Inheritance tax in Switzerland

In Switzerland, inheritance tax rules and what you pay often vary depending on which canton you live in. Alongside preparing for your retirement in Switzerland and your will and estate, learning about inheritance tax is a great way to plan for later life in the country.

This article covers the following topics:

Does Switzerland have inheritance tax?

Most Swiss cantons do have inheritance tax – with the exception of Obwalden and Schwyz. As with many things in Switzerland, rules and rates vary widely between cantons.

Expats living in Switzerland can choose whether Swiss inheritance tax law or their home country’s laws apply upon their death. Without a will or stated preference, Swiss inheritance tax laws will automatically apply.

What happens when you’re left an inheritance in Switzerland?

Heirs in Switzerland have three months to either accept or reject an inheritance, or accept it subject to a public inventory (useful if debts might exceed assets). To access inherited funds, financial institutions require a certificate of inheritance, issued by cantonal authorities for a fee.

Property inheritance tax depends mainly on the property’s value and your relationship to the deceased—closer relatives pay lower rates.

When it comes to inheriting property, several factors affect how much tax is due:

• The property’s market value
• The degree of relationship to the deceased – the closer the relation to the deceased, the lower the tax rate

Inheritance tax rates in Switzerland

Inheritance tax rates vary between Swiss cantons. Some share inheritance tax responsibilities with the municipalities, while some levy taxes on their own.

The taxable rate also varies depending on the value of the assets and the relationship the heir has to the deceased. The charges are payable by the person who inherits the estate, but tax doesn’t apply to personal and household goods.

If you’re struggling to work out what you owe, the Swiss government provides a calculator and Credit Suisse offer an overview of inheritance taxes by canton (link to PDF in article). You can also explore tax advisors in the Expatica Directory.

Rates in Bern

Spouses, children, and grandchildren aren’t subject to inheritance tax in Bern. Other heirs are split into three groups:

• Lowest rate (Group 1) with a tax multiplier of six: parents, grandparents, siblings, and those who cohabited with the deceased for more than 10 years
• Middle rate (Group 2) with a tax multiplier of 11: nephews, nieces, aunts, uncles, and in-laws
• Highest rate (Group 3) with a tax multiplier of 16: anyone else

There is a tax-free allowance of CHF 12,000. The multipliers mean you’ll pay 1–40% tax, based on the following rates:

Tax base	Tax rate
Up to CHF 110,600	1%
CHF 110,600–221,200	1.25%
CHF 221,200–331,800	1.5%
CHF 331,800–442,400	1.75%
CHF 442,400–553,000	2%
CHF 553,000–663,600	2.25%
CHF 663,600+	2.5%

As an example, if someone living in Bern receives CHF 200,000 from a deceased sibling, they will pay 6.22% in tax.

Rates in Geneva

Inheritance tax in Switzerland is charged according to the following rates if you live in the canton of Geneva:

Relationship	Tax rate
Spouses, descendants, parents	Tax exempt
Siblings	6–11%
Partners, other relatives, and third parties	up to 26%

Rates in Zurich

Spouses and descendants aren’t charged Swiss inheritance tax in Zurich. Other heirs are split into six groups:

• Parents
• Grandparents and stepchildren
• Siblings
• Step-parents
• Uncles, aunts, nieces, and nephews
• Anyone else

There are also a number of allowances available:

• Parents: CHF 200,000
• Unmarried/unregistered partners who lived with the deceased for five years or more: CHF 50,000
• Dependent persons with a disability: CHF 30,000
• Fiancees, siblings, grandparents, stepchildren, godchildren, foster children, and those who have been employed as home help for more than 10 years: CHF 15,000

The tax rates are as follows:

Tax base	Tax rate
Up to CHF 30,000	2%
CHF 30,000–90,000	3%
CHF 90,000–180,000	4%
CHF 180,000–360,000	5%
CHF 360,000–840,000	6%
CHF 840,000–1,500,000	7%
CHF 1,500,000+	6%

How to pay inheritance tax in Switzerland

Swiss inheritance taxes are usually due within 20 days of receiving the tax assessment.

Expats in Switzerland, as well as Swiss residents abroad, can benefit from the country’s double tax treaties. These have been set up with more than 50 countries, and ensure you won’t get taxed twice based on your nationality.

If your country is not listed, you could be subject to paying Swiss inheritance tax as well as inheritance tax in your home country. You can also see a list of financial advisors in Switzerland on our business directory to seek expert advice.

Useful resources

• Swiss government website – official information on Swiss inheritance law and taxes
• Disclaiming an inheritance
• Requesting a certificate of inheritance