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Setting up a company in Switzerland?

Learn how to do it in a legally compliant way:

Lump-sum taxation

Asset protection

First-class banking system

Wide double tax treaty network

You can reduce your tax burden legally. We will be happy to advise you in detail and offer you a free initial consultation.

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Pros and cons of setting up a company abroad

If you relocate your residence:

You can apply for lump-sum taxation, where tax is calculated based on living expenses rather than actual income
This regime applies to foreign nationals who do not work in Switzerland
Your home country may tax certain assets when you move abroad

Without emigrating:

If the company earns mainly passive income, profits may be taxed in your home country
Banking requires clear documentation of funds and business activity
Financial information is shared with tax authorities under international reporting rules

What makes Switzerland attractive as a business location?

Switzerland is a non-EU country in Central Europe with around 9 million inhabitants and the Swiss franc (CHF). It remains a premium location for entrepreneurs and HNWIs seeking stability, efficiency, and tax optimisation, with cantonal tax competition, strong banking, and a tradition of financial confidentiality.

Switzerland offers lump-sum taxation for foreign nationals moving there without gainful employment; tax is based on living expenses, not worldwide income.

Key operational points:

At least one Switzerland-resident person must have signatory authority for a company.
Bank account opening is possible but requires proper documentation and setup (especially for foreign owners, holding structures, or crypto).
Switzerland is not on any EU blacklist and cooperates fully with international transparency standards.

However, German clients need careful planning, under the German–Swiss DTA, Germany may tax former residents for up to five years after departure.

Switzerland is not for those seeking EU market access or anonymity — it requires transparency, substance, and compliance. In return, it offers long-term legal stability and tax planning certainty.

Contact us to check whether Switzerland is the right jurisdiction for your private and business structure.

FAQs

Do I need to be personally present in Switzerland?

Under Swiss law, at least one person resident in Switzerland must be able to represent the company with legal effect (sole or joint signatory authority).

What are the corporate tax and dividend tax rates, and how quickly do you get a VAT number?

Corporate tax is, depending on the canton, roughly between 12–20 %
Dividends are subject to a 35 % withholding tax
A VAT number can generally be issued within around 2–4 weeks after proper incorporation and registration.

Can I set up a Swiss company remotely?

Yes, in many cases the incorporation process can be handled remotely.

Which locations worldwide are best suited to pay as little tax as possible?

	Tax Burden	Banking	Reputation	Bureaucracy	Legal Security	Costs
USA	21-0%	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	from EUR 1,900
Singapore	0%	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	from EUR 2,950
Hong Kong	0%	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	from EUR 1,900
Cyprus	15%	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	from EUR 1,900
Malta	5%	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	from EUR 2,500
Ireland	12,5%	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	from EUR 1,950
Trust	0%	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	from EUR 4,900
England	25-19%	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	from EUR 1,000

Tax compliance in your country of residence

Your country of residence may impose tax and reporting obligations for foreign business activities and dividend income, in some cases even if profits are not distributed.

Depending on your personal situation, an appropriate holding structure may be required to comply with tax regulations and avoid unnecessary tax risks.

To determine which jurisdiction and structure best meet your requirements, please use the contact form and describe your plans in as much detail as possible.

Our advisers will be happy to review your case and advise you accordingly.

1.

Analyse your needs

We assess your situation to define goals, risk tolerance, tax exposure and asset-protection priorities.

2.

Carry out a location analysis

We compare potential jurisdictions based on tax laws, banking access, compliance requirements and your country of residence.

3.

Incorporate the company and, if needed, establish a foundation

Open accounts and custody accounts and, if required, implement asset management.