LAKE GENEVA REGION remains one of the most attractive regions in the world, notably from a fiscal point of view. The tax system, contributions and taxes function after a principle called « the three fiscal sovereignties », meaning that they are levied by the confederation, the cantons and the communes. This prompts a healthy and loyal competition, also reflecting the federalist structure of the country.

In reality, the charges that burden persons and enterprises and that depend on the type of tax, are moderate in a European comparison (with an average rate of taxation of 24.10 % on the companies’ income). Moreover, preferential statutes exist for companies that settle down or that are being set up in LAKE GENEVA REGION.

For example, companies that are active in industrial fields (and particularly new industrial activities), or certain high value-added activities, can obtain tax exemption on their benefits and capital. These exemptions – or sometimes tax relieves – apply to communal and cantonal plans. As for holding companies, of residence and mixed companies, the cantons members of LAKE GENEVA REGION grants them, on top of income tax relieves, a special rate for capital tax, of an unlimited duration.

In a European comparison, one ought to point out that value-added tax (VAT) in force in Switzerland is very low: 7.6 %.

In addition to these major advantages for enterprises, taxes on individuals are much more advantageous than in the neighbouring countries. Moreover, special taxations exist for foreigners who do not practise any lucrative activity (lump taxes).