sectors of any country, whereas, Swiss banking is highly known around the world for its efficiency. Due to its financial stability and a strong tradition of fiscal discipline Switzerland’s banking policy, expertise, and reliability, make it an attractive option for foreign investors and companies alike. It is true that most of the world’s wealth is managed through Swiss banks.
Tradition of Neutrality
After encountering devastating losses during the middle ages against France, triggering a deep need for self-preservation, Switzerland took a strong attitude on remaining neutral in global affairs which it upholds through the present day. Switzerland has become a symbol of diplomacy and is the historical neutral intermediary, hosting major international treaty conferences. Though, Switzerland is not the only country in the world that embraces neutrality but, it was among the first to do so.
Infrastructure and technology
It has one of the most developed infrastructures in the world with extensive rail and road networks connecting to the rest of Europe. It also ranked highly on innovation and for its technological advancement. Switzerland has the highest ratio of European patent applications to population, world-class research institutes, and attracting heavy investment from multinational corporations.
Access to neighboring EU countries
Originally, Switzerland is not a part of the European Union, but, it has access to every single European market through a special agreement with the block. The country has adjusted some of its regulations to conform with those of the EU, helping to influence Switzerland’s international competitiveness.
Commodities Trade
Switzerland is the world’s one of the most important commodities trading hubs with more than 500 trading companies. The Switzerland government supports the various sector’s global reform efforts and is actively participates in efforts to improve sustainable production and fair trade.
Simple Tax Regime
Being a lean country with low tax rates and levies, Switzerland is a favorable location for foreign companies. As the Swiss taxation system mirrors the country’s federal structure, the effective tax rates for companies are different in each canton (local area), starting from 11.91% to 21.6%.
- At the federal level, a statutory tax rate levy at the rate of 8.5% for limited companies and partnerships.
- Associations, foundations, and other legal entities, as well as investment funds, are taxed at a rate of 4.25%.
- Furthermore, the VAT rate in Switzerland is the second-lowest in Europe.
Individual Income tax
In Switzerland Income Tax is levied by both the Federal Government and canton. This means that the tax calculation in Switzerland is a combination of the rate set by the government and the rate in the local area. In Switzerland, the families should be considered as one unit for tax purposes.
A married couple needs to fill out a joint tax return and the calculation will be based on their combined income.
In Switzerland, tax scales vary in relationship status and whether you have children. Such as, a single taxpayer must pay 11.5% federal tax when they earn more than CHF 755,200, but married people and single parents won’t pay this tax rate unless they earn more than CHF 895,900.
Corporate Taxes
- A company with a registered office in Switzerland is liable for Swiss tax, while foreign companies are liable for limited taxation if they hold real estate in Switzerland.
- The federal Swiss corporate tax rate is a flat rate of 8.5%, but additional cantonal and municipal rates can vary considerably.
- The maximum corporate tax rate, including all federal, cantonal, to communal taxes is between 11.9% and 21.6%. However, a range of allowances is provided.
Switzerland Companies
The formation of a company in Switzerland is a suitable option for private clients, small companies, and large corporations. The followings are the main types of companies in Switzerland:
Limited Liability Company
This type of Company can be formed by at least two shareholders with a minimum share capital of CHF 20,000 and with the liability of the members limited by their contribution to the capital. At least one of the directors of the company should be a resident of Switzerland.
The Stock Corporation
The Stock Corporation can be established by at least three shareholders who will provide a share capital of CHF 100,000, and their liability is limited by their contribution. The managers must be Swiss residents and also be the shareholders of the entity.
Sole Proprietorship
One of the simplest manners to enter the Swiss market is by registering the basic business form i.e., sole proprietorship wherein, the founder is fully liable for the company’s obligations.
General Partnership
In Switzerland, the general partnership can be set up by minimum of two members, who associate in a business for a certain purpose. There is no need to submit a minimum share capital, but the liability of the members is unlimited.
Limited Partnership
It can be formed by at least one partner who has full liability (general partner) and at least one partner with liability only up to the contribution initially brought to the entity (limited partner).
Switzerland also boasts of a skilled, multilingual and motivated workforce which is known for its first-class infrastructures and excellent banking facilities, making the country a very attractive place to host wealth-planning structures for families worldwide.
Author: Chandrawat & Partners
Topic: Doing Business in Switzerland
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