The following overview explains the structure and current rates of the wealth tax in Switzerland for the year 2025, including critical thresholds and cantonal surcharges. All figures, rates, and brackets reflect information specifically for Switzerland and its cantons, with a particular focus on Geneva where additional wealth tax surtaxes apply.
Overview of Wealth Taxation in Switzerland (2025)
Switzerland applies a progressive wealth tax, assessed at the cantonal and communal levels, on the net assets of individuals. Taxable wealth encompasses property, financial assets, and other holdings minus any liabilities. Given Switzerland’s reputation for a moderate and transparent fiscal system, the wealth tax’s rate structure remains straightforward, but local surcharges—especially in Geneva—can add complexity for high-net-worth individuals.
2025 Wealth Tax Brackets and Rates in Switzerland
The base wealth tax is progressive, starting at a nil rate for lower net worth and escalating for larger portfolios. The following table summarizes the national-level brackets and rates, denominated in Swiss francs (CHF):
| Net Worth Bracket (CHF) | Net Worth Bracket (USD) (1 CHF ≈ 1.12 USD) |
Rate (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 0 – 80,000 | $0 – $89,600 | 0% |
| 80,001 – 318,000 | $89,601 – $356,160 | 0.05% |
| 318,001 – 717,000 | $356,161 – $803,040 | 0.10% |
| 717,001 – 1,353,000 | $803,041 – $1,515,360 | 0.15% |
| 1,353,001 – 2,309,000 | $1,515,361 – $2,585,080 | 0.20% |
| 2,309,001 – 3,262,000 | $2,585,081 – $3,655,440 | 0.25% |
| 3,262,001 and above | $3,655,441 and above | 0.30% |
Current data for the nationwide average rate above these brackets is not publicly available, but the rates above apply to most cantons, with significant surcharges in some regions.
Special Cantonal Surtax: Geneva (2025)
Geneva applies supplementary taxes on wealth, with rates increasing alongside net assets. The chart below outlines Geneva’s additional surtaxes on top of the base tax. All ranges and rates are in CHF, with equivalent USD values:
| Taxable Wealth Bracket (CHF) | Taxable Wealth Bracket (USD) | Geneva Surtax Rate (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 111,059 – 222,117 | $124,387 – $248,774 | 0.0956% |
| 222,118 – 333,176 | $248,773 – $373,160 | 0.1169% |
| 333,177 – 444,234 | $373,161 – $497,547 | 0.2550% |
| 444,235 – 666,352 | $497,548 – $745,322 | 0.2763% |
| 666,353 – 888,469 | $745,323 – $993,106 | 0.4463% |
| 888,470 – 1,110,586 | $993,107 – $1,240,892 | 0.4781% |
| 1,110,587 – 1,332,703 | $1,240,893 – $1,488,677 | 0.6800% |
| 1,332,704 – 1,665,879 | $1,488,678 – $1,866,173 | 0.7225% |
| 1,665,880 – 3,331,758 | $1,866,174 – $3,732,347 | 0.9563% |
| 3,331,759 and above | $3,732,348 and above | 1.4750% |
The above Geneva rates are levied in addition to the base wealth tax. Multinational professionals and cross-border asset holders should consider this when structuring residency or asset allocations, particularly as net worth increases can shift taxpayers into higher surcharge brackets.
Calculation Basis and Assessment
The Swiss wealth tax is calculated based on an individual’s net assets, including real estate, securities, investments, valuable movables, and cash holdings, after deducting liabilities such as mortgages or loans. There is no national minimum or maximum holding period for assets when calculating wealth tax liability.
Pro Tips: Managing Swiss Wealth Tax Efficiently
- Check local canton rates annually, as surcharges like those in Geneva can significantly impact your effective total rate.
- Declare all global assets honestly, but make sure to claim all eligible debt deductions (e.g., mortgages or private loans).
- If residency flexibility is possible, compare several cantons before deciding where to establish tax residence—some may offer lower wealth tax without additional surcharges.
- Keep comprehensive, up-to-date documentation of assets and liabilities to streamline assessment and optimize eligible deductions.
Official Sources for Further Information
For authoritative, up-to-date details on Swiss tax regulations, consult the main website of the Swiss Confederation.
Swiss wealth tax in 2025 remains highly progressive, with base and supplementary rates structured to impact those with larger net assets. Maximum efficiencies—especially for high net worth individuals—are best gained by understanding both the national brackets and any regional surcharges that apply. Asset location, robust liability documentation, and potential canton-to-canton differences continue to be the decisive factors in successfully navigating Switzerland’s wealth tax landscape.