Switzerland
Switzerland taxes residents on worldwide income and wealth, but private capital gains on shares are tax-free and income tax in the low-tax cantons is roughly half the UK top rate. The big HNWI tool is lump-sum (expenditure) taxation: foreigners who do not work in Switzerland pay tax on deemed living costs of at least CHF 435,000 federally, instead of on actual income. The catches are an annual wealth tax, 35% withholding on Swiss dividends, and, for UK citizens since Brexit, a harder permit process.
Latitax verdict
Lump-sum (forfait) taxation for foreigners who do not work in Switzerland.
Ideal for: Wealthy, non-working foreigners who value stability.
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Headline figures. Conditions, thresholds and every note are in the full file.
Income tax, top rate
SecondaryAbout 22% to 43% depending on canton
Capital gains
Verified0% on private shares
Inheritance / estate
Secondary0% for spouses; children exempt in most cantons
Wealth tax
SecondaryCantonal, progressive (well under 1% a year)
Corporate tax
SecondaryAbout 11.7% to 20.5% effective, by canton
Tax system
SecondaryWorldwide income and wealth (lump-sum option)
Research, not advice. Rates change; confirm with a qualified professional before acting. 10 official sources, reviewed 2026-09-29.