Destination Switzerland
Why Switzerland remains a top destination for wealthy individuals and family offices after 2025 tax vote
In a public vote in November 2025, Swiss voters decisively rejected the proposal to impose a 50% inheritance and gift tax on wealth exceeding CHF 50 million. This decision reaffirmed the Swiss people's commitment to political stability and reliability, and underpins that Switzerland continues to be one of the most attractive places to live for wealthy individuals and family offices.
Young Socialist Initiative
With a popular initiative, the Young Socialist Party proposed introducing a national inheritance and gift tax of 50% on wealth exceeding 50 million Swiss francs. The revenue from this tax was intended to be used to finance measures to combat the climate crisis and support a comprehensive restructuring of the economy.
The proposal was decisively rejected by the Swiss population in a public vote in November 2025. This rejection reaffirmed the Swiss people's commitment to political stability and reliability, and underpins that Switzerland continues to be one of the most attractive places to live for wealthy individuals and family offices.
Switzerland as Top Tier Destination
With this decisive rejection, Switzerland continues to be one of the most attractive places to live for wealthy individuals by international standards. The country’s strong reputation continues to be based on several key factors, including political and legal stability, an appealing tax system - including lump-sum taxation for individuals with no gainful employment in Switzerland - a business-friendly legal framework, and a rich pool of professional expertise.
Lump-Sum Taxation
Lump-sum taxation provides an appealing tax status for wealthy foreigners relocating to Switzerland, on the condition that they refrain from gainful employment within the country and carefully structure their residence and income. Under this regime, income tax is calculated based on their expenditure rather than actual income, which in some cases may result in an annual tax liability of less than CHF 100,000, in addition to any applicable social security contributions.
Individual Taxation
Individuals who have their personal and economic centre of life in Switzerland, or who spend 90 or more days in the country, are considered Swiss tax residents. The tax system is highly attractive, with maximum income tax rates varying by canton and potentially as low as 20% - 25%. Capital gains on privately held movable assets are tax-free, while dividends benefit from a reduced tax base if the shareholder owns at least a 10% stake. Transfers between spouses are exempt from inheritance and gift taxes in all cantons, and most cantons also provide exemptions for transfers between direct descendants.
Immigration
Switzerland’s immigration rules seek to balance attracting global talent and investment with safeguarding the local labour market through structured permit requirements and quotas. Although the system is complex, it provides tailored pathways for founders, retirees, and high-net-worth individuals, reflecting the country’s economic priorities and social stability.
