Switzerland

What is the tax levied on companies in Switzerland?

In Switzerland, the corporate tax depends on the canton a company is situated in. The total tax burden for a business can range from 11 to 25%.

Is a company in Switzerland required to have a local office?

Yes, a company incorporated in Switzerland must have a registered office based in the country.

What are the requirements for opening a corporate bank account in Switzerland?

A corporate account in a Swiss bank can be opened by submitting the Articles of Association (AoA) and the business registration documents as proof. Additionally, a minimum share capital, depending upon the company type, must be deposited in the account.

Is there a system for registration of copyright in Switzerland?

No, there is no system for copyright registration in Switzerland. Copyright protection arises as soon as the work is created.

Are there any restrictions on the protection of copyright works which are made by an industrial process in Switzerland?

No, there is no protection as such, provided that work is completed by a human being.

Where a work is done by an employee, how is ownership of the copyright determined between the employee and the employer?

Switzerland doesn’t follow the work-for-hire concept. Therefore, the copyright remains with the person who has created the work.

Is there any joint ownership concept in Switzerland?

Yes, there is a joint ownership concept under the Swiss law, according to which a copyright belongs to all the authors jointly.

What are the requirements for a copyright license in Switzerland?

There are no structured formats to be followed for a copyright license. However, it is better to provide a written agreement for evidence purposes.

What is the standard VAT rate in Switzerland?

The standard VAT rate in Switzerland is 7.7%, and applies to most goods and services in the country.

What is IFRS?

International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) is an international accounting framework for the preparation of public company financial statements, and is followed by most countries.