SwitzerlandCompany formation, tax and banking
The classic family-office country: discreet, stable and full of good banks.
Switzerland is the classic home for international family wealth. Political stability, a strong currency, deep banking, discretion and a well-established culture of agreeing tax positions in advance make it the default long-term home for wealthy families' assets.
It's expensive, deliberate and formal — choosing Switzerland is a fifty-year decision, not a five-year one. That's exactly why people value it.
Why people choose Switzerland
- Political stability, a strong currency and deep private banking
- Company tax from 12% to 21%, depending on the canton
- Cantons can agree tax positions in advance for holding and trading structures
- Wealthy new residents can negotiate a lump-sum (forfait) tax arrangement
Where Switzerland fits
- Family offices
- Holding
- Foundations
Where Switzerland fits in a structure
Typical role · Long-term family wealth holder
The Swiss company or family office holds the family's assets for the long term, usually banked with a Swiss private bank. Company tax depends on the canton, and cantons can agree tax positions in advance for holding and trading structures. It relies on genuine operations and high running costs, because choosing Switzerland is a fifty-year decision, not a five-year one.
What it depends onReal presence in Switzerland is genuine and costly, with an office, local directors, board meetings and staff, and an agreed tax position only holds with genuine operations in the canton that grants it.
A simplified picture to explain the idea, not a recommendation. General information, not tax or legal advice.
Opening a bank account
Swiss private banking is the deepest in the world. UBS (now including Credit Suisse), Julius Baer, Pictet, Lombard Odier, Vontobel, EFG and many cantonal and private specialists serve wealthy international clients. Top desks usually start at $2m–$5m; the very wealthiest desks need $25m+.
How tax works here
Company tax ranges from 12% to 21% depending on the canton (Zug, Nidwalden and Schwyz at the low end; Geneva and Zurich at the high end). Cantons can agree tax positions in advance for holding and trading structures. Personal tax is set by the canton, and wealthy new residents can negotiate a lump-sum ('forfait') arrangement.
Real presence, and who can see the owners
Real presence in Switzerland is genuine and costly — an office, local directors, board meetings and staff. Agreed tax positions require genuine operations in the canton that grants them.
When to choose it
Choose Switzerland when the family needs a long-term home for its assets, when setting up lump-sum tax residence, when Swiss private banking is the main place to hold wealth, or when a special company tax ruling can be genuinely justified.
You get a written comparison, not a sales pitch.
Every Switzerland recommendation comes as a written comparison with the alternatives — whether the setup will stand up to scrutiny, how easy banking will be, which tax treaties apply, who can see the owners, what it costs to run each year and the risk to your reputation — so you can see the trade-offs before you commit.
Considering Switzerland? Get a written comparison first.
Answer six questions and our team will come back with a shortlist, rough costs and where you could bank.
Questions we hear on every Switzerland intake.
- What is the lump-sum (forfait) regime?
- A cantonal tax scheme for wealthy new residents who don't work in Switzerland. Tax is based on your living costs rather than your worldwide income, with a minimum agreed with each canton.
- Can US citizens still bank in Switzerland?
- Yes, at a small number of banks with US-compliant desks. It takes longer, costs more, and the bank reports to the US automatically under FATCA.
- Which canton is best for a holding company?
- Zug, Nidwalden and Schwyz for the lowest rates. Geneva and Zurich for banking and international staff. The choice depends on where the real operations will be.
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Every engagement begins with a twenty-minute advisory call. The fee is in writing before any work begins. No hourly billing.