VAT, Withholding Tax & Social Charges
Indirect taxes and social contributions you need to know
Swiss Value Added Tax (MWST/TVA)
Switzerland operates its own VAT system, independent of the EU. The current rates are:
VAT Registration Threshold
VAT registration is mandatory when worldwide turnover exceeds CHF 100,000/year. Voluntary registration is possible below this threshold — beneficial when you have significant input VAT to recover.
Export Business Advantage
If your Swiss company provides services to foreign clients (outside Switzerland), these are generally exported services taxed at 0%. You still register for VAT and can recover input VAT on Swiss expenses — effectively getting a VAT refund on costs.
Withholding Tax on Dividends
- Switzerland levies 35% withholding tax on dividend distributions to shareholders
- Swiss residents can reclaim this via their tax return
- Foreign shareholders can reclaim via tax treaty (partial or full)
- Treaty rates: typically 0–15% depending on the treaty and shareholder entity type
Social Security Contributions
If you have Swiss employees or are an employed manager, Swiss social security (AHV/IV/EO) applies:
- AHV (Old age/survivors): 8.7% employer + 8.7% employee = 17.4% total
- Occupational pension (BVG): minimum 7% employer + 7% employee (increases with age)
- UVG (Accident insurance): varies by industry, typically 1–5%
Note: Self-employed persons with a Swiss GmbH who draw a salary as manager are considered employees for AHV purposes.
Planning Consideration
For foreign managers who are not Swiss residents, social security obligations depend on bilateral agreements. Non-resident directors drawing fees (not salary) from a Swiss company may not be subject to Swiss social charges — consult a fiduciary.