Private Client Taxation

Switzerland taxes individuals on their worldwide income and wealth, and the cantons have considerable room to set their own rates. The articles collected here explain income and wealth tax, the taxation according to expenditure available to wealthy foreign nationals who do not work in Switzerland, the tax consequences of moving to Switzerland and leaving it again, the treatment of trusts, foundations and holding companies of Swiss residents, and inheritance and gift tax. They are written for families and entrepreneurs who are considering Switzerland as their home and want to know what it will mean for their taxes.

Moderate and predictable taxation

Switzerland taxes individuals on their income and wealth at rates that the cantons set themselves, and private capital gains on movable assets are generally tax-free. Wealthy foreign nationals who do not work in Switzerland can, in many cantons, be taxed on their expenditure instead of their income.

Taxes are levied at three levels, by the Confederation, the canton and the municipality, so the choice of residence has a considerable effect on the overall burden. Switzerland also has an extensive network of double taxation agreements, and it exchanges financial account information automatically with a large number of partner states.

Questions before moving to Switzerland

Anyone considering a move should compare cantons and municipalities, clarify whether the conditions for taxation according to expenditure are met and understand how existing assets, companies and trusts will be treated after arrival. The timing of the move matters as well, because the exit rules of the former country of residence may attach tax consequences to departure.

Several points require particular care. The boundary between tax-free private capital gains and taxable professional trading in securities or crypto assets depends on the circumstances of each case, and wealth tax applies to worldwide assets with the exception of foreign real estate and foreign permanent establishments. A clear overview of assets and income sources is therefore the best starting point.

In this section

The articles explain private client taxation, taxation according to expenditure, the tax side of moving to Switzerland, the treatment of trusts and foundations, and the taxation of crypto assets held by individuals.

Private Client Tax · Wealth Tax

Wealth tax in Switzerland: how cantons tax net assets

Switzerland taxes net wealth at cantonal and communal level only. How assets are valued, which debts reduce the base and how foreign real estate is treated. Read more Private Client Tax · Inheritance and Gift Tax

Inheritance and gift tax in Switzerland

Swiss inheritance and gift tax is cantonal. Spouses are exempt everywhere and descendants in most cantons. Where the tax arises and what foreign heirs should know. Read more Private Client Tax · Capital Gains

Capital gains on private assets in Switzerland

Gains on private securities are tax-free in Switzerland, while dividends are taxed. When investors risk being treated as professional securities dealers. Read more Private Client Tax · Withholding Tax

Withholding tax and taxation at source for private individuals

The 35% Swiss withholding tax on dividends and interest, refund options for residents and foreign investors, and source taxation of foreign employees. Read more Private Client Tax · Pension Planning

Pension planning as tax planning in Switzerland

Pillar 3a contributions and voluntary pension fund buy-ins reduce taxable income in Switzerland. The rules, limits and timing that matter, especially for newcomers. Read more Residence · Property

Buying property in Switzerland as a foreign national