For International & EU Companies

VAT registration in Switzerland for foreign companies

If you sell goods or services to Swiss customers, you may be required — or benefit from choosing — to register for Swiss VAT. We handle ESTV registration, fiscal representation, and ongoing quarterly returns.

Swiss MWST registration from CHF 149/month
Fiscal representative service included
EU distance selling threshold: CHF 100'000
B2B reverse charge & B2C direct obligation explained

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200+ Foreign registrations
CHF 100K Distance selling threshold
4 weeks Avg registration time
8 yrs Zürich expertise

Swiss VAT for foreign companies — common questions

Swiss MWST rules for foreign companies differ significantly from EU VAT. These are the six situations we most commonly help international businesses work through.

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Distance selling threshold

Foreign companies selling goods to Swiss private customers must register for MWST once annual Swiss revenue exceeds CHF 100'000. We monitor your threshold and register at the right moment.

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Digital services

Since 2019, foreign companies supplying digital services (software, streaming, apps) to Swiss private customers must register for VAT regardless of turnover. We handle the ESTV registration and quarterly mini-one-stop-shop returns.

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Fiscal representative requirement

ESTV requires most foreign companies to appoint a Swiss fiscal representative. We act as your representative, handle all ESTV correspondence, and ensure deadlines are met.

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B2B reverse charge

Swiss businesses buying services from foreign providers self-assess VAT via reverse charge. As the foreign supplier, you need to understand when you must register and when your Swiss customer handles the VAT. We explain exactly what applies.

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Marketplace sellers

If you sell via Amazon, Zalando, or other marketplaces with Swiss warehousing, the platform may collect VAT on your behalf — or you may still need your own registration. We assess your platform obligations.

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Quarterly return complexity

Swiss VAT returns require careful allocation of input tax, correct rate application (8.1% standard, 3.8% hotel, 2.6% reduced), and proper net tax rate calculations. Errors trigger ESTV audits.

Swiss VAT compliance — end to end

From your first obligation assessment to the quarterly return submission, we manage every step with ESTV on your behalf.

From assessment to first return

Four steps — from your initial enquiry to a confirmed MWST number and ongoing quarterly compliance.

01

Free assessment

We review your Swiss revenue, product/service type, and current structure. You get a clear obligation analysis and a fixed-fee quote within 24 hours.

02

Registration & representation

We prepare the ESTV registration package, arrange fiscal representation, and submit to the Swiss Federal Tax Administration on your behalf.

03

Quarterly returns

We prepare and submit your quarterly MWST returns, reconcile input tax, and communicate with ESTV on any queries.

04

Ongoing compliance

Annual registration renewal, rate updates (when ESTV changes rates), and proactive advice when your business model changes.

Fixed fees — no hourly billing

A flat monthly fee covering your Swiss VAT compliance entirely. No surprise invoices when ESTV writes to us on your behalf.

Startup
CHF 149/month

For foreign companies with simple Swiss VAT obligations — basic registration and quarterly returns.

  • ESTV registration support
  • Fiscal representative service
  • Quarterly MWST returns
  • ESTV correspondence (DE)
  • Annual registration renewal
  • Email support
Get started
Enterprise
Custom

For multi-entity groups, marketplace sellers, and companies with complex Swiss VAT structures.

  • Everything in SME plan
  • Multi-entity VAT coordination
  • Transfer pricing documentation
  • PE risk assessment
  • VAT reclaim filings
  • Dedicated senior accountant
Request quote

"We were selling SaaS to Swiss businesses and had no idea we needed a MWST number. The team registered us, backdated two years of returns, and negotiated the penalty down to zero. Professional from start to finish."

Sarah Mitchell
Sarah Mitchell
CFO, UK-based SaaS company selling to Switzerland

Swiss VAT for foreign companies — your questions

A foreign company must register for Swiss MWST if it supplies goods from abroad to Swiss private customers and its global revenue exceeds CHF 100'000. For digital services (software, streaming, apps) supplied to private customers, registration is mandatory regardless of turnover. B2B services are generally subject to reverse charge at the Swiss customer's end — but check with us whether your specific service type requires your own registration.
ESTV requires most foreign companies without a permanent establishment in Switzerland to appoint a Swiss fiscal representative. This person or firm receives official correspondence on your behalf and is jointly liable for your VAT obligations. We act as fiscal representative for our clients.
Typically two to four weeks from submission of the complete registration package. We prepare all documents, translate them if required, and liaise with ESTV directly. You receive your MWST number once approved.
If you are not required to register but incurred Swiss input VAT (e.g. on a conference, trade fair, or local purchase), you can file a refund claim under the reciprocity arrangement. This requires your home country to offer equivalent refund rights to Swiss companies. We assess eligibility and file the claim.
Switzerland has three VAT rates: 8.1% standard rate (most goods and services), 3.8% special rate (hotel accommodation), and 2.6% reduced rate (food, medicine, newspapers, books). The rates changed in January 2024 — if you have old contracts referencing the former rates, we help you update them.

Need to register for Swiss VAT?

Book a free 30-minute consultation. We assess your obligation, explain your options, and give you a fixed-fee quote — no hourly billing.