🇨🇭Switzerland vs Liechtenstein🇱🇮
Checked November 4, 2026 · How we score
| Metric | Switzerland | Liechtenstein |
|---|---|---|
| Corporate tax | 14.6% | 12.5% |
| Top personal tax | 40% | 22.4% |
| Capital gains tax | 0% | 0% |
| VAT | 8.1% | 8.1% |
| Usual entity | GmbH (limited liability company) or AG (stock corporation) | GmbH (limited liability company) or AG |
| Setup cost | $4,000–$9,000 | $5,000–$12k |
| Yearly cost | $6,000–$18k | $8,000–$20k |
| Time to form | 21 days | 21 days |
| Remote setup | No | No |
| Banking difficulty | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Digital nomad visa | No | No |
| Our score | 5.4/10 | 5.6/10 |
Choose Switzerland if…
- →Funded startups and holding companies that need top-tier credibility
- →Crypto and fintech teams in Zug or Zurich
- →High-net-worth individuals using lump-sum taxation
Choose Liechtenstein if…
- →Holding companies and family wealth structures
- →Blockchain and tokenisation projects needing EEA legal clarity
- →Businesses wanting Swiss-adjacent credibility at a 12.5% rate
Questions people ask
Is Switzerland or Liechtenstein better for a new company?
Liechtenstein has the lower overall tax burden (12.5% corporate, 22.4% top personal). Switzerland is also easier and cheaper to set up and run. Switzerland carries more weight with banks, investors and customers. Overall, Liechtenstein scores 5.6/10 on our index vs 5.4/10.
What is the corporate tax rate in Switzerland?
There is no single rate. The federal rate is 8.5% of after-tax profit (about 7.8% pre-tax), and cantons add their own, giving combined rates of roughly 11.8% in Zug to about 20-21% in the highest-tax cantons. Most startups choose Zug, Schwyz, Lucerne or Nidwalden for the lowest totals.
Can a foreigner open a company in Switzerland?
Yes, but at least one person authorised to represent the company must live in Switzerland, and a Swiss address is needed. A GmbH needs CHF 20,000 fully paid in and a notarised deed, so it cannot realistically be done fully remotely without a local nominee director.
What is the corporate tax rate in Liechtenstein?
A flat 12.5% on taxable profit, with a minimum tax of CHF 1,800 per year even if the company makes a loss. The notional interest deduction on equity can reduce the effective rate further.
Can a foreigner set up a company in Liechtenstein?
Yes, foreigners can own a Liechtenstein GmbH or AG, but the law requires at least one manager who is resident in the EEA or Switzerland and meets professional qualification rules, so most founders use a local trustee or fiduciary. A GmbH needs CHF 10,000 share capital.
More comparisons
Not tax or legal advice. Rates and rules change; we check official sources and update every page, but verify with a licensed adviser in the country before acting. Spotted something out of date? Use the correction form below.