Advantages of incorporating a company in Switzerland
Benefits of registering a limited company in Switzerland
- Bilateral agreements with EU, negotiated between 1972 and 1999. No EU or EFTA membership
- Swiss companies enjoy full acceptance by complying with EU standards
- Interesting holding structures possible
- Manageable start-up costs and costs for ongoing administration
- Limitation of liability to the subscribed share capital
- Requirement of minimum capital for the formation of a limited company 100,000 CHF (50% paid up)
- Only registered shares allowed – but fiduciary solutions possible
- Banking secrecy for legal entities
- No need to be a Swiss resident to take on a role as a director
- No problems for taking up residence/residence permits for EU citizens
- Large number of DTAs (double taxation agreements)
- Low effective corporate tax rates of effectively approx. 13%
- Switzerland has strong economic growth and a stable legal situation
- Alternative to Austria and Liechtenstein
- Business bank accounts from a variety of providers, including debit and credit cards and online banking
Why should I register and manage a limited company in Switzerland through FIRSTADVISOR?
Working with us means, that we will take care of the entire application process including any necessary compliance, until the company is registered and received its tax number. Furthermore, we support clients in regards to banking applications. We know how to approach banks and can handle hurdles, thus having a high success rate. This is important as a company without a bank account doesn’t bring any benefits.
Our experienced and highly qualified international tax and legal advisors will review your company structure, existing management or mandate contracts. We also offer review of your contractual arrangements at home and abroad. In addition, our tax and accounting department will be pleased to take care of your bookkeeping and tax returns.
Remember – we offer company formations in Switzerland at a fixed price of 2.580,00 € net all-in. Enjoy our fast, reliable and competent approach in your native language (German, English, French, Czech, Slovak, Greek, Russian).
Ideal Tax Framework for a limited company or a holding structure
Switzerland had some kind of troubles due to a special tax regime for holding and domiciled companies as such tax structures had been abolish by the EU and international tax laws as well as OECD standards. Hence, Switzerland introduced a new, modern tax tax framework. However, there have been no changes to an awkward regime of WHT (withholding taxes) of 35%. Whereas,under normal circumstances, EU-companies will be able to recover the whole amounts, private people are bound to regulations of (Double Taxation Agreements) The Swiss legislation thus today fulfills all relevant EU standards, EU regulations, the OECD- standards, the FATF and the FSF.
Swiss companies are recognized throughout the European Union as EU companies with an extensive Tax Treaty Network. This circumstance is used particularly by holding companies. Switzerland nowadays has one of the most favourable Tax Regimes in Central-Europe and competes within the EU with Liechtenstein or Ireland, Malta and Cyprus but at higher costs.
Why not speaking to us to about the advantages of a limited company or holding structure.
What you need to consider if relocating to Switzerland
Thanks to bilateral agreements, negotiated between 1974 and 1999, the free movement of EU-citizens was extendeed to Switzerland, too. However, EU-citizens need to apply for a residency permit (Ausländerbewilligung B, C). You are also forced to exchange your current EU driving license to a Swiss license with the first year of your stay.
A long-term stay in a country for more than 183 days will usually (and automatically lead) to an unlimited tax liability for your world income. Some countries go even further and already assign this tax liability if you can permanently use your own apartment (this can even be the room in your parents’ house or a regularly visited hotel) which you can access with your own keys – knows as “Schlüsselgewalt” in German speaking countries. This rule establishes or maintains an unlimited Tax liability for your world income. If this subject is of interest, you may find out more on our dedicated website for Taxation. However, Switzerland takes a higher stance. If you like to work or run a business there, you will need to apply for a permit.
The often cited and in general used “183-Days-Rule” is not entirely correct. It can be only used to a limited extend as few countries (Germany) deem a personal tax liability if one spends in total more than 183 days within the country in two consecutive years, spanning two tax periods.
One can therefore only advise that people interested in relocating their place of residence not to rely on start-up agencies and other jokers – the pitfalls are simply too great and sound advice is required. A few advisors (specialized lawyers, accountants) study tax law for years, others do a weekend seminar or attend the Google University – where do you feel better off?
It’s amazing what’s on offer on the internet. Believe us – there is no point in having no tax residency/residence anywhere. If in doubt, you never gave up your original tax liability (in your country of birth) or you are automatically subject to tax through your passport.
If you have plans for company formations in Switzerland, it make sense to speak about your relocation in detail.
TOP Jurisdiction for EU-Residence in Central-Europe
However, Switzerland offers ideal conditions for a tax residence. To obtain a tax residence, one will need to apply a permit (Ausländerausweis B, C) and stay more than 183 days in Switzerland. With close links to other European countries, good flight connections and travel times of roughly two hours into the center of Europe, is this an ideal place to conduct business of any kind.
Of course, you are not allowed to stay in any other country for more than 183 days which would trigger an unlimited tax liability there. This concept is therefore ideal for everyone who can live and work flexibly (e.g. digital nomads).
If you come to us, you can rely on well-founded and legally sound advice. Together we will find your ideal life concept.
To receive a detailed offer or placing an order, please fill out the form down below for Company Formations and we will get back to you shortly!
Subscription
Join our Corporate Finance Newsletter for monthly updates, best practices and product news.