Tax and Legal September 17, 2023 | David Merz The Swiss holding company: Is it still relevant? Since 1 January 2020, the tax privilege for Swiss holding companies has ceased to apply. The following blog explains how this came about, when we speak of a holding company at all and the range of advantages and disadvantages that holding companies continue to offer. Read more
August 12, 2023 | 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
August 12, 2023 | David Merz Customs and Taxes when Shipping to Switzerland The increasing trend towards cross-border online trade provides many opportunities for businesses to access new consumer markets from around the globe. The Swiss market has become particularly attractive for online shops based in the EU. It is essential for these businesses to understand the customs and tax obligations when shipping their goods to Switzerland. In this article, we provide key insights into Switzerland's customs and tax laws, including customs clearance procedures, VAT regulations, exemptions, and issues surrounding VAT registration in Switzerland. Read more
August 12, 2023 | David Merz Taxes when Shipping to Non-EU Countries Shipping goods abroad to both European Union (EU) and non-EU countries can present both opportunities and challenges for companies in Switzerland. Understanding the tax implications, including customs duties, import taxes, and value-added tax (VAT), is crucial for smooth cross-border transactions and accurate financial planning. In this article, we will delve into the tax factors that Swiss exporters should consider when shipping to both EU and non-EU countries, as well as provide a broad overview of some other general considerations. Read more
August 12, 2023 | David Merz Customs and taxes within the EU for online shops: Navigating cross-border trade The rapid growth of e-commerce and cross-border online trade offers businesses greater opportunities to reach customers from around the world. However, as an online shop, it is essential to understand the customs and tax regulations which apply to cross-border online trade in the European Union (EU). In this article, we will explore the key customs and tax regulations for online shops in the EU, including VAT considerations and the important recent changes in regulations. Read more
August 10, 2023 | David Merz Founding a company in Switzerland: what taxes will I have to pay? Founding a company in Switzerland is an exciting and rewarding venture, but you need to understand the associated tax obligations before embarking. Switzerland is known for its favourable tax system, which offers numerous incentives to businesses. In this article, we explore the main aspects of Switzerland’s tax system and the different types of taxes applicable to businesses. We will also explain how these taxes are calculated, who they apply to, and what can be deducted from taxable income. Read more
June 24, 2023 | David Merz Input tax in Switzerland: What can be claimed? The ability to claim input tax deduction is a key feature of the VAT system. It allows businesses to recover the VAT they have paid on purchases and pass on their VAT liability to the end consumer. In this article, we explore the concept of input tax deduction in Switzerland. We explain which businesses are eligible to claim back the input tax they have incurred, and the specific requirements they must fulfil to be able to do so. Read more
June 23, 2023 | David Merz Maximizing Your Earnings: A Closer Look at VAT on Holiday Home Rentals in Switzerland Many individuals and families decide to invest in a second home or holiday home in Switzerland. If this applies to you, or if it’s something you’re considering, it’s important that you understand the associated tax implications. In this article, we explore the different taxes which apply to second homes in Switzerland, including income tax, value-added tax (VAT), capital gains tax, and real estate transfer tax. We will pay special attention to the VAT liability which arises due to renting a holiday home. Read more
February 3, 2023 | Marco Schoch Comparison of minimum capital tax rates for companies in all 26 cantons Swiss companies are subject to two types of taxes: taxes on profits and a capital tax on equity. However, some cantons have introduced a flat minimum tax to cover the costs associated with conducting tax audits for each company. This tax is often overlooked, especially in the start-up phase of newly founded companies that are not yet making a profit. In this article, we delve into the world of corporate taxes in Switzerland and in particular the minimum tax that some cantons in Switzerland levy on companies. Read more