Known for its stunning Alpine scenery, high quality of life, excellent healthcare, and strong economy, Switzerland is a top choice for expats seeking stability, safety, and opportunity in the heart of Europe.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about relocating to Switerland from a personal tax perspective, including tax residency, income tax, special tax regimes and tax return obligations.
TaxPilot recommend that you organize your affairs in good time to get ahead and make the most of favorable tax treatment while making sure you’re meeting your tax return obligations.
Switzerland follows a residence taxation model. If you are resident, you will pay tax worldwide incomes. If you are non-resident, you will pay tax on local incomes only.
if you are present in Switzerland on more than 29 days during the tax year and you work in Switzerland.
if you are present in Switzerland on more than 89 days during the tax year.
if you are domiciled in Switzerland and your vital interests are located in Switzerland during the tax year.
Tax on property and share sales
Tax on value of owned assets
Tax on assets passed to heirs
Tax to contribute to state welfare

If you receive incomes overseas while you are living in Switzerland, you may find the source country, as a starting point, continues to tax the income which may cause double taxation unless you are using special tax regime.
Double taxation agreements can be used to mitigate double taxation and receive tax free income. As such, the more double taxation agreements a country has, the better, as agreements will ensure you’re not taxed twice and even better, ensure your income is tax free.
At present, Switzerland has 112 double taxation agreements signed.

