Asia Desk
This section of Helvetica Register brings together the articles written for companies, investors and families from Japan and Korea, Singapore and South-East Asia, India, Central Asia and Mongolia who set up, trade, bank or hold assets in Switzerland. It explains the Swiss rules that matter most to Asian groups and families, drawing on the author's many years of practice in Singapore and Hong Kong.
Switzerland and Asia
Asian companies use Switzerland as a base for their European business, for commodity trading, for holding international investments and for managing family wealth. Swiss banks and asset managers serve a growing number of Asian families, and Swiss trading houses buy and sell the raw materials of Central Asia and Mongolia.
What the articles cover
The articles below explain forming a Swiss company, opening bank accounts, the double taxation treaties, the sanctions that affect trade with Russia through Central Asia, family offices and private wealth structures. They are followed by the articles on the Swiss law that applies across all financial centres.
Articles for clients from Asia
Across the Swiss financial centres
Corporate · Liquidation
Liquidating a Swiss company limited by shares (AG): routes, procedure and restrictions
Corporate · Restructuring
Capital loss and over-indebtedness under Swiss company law: the board's statutory duties
Social Security · Practice
Leaving Switzerland: AHV pensions abroad, refunds of contributions and voluntary insurance
Social Security · Practice
Social security agreements and secondments: the AHV in cross-border situations
Social Security · Practice
The AHV old-age pension in 2026: amounts, the 13th pension, early and deferred retirement
Social Security · Practice
Unpaid AHV contributions: the personal liability of directors and managers
Social Security · Practice
AHV for the self-employed and for persons without gainful activity
Social Security · Practice
AHV contributions on salaries in 2026: what employers and employees pay
Social Security · Practice
The Swiss AHV: how the first pillar works for foreign entrepreneurs and their families
Property · Commercial Property
Buying business premises and commercial property in Switzerland
Property · Purchase Process
The Swiss property purchase process: reservation, notarial deed and land register
Property · Tax
Taxes on Swiss real estate: transfer tax, property gains tax and imputed rental value
Property · Financing
Mortgage financing in Switzerland for foreign buyers
Property · Commercial Leases
Renting office and commercial premises in Switzerland
Property · Holiday Homes
Holiday homes and second homes in Switzerland
Property · Corporate Ownership
Holding Swiss real estate through a company
Property · Indirect Investment
Investing in Swiss real estate through funds and listed companies
Residence · Settlement Permit
The settlement permit (C permit): permanent residence in Switzerland
Residence · Citizenship
Swiss citizenship: ordinary naturalisation and dual nationality
Residence · Family Reunification
Family reunification: bringing your spouse and children to Switzerland
Residence · Departure
Leaving Switzerland: deregistration, taxes, pensions and permits
Private Client Tax · Wealth Tax
Wealth tax in Switzerland: how cantons tax net assets
Private Client Tax · Inheritance and Gift Tax
Inheritance and gift tax in Switzerland
Private Client Tax · Capital Gains