Wealthy families increasingly organise the management of their assets through a family office in Switzerland. The articles collected here explain single and multi-family offices, when a family office needs a licence as an asset manager or trustee and when it does not, the choice of legal form and canton, the tax treatment of the office and of the family's holding structures, and the governance that keeps the office working across generations. They are written for families from Asia, the Middle East and Africa who are considering Switzerland as the base for their family office.
A family office brings the management of a family's wealth under one roof. In Switzerland, a single family office that serves only one family is exempt from the licence requirement for asset managers, while a multi-family office needs a licence from FINMA and is then monitored on an ongoing basis by a supervisory organisation.
Families from Asia, the Middle East and Africa choose Switzerland for their offices because of its political stability, its currency, the depth of its banking and legal expertise and the quality of life for family members who relocate. A Swiss office can coordinate banks, investments, real estate, philanthropy and the administration of trusts or foundations across several countries.
The practical questions begin with the scope of the office. It must be clear whose assets it manages, whether it serves related family members only and whether it will also advise third parties. The answers determine the position under the Financial Institutions Act, the anti-money laundering obligations and the regulatory risk if the office later grows.
The choice of canton affects taxation, the availability of qualified staff and the practical relationship with the authorities. Families should also agree early on how decisions are made, who sits on the board of the office company, how the next generation is involved and how conflicts are resolved, since the office will often outlast the founder who established it.
The articles explain the licence question, the choice of legal form and canton, the taxation of the office, the governance that keeps it working across generations, and the trusts and foundations that often sit alongside it.
Setting up a single family office in Zurich, Geneva or Zug
How families from abroad establish a single family office in Switzerland: the main steps, the choice of company form and canton, and what drives costs and timing. Read more Private Client · Family OfficesStaffing a family office in Switzerland
Hiring for a Swiss family office: work permits for staff from outside the EU, recruitment in Switzerland and the employment law basics every family should know. Read more Private Client · Family OfficesThe tax position of a single family office company
How a Swiss single family office company is taxed: cost-plus arrangements in some cantons, transfer pricing between office and family entities, and VAT points to check. Read more Private Client · Family OfficesFamily governance: constitution, council and succession
A family constitution, a family council and clear succession rules help wealthy families stay united. How these tools work and how they interact with Swiss law. Read more Private Client · Family OfficesInvestment governance in a family office
An investment policy statement, well-chosen custody banks, consolidated reporting and sound risk management form the backbone of a professionally run family office. Read more Private Client · Family OfficesFamily offices and private markets
Direct investments, co-investments and club deals give family offices access to private companies. The legal documentation and Swiss qualified investor rules to know. Read more Private Client · Family OfficesPhilanthropy through a family office
How families organise their giving from Switzerland: charitable foundations, structured grant-making and the legal and tax points of cross-border philanthropy. Read more Private Client · Family OfficesWhen a family office needs a licence or SRO membership
Single family offices are generally outside the licensing regime, multi-family offices usually are not. How FinIA, anti-money laundering rules and SRO membership apply. Read more Private Client · Family OfficesFamily offices in Switzerland: licence, legal form and governance
A family office brings the management of a family's wealth under one roof: investments, real estate, companies, tax, philanthropy and… Read more