Tax and Legal January 21, 2025 | David Merz Subsequent Pillar 3a Purchases – Filling the Contribution Gaps The newly enacted 2025 Pillar 3a purchase rules mark a significant shift in Switzerland’s retirement savings landscape, allowing employees to fill contribution gaps and enhance their financial security. While these changes offer new opportunities for tax savings and flexibility, they come with limitations and administrative challenges. This article explores the new provisions, their implications for taxpayers, and how they compare to the original Ettlin Motion, providing insights for effective retirement planning. Read more
January 20, 2025 | David Merz 2025 Partial Revision of the Value Added Tax Act (MWSTG) On 1st January 2025, significant changes to the Value Added Tax (VAT) laws were implemented in Switzerland. The partial revision of the VAT Act (MWSTG) represents a significant step toward modernizing the country’s tax framework in a rapidly digitalizing world. The changes primarily address the growing prominence of e-commerce platforms but also includes broader updates aimed at simplifying processes, increasing transparency, and closing gaps in compliance. This article explores the key changes to Swiss VAT, their implications for businesses, and practical steps for navigating the new rules effectively. Read more
January 17, 2025 | David Merz Setting up a company in Switzerland as a foreigner Switzerland is an attractive jurisdiction for foreign entrepreneurs looking to establish a company. With its strategic location in the heart of Europe, excellent economy and infrastructure, and highly skilled workforce, Switzerland offers numerous opportunities for foreign investors. In this article, we will explore the process and requirements for setting up a company in Switzerland as a foreigner, along with some important factors to consider while doing so. Read more
January 12, 2025 | David Merz How to Open a Company in Switzerland Switzerland has established and maintained its reputation as an ideal location for setting up a company. It offers political stability, a strong economy, and a favourable corporate environment, among many other benefits. It is no surprise that entrepreneurs from around the world are attracted to Switzerland for setting up a company abroad. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the process of opening a company in Switzerland, covering the advantages and disadvantages, the choice of legal form, various practical setup considerations, and the role of Nexova AG in assisting you through the process. Read more
January 9, 2025 | David Merz Why Fiduciary Services Are Essential for your Start-Up in Switzerland In the dynamic world of start-ups, the focus is often on the vision behind the product or service. However, in Switzerland—a highly developed yet heavily regulated economic environment—success requires more than just a great idea. Trust services allow young companies to focus their resources on their core business while ensuring that financial and legal matters are professionally managed. This article explores why trust services can be crucial for start-ups and how they can contribute to long-term success. Read more
January 8, 2025 | David Merz Dealing with Financial Distress: Underbalance, Capital Loss, and Over-Indebtedness Financial distress can create significant challenges for Swiss businesses. It requires swift action to meet legal obligations and protect the company’s financial wellbeing. Article 725 of the Swiss Code of Obligations (CO) sets out the responsibilities of directors in managing situations such as underbalance, capital loss, and over-indebtedness. In this article, we define these terms, outline their legal and practical implications, and provide insights to help companies understand and address these situations effectively. Read more
January 7, 2025 | David Merz Accounting Solutions for SMEs: What You Need to Know Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of Switzerland’s economy, representing over 99% of all businesses and a significant portion of employment. Despite their diversity in size, type, and legal form, SMEs share a common need: managing their accounting efficiently and compliantly. This article explores the accounting options available to Swiss SMEs, focusing on the critical decision between managing accounting in-house or outsourcing to professionals. We’ll cover everything you need to know, from understanding the basic legal requirements to identifying the most cost-effective and practical accounting solutions for your business. Read more
January 6, 2025 | David Merz Buying and Selling GmbH Shares: What Do You Need to Know? There is much more to buying and selling shares in a private limited liability company (GmbH) in Switzerland than simply agreeing on a price. The process involves complex legal and regulatory requirements, complying with shareholders’ agreements, obtaining shareholder consent, and determining fair share valuations. This article explores the key aspects of GmbH share transfers and provides essential guidance to help both buyers and sellers execute successful and compliant transactions. Read more
January 3, 2025 | David Merz Corporate Taxes in Switzerland Switzerland is well-known for its efficient and business-friendly tax system. This has made it an attractive destination for multinational corporations, small businesses, and entrepreneurs alike. This article provides a comprehensive overview of corporate taxes in Switzerland, covering the key types of taxes businesses encounter. We will also explain how these taxes are calculated, who they apply to, and what can be deducted from taxable income, as well as provide insight into the most tax-friendly cantons in Switzerland and some of the attractive tax incentives which are available to Swiss businesses. Read more
November 25, 2024 | David Merz Internal vs. external CFO: Which one is better to your company? The choice between an internal and an external CFO (Chief Financial Officer) can have a significant impact on the success of a company. CFOs play a key role in financial strategy and planning, making them indispensable for companies of all sizes. But which approach is right for your company? In this blog, we look at the advantages and disadvantages of both models to help you make an informed decision. Read more