Removals to Switzerland –The Swiss Tax System

Hamiltons Removals provide high quality international and European removals to Switzerland. If you are an individual or a business moving to Switzerland from the UK, we will ensure your move goes swiftly and without a hitch. We provide reliable and competitive removals to Switzerland including all 26 cantons.

We are specialists in international removals and our service includes regular removals to Europe including moving to Switzerland and the cantons of Zurich, Bern, Uri, Lucerne, Schwyz, Obwalden, Nidwalden, Glarus, Zug, Fribourg, Solothurn, Basel-Stadt, Basel-Landschaft, Schaffhausen, Appenzel Ausserrhoden, Appenzel Innerrhoden, St Gallen, Graubunden, Aargau, Thurgau, Ticino, Vaud, Valais, Neuchatel, Geneva and Jura.

Relocating to a new country can seem quite daunting at first. To make sure everything goes smoothly, Hamiltons will organise all aspects of your removals to Switzerland to take the stress out of your relocation.

Our experts will also ensure you receive the best advice at every stage, from the packing of your goods, shipping to Switzerland, and transportation. We will also help you with all the paperwork relating to your move including customs requirements for removals to Switzerland.

For removals to Switzerland we can provide removals via dedicated lorry / container or a part load service (for smaller moves.) We also provide specialist removals to Switzerland for the transportation of pets (including horses), vehicles and pianos. Whatever your requirements, our moving to Switzerland service is designed to ensure your relocation is hassle free.

Removals to Switzerland  -  click here for full information on our removals to Switzerland service  or contact us to discuss your requirements.

There are many benefits for moving to Switzerland including the high standard of living, beautiful scenery and also the tax advantages on offer.  If you are moving to Switzerland, read on to find out more about the Swiss tax system.

The Swiss Tax System

Over the past few years or so many leading companies and wealthy individuals have upped sticks and moved from the UK to Switzerland to escape the rising tax system. Major companies that have moved their offices from the UK to Switzerland include Alliance Boots who took the plunge in 2008 and US fast food giant McDonalds who moved their European headquarters from London to Geneva. Moves to off-shore tax havens such as Monaco, Switzerland, Jersey and the Cayman Islands, is costing the UK hundreds of millions. Here is a brief outline about the tax system in Switzerland.

Being a Tax Resident in Switzerland

To become a tax resident in Switzerland you must have lived in Switzerland for a minimum of 30 days if you are working, and at least three months (90 days) if you are not working. To gain permanent residency in Switzerland, you should also apply for a Swiss Residence Permit. UK nationals along with all other EU nationals will receive priority treatment to gain this residency permit.

Once your permit has been obtained you have to live in Switzerland to keep it. If you can’t spend more than 180 days a year in the country, then you have to make sure you spend more time in Switzerland than any other country.

If you are considered a UK and Swiss tax resident, there is a double tax agreement between both countries. This treaty decides on which country the individual is considered a tax resident in. It is often the case that an individual is seen to reside in both countries. In which case certain factors must be taken into consideration such as where the individual’s permanent home is based, or the country where their centre of vital interests lie.

You will have to satisfy certain steps when you leave the UK to ensure your move is permanent and will need to take expert advice on this. It is also important to note that residency in Switzerland and losing your UK domicile are two separate things. It takes a lot longer to obtain domicile in Switzerland and again, it is important to seek advice on this. 

Average Tax Rates Between Cantons

The principal advantages of the Swiss tax system is that it is transparent and competitive as it varies between the 26 cantons. This is because cantons have a large degree of autonomy when it comes to taxation and are free to set their own rates.  It means the average tax rates for Swiss-based companies can range between 10.8 to 24 per cent of net income. (This includes national taxes which are the same throughout Switzerland).

So if you are moving to Switzerland for tax purposes, it is worth bearing in mind that some cantons are more favourable than others.

Fixed Annual Sums

In addition to this, it is also possible to pay a fixed annual sum to the tax authorities in Switzerland and this is usually a set amount for life. This is negotiated depending on your own personal circumstances and will also vary depending on which canton you are living in at the time and your expected use of public services (i.e. if your children are of school age you could find yourself paying a higher tax rate).

If you are moving to Switzerland for tax reasons, do bear in mind that this is only a guide and you will need to seek professional advice before your move to find out what is best for you.
 
Double Tax Agreements

It is worth taking into consideration that leaving the UK does not mean you are no longer required to pay any UK tax. If you still continue to have assets in the UK and have income derived from these UK assets, taxation will fall under the UK-Switzerland Double Tax Treaty.

To find out more about this and any of the above, you should seek expert tax advice before you commit to your move.

Moving to Switzerland - click here for a detailed quote of your move or contact us  to discuss your requirements.