Switzerland

Switzerland VAT Registration

Switzerland have set the threshold for both domestic and foreign sellers at 100,000 CHF for mail order companies only( approximately 90k GBP, 105k EUR). The threshold is based on companies selling low value ecommerce goods not exceeding 65 CHF. Once the threshold has been exceeded the company is obligated to register in the Swiss VAT register. Companies can choose to voluntarily register if they are below the threshold.

For other sales in Switzerland the threshold is also 100,000 CHF however it is based on the foreign companies global turnover. Any company exceeding the threshold must register within 30 days.

You are required to register for a Swiss VAT number if you carry out the following activities;

• Importation of goods into Switzerland
• Buying and selling goods within the Swiss territory
• Storing goods in Swiss warehouses
• Organizing events in which the customer pays for a ticket

If the company is a Swiss-established company then they do not require to appoint a fiscal representative. Non-established foreign businesses are required to appoint a fiscal representative who takes responsibility for the submission of VAT returns and payment of VAT.

Businesses registered for VAT are reported in the UID register. Commercial details such as business name, enterprise number, legal status and seat can be found in the commercial register.

Deposit Requirements

For domestic or foreign mail-order companies who meet the requirements for tax liability in Switzerland and must register for VAT they must provide collateral by either means of an unlimited joint and several surety from a bank domiciled in Switzerland or a cash deposit made to the tax authorities equal to 3% of their annual turnover in Switzerland. The deposit should be a minimum of CHF 2,000  and maximum of CHF 250,000. Once the registration is accepted you will be given 20 days to provide either option.

Distance sales of goods

Article 7 Paragraph 3 letter b of the VAT Act (provision for mail-order sales) entered into force on January 1st 2019. Any person making supplies of low value goods (goods with a tax liability less than CHF 5) and achieving a turnover of 100,000 francs must register for VAT purposes in Switzerland.

Until December 31st 2023

The threshold for low value goods is changing due to the increase in Swiss VAT rates. The above diagram shows the current treatment, if mail-order goods imported are equal to or below a value of CHF 65 and taxed at 7.7% or CHF 200 at 2.5% then import tax is not levied as the threshold of CHF 5 (tax owed) has not been exceeded.

If the value of goods exceeds the thresholds then import tax is levied.

From January 1st 2024

The above diagram shows the current treatment, if mail-order goods imported are equal to or below a value of CHF 62 and taxed at 8.1% or CHF 193 at 2.6% then import tax is not levied as the threshold of CHF 5 (tax owed) has not been exceeded.

If the value of goods exceeds the thresholds then import tax is levied.

Switzerland VAT Filing Frequency & Deadlines

Swiss VAT returns are filed quarterly and must be submitted with the VAT paid within 60 days after the period ends. A NIL return must be submitted if there is nothing to report

VAT Refunds non-resident

If a foreign company is looking to recover VAT incurred in Switzerland then they can do so via a VAT reclaim however their home country must have a reciprocity agreement with Switzerland. To recover the funds the company must appoint a fiscal representative. Claims can be made once per annum before 30 June the following year and must exceed 500 CHF in value.

Types of Swiss VAT
The Switzerland VAT rates are due to increase as of 01.01.2024, below are the new rates.

Switzerland VAT Rates

8.1% Standard – All goods or services not included in the reduced rate tables.
3.8 % Reduced – Hotel Accommodation Services (including breakfast services).
2.6% Reduced – Water distributed through pipes, Foods items and additives, excluding alcoholic beverages. Not applicable to catered food but does apply to takeaway, delivery or sole through vending machines. Livestock such as cattle, poultry and fish. Corn, seeds, planting roots, bulbs, live plants, scions, cut flowers, branches, and similar items used for arrangements, bouquets and wreaths. Animal feed, silage acidity, and scatterings used for animals, fertilizers, pesticides, mulch and other vegetation employed as covering materials, medications, newspapers, magazines and books (printed or electronic) excluding advertising materials, services provided by radio and television stations, excluding commercial services, cultural services including entrance fees for cultural events, charges for sporting events and the supply of works by creators such as authors, composers, painters and filmmakers. Agricultural supplies associated with land cultivation directly related to initial production or cultivation
0% Zero – Goods that are directly exported abroad without being used or exploited in Switzerland including chain transaction involving multiple suppliers. Supplies of goods for use or exploitation abroad, such as leasing or chartering, if the goods are transported directly abroad and predominantly used abroad by the recipient. Goods that have been subject to customs control in Switzerland due to transit, customs warehousing, temporary admission, inward processing, or storage in a bonded warehouse. Movement of goods abroad or arrangements for such movement that are unrelated to a supply of goods. Transport or dispatch of goods in connection with importation or exportation under Swiss customs law. Provision of transport service and related logistics activities abroad or in connection with goods under Swiss customs control. Supply of aircraft to airlines engaged in commercial air transport and charter business, with turnovers from international flights exceeding those from domestic traffic. This exemption also applies to certain services provided to qualifying airlines. Services of intermediaries acting on behalf of others, provided the underlying supply is either exempt with the right to recover input VAT or exclusively carried out abroad. Services provided by travel agents and event organizers in their own name, when they utilize supplies of goods and services from third parties that are provided abroad. International air, bus and rail traffic which may be exempt with the right to recover input VAT to ensure competition neutrality. Domestic supplies of goods that are exported in tourist traffic under specific conditions determined by the government.
0% Exempt – Postal services, health and welfare services. supplies performed by social assistance and social security institutions, supplies closely related to education and cultural development of young people(up to age 25) by charitable youth exchange organizations. Supplies related to child and youth care, supplies in field and education. cultural services ,sports, sport competitions and physical education and sales of works of art by the creators and services provided by publishers.