Switzerland is more than an attractive tax location. Its political and economic stability, legal certainty, international connectivity, highly skilled workforce and exceptional quality of life make it a compelling base for companies, entrepreneurs and investors from around the world.

In this web workshop, experts from LINDEMANNLAW and Banque Richelieu Switzerland explain the strategic, legal, tax and practical considerations involved in relocating a business to Switzerland. The discussion combines market insight, legal guidance and real-world experience to show how an international relocation can be planned and implemented with confidence.

Part 1: Why Switzerland?

The speakers explored the factors that continued to attract international businesses to Switzerland, including:

• Political, legal and economic stability
• Predictable regulation and a reliable legal system
• Strong innovation, research and infrastructure
• Access to international markets and multilingual talent
• High quality of life, security and excellent connectivity
• A pragmatic business environment and approachable authorities
• Competition between 26 cantons for companies, investment and skilled personnel
• A broad network of international headquarters, subsidiaries and branches

Part 2: Legal and regulatory pathways

The presentation covered the main legal routes for relocating a business to Switzerland, including:

• Cross-border transfer of the registered seat, or redomiciliation
• Incorporation of a new Swiss company
• Establishment of a Swiss branch
• Merger or transfer of assets
• Legal, tax and practical consequences of each route
• Continuity of contracts, licences, intellectual property and business operations
• Swiss commercial-register, capital and representation requirements
• Employee relocation, work permits and residence permits
• Different requirements for EU/EFTA and non-EU/EFTA nationals
• Licensing and regulatory requirements in financial services, insurance, payments and digital assets

Part 3: Taxation and implementation

The final part focused on the Swiss tax environment and the practical implementation of a corporate relocation, including:

• Federal, cantonal and municipal taxation
• Competition between cantons and the importance of selecting the right location
• Advance tax rulings and potential tax relief for qualifying projects
• Participation exemption, patent-box regimes and R&D deductions
• Transfer pricing and double-tax treaties
• Ordinary taxation and lump-sum taxation for eligible entrepreneurs and investors
• Treasury, liquidity and multi-currency management
• Exit-tax considerations in the country of departure
• A feasibility study covering legal, tax, regulatory and market factors
• Coordination with federal authorities, cantonal governments and business-development offices
• A structured transition from feasibility study to negotiation and implementation

A structured path from strategy to implementation

The webinar presents a practical three-step approach to relocation:

1. Feasibility study — assess the legal, regulatory, tax, market and operational implications of different jurisdictions, cantons and transaction structures.
2. Government and cantonal coordination — engage with the relevant authorities, business-development offices and tax administrations, including discussions on tax rulings, tax relief, residence and work-permit requirements.
3. Implementation — establish the selected structure, complete the required corporate and regulatory steps, and coordinate the transition of operations, employees, contracts and assets.

Meet the speakers

Alexander Schiemenz
Managing Partner, LINDEMANNLAW. Alexander advises international companies, entrepreneurs and investors on Swiss relocation, corporate structuring, tax planning and cross-border implementation.

Dr. Tatiana Zakharova
Partner, LINDEMANNLAW. Tatiana focuses on financial-services regulation, sanctions, corporate relocation and the legal and regulatory requirements affecting international businesses.

Christian Fischer
Head Private Banking, Banque Richelieu Switzerland. Christian contributes practical insight into banking relationships, treasury, liquidity, foreign-exchange exposure and the financial needs of relocating companies and their owners.

Download the presentation

Would you like to revisit the key insights from the webinar? Download the presentation covering Switzerland as a business hub, the legal and regulatory relocation pathways, and the relevant tax and implementation considerations.

Download the presentation

Planning to relocate your business to Switzerland?

Every relocation project requires a tailored assessment of the company’s structure, activities, personnel, tax position and strategic objectives. Contact LINDEMANNLAW to discuss your plans and identify the legal, tax and regulatory steps required for a successful relocation.

The information provided is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax or financial advice.