Tax and Legal
January 12, 2025 |
David Merz
Switzerland has established and maintained its reputation as an ideal location for setting up a company. It offers political stability, a strong economy, and a favourable corporate environment, among many other benefits. It is no surprise that entrepreneurs from around the world are attracted to Switzerland for setting up a company abroad. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the process of opening a company in Switzerland, covering the advantages and disadvantages, the choice of legal form, various practical setup considerations, and the role of Nexova AG in assisting you through the process.
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January 8, 2025 |
David Merz
Financial distress can create significant challenges for Swiss businesses. It requires swift action to meet legal obligations and protect the company’s financial wellbeing. Article 725 of the Swiss Code of Obligations (CO) sets out the responsibilities of directors in managing situations such as underbalance, capital loss, and over-indebtedness. In this article, we define these terms, outline their legal and practical implications, and provide insights to help companies understand and address these situations effectively.
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January 3, 2025 |
David Merz
Switzerland is well-known for its efficient and business-friendly tax system. This has made it an attractive destination for multinational corporations, small businesses, and entrepreneurs alike.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of corporate taxes in Switzerland, covering the key types of taxes businesses encounter. We will also explain how these taxes are calculated, who they apply to, and what can be deducted from taxable income, as well as provide insight into the most tax-friendly cantons in Switzerland and some of the attractive tax incentives which are available to Swiss businesses.
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November 25, 2024 |
David Merz
Switzerland's social insurance system is one of the most comprehensive and well-organized in the world. It largely succeeds in protecting individuals from the financial hardships associated with old age, illness, disability, and unemployment, thanks to its robust framework that is both highly structured and widely accessible. This article provides a detailed look at Switzerland’s social insurance system, including the fundamental “three-pillar” model for retirement provision and other key components and protection mechanisms.
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October 1, 2024 |
David Merz
The participation deduction in Switzerland is a key tax benefit aimed at reducing the impact of multiple layers of taxation on income from significant corporate investments. This article will explore how the participation deduction works, its purpose in preventing double taxation, and the criteria for qualifying participations. Additionally, we'll illustrate the tax savings it can offer through practical examples and discuss its impact on corporate investment decisions in Switzerland, helping businesses fully utilize this important tax advantage.
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August 8, 2024 |
David Merz
Employment contracts are fundamental for defining the employer-employee relationship in Switzerland. They outline the terms and conditions of employment for both parties, clarifying roles, responsibilities, and expectations. This guide will explore the various types of employment contracts available in Switzerland, their key elements, and the distinctions between employment and work contracts. Common questions on employment contracts are also dealt with, providing valuable insights for Swiss employers to navigate this essential aspect of their business.
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August 7, 2024 |
David Merz
The shareholders' agreement is an essential contract for the founding shareholders of a public limited company in Switzerland. It governs their rights, duties and responsibilities and provides a framework that goes beyond the limited mandatory provisions of the Swiss Code of Obligations. This agreement is particularly valuable for small public limited companies where personal relationships between shareholders play an important role.
By clearly defining expectations and procedures, a shareholders' agreement helps to avoid disputes and ensure alignment with the company's goals and vision. This article provides the key to understanding the components and implications of a shareholders' agreement, which are critical to effective governance and long-term synergies between shareholders.
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July 11, 2024 |
David Merz
Getting to grips with the Swiss tax system can be a daunting task for newly established startups. With multiple layers of taxation at the federal, cantonal, and municipal levels, each with its own set of rules and regulations, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of your tax obligations. This comprehensive all-in-one guide aims to equip you with the tools you need to manage your taxes with confidence, highlighting key dates, deadlines and obligations. Whether you’re running your startup as a sole proprietorship or distinct corporate entity, staying compliant and optimizing your tax strategy can significantly impact your financial health and pave the way to long-term success.
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June 17, 2024 |
David Merz
In the world of international trade and logistics, the ZAZ account (Centralized Customs Settlement Procedure) is an indispensable tool for companies that regularly import or export goods across the Swiss border. It offers an efficient way to centrally settle customs duties and other fees. In this blog post, you will learn everything you need to know about the ZAZ account, from the basics to the benefits, and practical steps for opening such an account. Additionally, we will cover specific topics that will help you optimize the use of the ZAZ account and overcome common challenges.
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