Advertisement

tax

This Swiss canton is about to become the world’s top tax haven

The Local
The Local - [email protected]
This Swiss canton is about to become the world’s top tax haven
Nidwalden is better known for chairlifts rather than low taxes. Photo: FABRICE COFFRINI / AFP

The tiny Swiss canton of Nidwalden has unveiled a suite of reforms which will see it overtake Hong Kong in having the most favourable taxation rates for corporations.

Advertisement

With a population of 43,223, the central Swiss canton of Nidwalden is one of the countries tiniest. 

But a new set of reforms are set to put it on the map - at least for corporate clients. 

The adoption of a set of tax reforms - partially motivated by the coronavirus crisis - will result in Nidwalden adopting a corporate tax rate of 9.8 percent. 

Advertisement

Currently, Hong Kong has the lowest corporate tax rate in the world but will be undercut by Nidwalden if the changes take effect. 

READ: Switzerland's strangest taxes - and what happens if you don't pay them 

As reported in the NZZ however, other countries may follow suit - meaning there’s no guarantee that Nidwalden will stay number one for long. 

A number of other Swiss cantons have also announced reductions in order to attract corporate clients. 

In addition to Nidwalden, Uri and Schaffhausen have also slashed their tax rates, while Bern now comparatively has one of the higher rates in Switzerland. 

The changes are not immediate however and are expected to take effect in 2025. 

More

Join the conversation in our comments section below. Share your own views and experience and if you have a question or suggestion for our journalists then email us at [email protected].
Please keep comments civil, constructive and on topic – and make sure to read our terms of use before getting involved.

Please log in to leave a comment.

See Also