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Switzerland Fact-File Part 4:
Individual Business Tax-Efficient Structures

4.4 Switzerland Individual Business use of Offshore

Tax-Efficient Structures Involving Offshore Jurisdictions

The relatively low corporate tax rates in Switzerland, coupled with the existence of a number of advantageous business forms, can present an attractive package for businesses domestically, meaning that there is less incentive for a business to use a 'low-tax' jurisdiction in its structure than might be the case in a higher-taxing country.

Using Offshore Jurisdictions

In terms of asset protection, given the implementation of the Hague Trust Convention in 2007, but the relative lack of ‘home-grown’ trust legislation, an individual looking to protect their assets in this way might be wise to locate such a vehicle in a jurisdiction with a (relatively) well-established trust regime, such as Liechtenstein, which has had rules in place governing trusts since 1926.

Liechtenstein’s trust regime is – unusually amongst civil law jurisdictions - based on common law precedents, and is widely used. The Liechtenstein trust represents an effective asset protection vehicle. Unlike their common law counterparts, Liechtenstein trusts are able to accumulate income, and the trust law in the jurisdiction is flexible with regard to the powers of settlors.


 

Introductory Guides

Brief, clearly written summaries with links to relevant sections of the Fact-File. The Fact-File itself is linked in full below.

 

Fact-File

Part 1: Switzerland Business Formation for Individuals

  1. Switzerland Individual Business Structures
  2. Switzerland Individual Business Registration
  3. Switzerland Individual Business Registration Cost
  4. Switzerland Individual Business Licensing
  5. Switzerland Foreigners in Business
  6. Switzerland Business Organisations
  7. Switzerland Business Accounting
  8. Switzerland Family Business Ownership
  9. Switzerland Venture Capital
  10. Switzerland Individual Business Franchises

Part 2: Switzerland Individual Business Domestic Taxation

  1. Switzerland Individual Business Tax Residence Rules
  2. Switzerland Permanent Establishment
  3. Switzerland Individual Income Tax Rates and Bands
  4. Switzerland Personal Allowances and Business Deductions
  5. Switzerland Husband and Wife Partnerships
  6. Switzerland Partnership Income Taxation
  7. Switzerland Limited Companies Income Taxation
  8. Switzerland Business Profit Retention
  9. Switzerland Business Losses
  10. Switzerland Value Added Tax (VAT)
  11. Switzerland Individual Business Capital Gains Tax (CGT)
  12. Switzerland Individual Business Other Taxes
  13. Switzerland Individual Artists Royalties
  14. Switzerland Individual Business Tax-Efficient Profit Distribution

Part 3: Switzerland Individual Business International Taxation

  1. Switzerland Individual Business International Tax Liability
  2. Switzerland Individual Business Withholding Taxes
  3. Switzerland Double Tax Treaties

Part 4: Switzerland Individual Business Tax-Efficient Structures

  1. Switzerland Individual Business Tax-Efficient Structures
  2. Switzerland Individual Business Trusts and Foundations
  3. Switzerland Individual Business for Non-Residents
  4. Switzerland Individual Business use of Offshore
  5. Switzerland Controlled Foreign Corporation (CFC) Rules
  6. Switzerland Personal Estate and Inheritance Planning

Part 5: Switzerland Small Business Incentive Programs

  1. Switzerland Small Business Support Schemes
  2. Switzerland Training Incentive Schemes
  3. Switzerland R&D Tax Credits
  4. Switzerland Individual Business Tax Holidays

Part 6: Switzerland Individual Business Employment Issues

  1. Switzerland Individual Business Employer Responsibilities
  2. Switzerland Employment vs Self-Employment Tax Issues
  3. Switzerland Apprenticeship and Work Experience Schemes
  4. Switzerland Employee Dismissal Rules
  5. Switzerland Business Owner Employment and Invoicing Rules

Part 7: Switzerland Business Owner Welfare and Lifestyle

  1. Switzerland Business Social Security
  2. Switzerland Business Domestic Pensions
  3. Switzerland Offshore and International Pensions
  4. Switzerland Individual Business Healthcare
  5. Switzerland Individual Business Banking Services
  6. Switzerland Education
  7. Switzerland Individual or Business Leaving Switzerland
  8. Switzerland Domestic Real Estate
  9. Switzerland International Real Estate