Swiss News

Welcome to Zug: The Perfect Business Hub

Zug Canton, situated in central Switzerland, is more than just a picturesque location—it's a powerhouse for international business. Known for its low taxes, thriving economy, and strong infrastructure, Zug attracts entrepreneurs, multinational corporations, and tech startups alike. Whether you’re launching a startup, expanding your business, or seeking a tax-efficient headquarters, Zug offers a world-class business environment.

Switzerland is renowned for its stable and reliable banking system, making it an ideal destination for both Swiss and foreign companies looking to open business bank accounts. Traditionally, Swiss banks primarily served companies based in Switzerland; however, they are now accommodating businesses from around the globe. Whether you plan to incorporate your business in Switzerland or are seeking a secure banking solution for your operations, understanding how to open a Swiss bank account is crucial.

On December 10, 2024, the Council of the European Union approved the FASTER directive (Faster and Safer Tax Relief of Excess Withholding Taxes), which aims to reform the withholding tax refund system. This initiative's main goals are to enhance transparency, reduce administrative burdens, simplify tax regulations for investors, and combat tax abuse. These new rules will create a more favorable environment for cross-border investments while protecting national budgets across EU member states. Key Changes Introduced by the Directive are following:

Switzerland is consistently ranked among the top countries globally for employment flexibility and business-friendly labor regulations. This guide outlines the key aspects of Swiss employment law that business owners and employers need to know.

Introduction

Crowdfunding has become a popular way to fund projects, support startups, and connect with investors worldwide. In 2022 alone, global crowdfunding platforms raised over $17 billion, demonstrating the growing importance of this financing method. Switzerland, known for its financial stability and innovation, is no exception to this trend. In this guide, we will explore what crowdfunding is, how it works in Switzerland, the different models available, and the legal framework governing this fast-growing sector. 

Switzerland's extensive network of Double Tax Treaties (DTTs) plays a vital role in international business operations, making it an attractive jurisdiction for global companies. Here's what you need to know about Switzerland's approach to preventing double taxation and facilitating cross-border business activities.

1. Overview of Swiss Double Tax Treaties

Switzerland maintains one of the world's most comprehensive networks of double taxation agreements, with:

Businesses operating or aspiring to operate in Switzerland must stay updated about its evolving culture, regulations, and economy. Understanding these changes allows you to adapt your business strategy proactively and succeed in the Swiss market. Read to learn some of the recent shifts in taxation, immigration policies, industry regulations, and consumer behavior

Switzerland is one of the hardest hit countries by the novel COVID-19. Being a popular tourist destination, the state was hugely exposed to this contagion through visitors from all over the world. Whether the government did a plausible job to protect its economy or not, is not so hard to see if you look closely.

The web-based survey and application platform EHP is now accessible to supervised institutions and their audit firms, as well as supervisory organisations.  They can now leverage the platform to submit encrypted supervisory data and authorisation applications to FINMA online. The use of this website is free of charge.
 

From January 1, 2020. The Swiss Financial Institutions Act (FinIA) and the Swiss Financial Services Act (FinSA) entered into force, updating the regulatory regime for trustees working in Switzerland. This means that all independent portfolio managers (PMs) and trustees subject to supervision under FinIA will have to be supervised by a Supervised organisations (SO) authorised by FINMA and get licensed by FINMA before they can be able to carry out their activities as financial intermediaries in Switzerland.