Question 1

Who is Geneva Wealth Partners?

Accepted Answer

Geneva Wealth Partners is an independent Geneva-based firm specialised in wealth and tax structuring for high net-worth individuals, entrepreneurs, expatriates and family offices. We work across the full estate lifecycle, from creation to transmission.

Question 2

What is the difference with a private bank?

Accepted Answer

A private bank manages your assets and earns commissions on the financial products placed. Geneva Wealth Partners is an independent advisory firm: we receive no commission and our compensation comes solely from the fees billed to the client. This guarantees full impartiality in our recommendations.

Question 3

In which languages do you work?

Accepted Answer

French, English.

Question 4

How does a first appointment unfold?

Accepted Answer

The first consultation is free and lasts about 45 minutes. It is designed to understand your situation, your goals and to define the scope of a possible engagement. No commitment at this stage. A detailed quote is then sent to you if you wish to proceed.

Question 5

Is everything confidential?

Accepted Answer

Confidentiality is at the heart of our practice. All information exchanged remains strictly confidential and our systems comply with Swiss data protection standards (FADP). We sign a non-disclosure agreement at your request before any sensitive document is shared.

Question 6

What is the Swiss lump-sum taxation regime?

Accepted Answer

Lump-sum taxation, or expenditure-based taxation, is a special regime reserved for foreign nationals who relocate their residence to Switzerland without carrying out gainful activity there. Tax is calculated based on annual expenditure rather than on income. The conditions vary by canton. We can assess your eligibility and model the tax cost during a meeting.

Question 7

I am a French expatriate. Can I optimise my tax in Switzerland?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but the strategy depends on several factors: the intended duration, your existing wealth, your professional activity, the presence of a French company. Critical points include the French exit tax, the choice of canton, possible estate restructuring and the France–Switzerland tax treaty. We frequently support this type of profile.

Question 8

What are the tax rates in Geneva?

Accepted Answer

Rates vary depending on the income bracket and family situation. As an indication, the combined maximum marginal rate (federal + cantonal + municipal) can reach about 45% in Geneva, but many lawful optimisation levers exist (deductions, pillar 3a, structuring). We run a personalised simulation during the assessment.

Question 9

Do I have to declare my wealth in Switzerland?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Switzerland levies a wealth tax (cantonal and municipal, not federal). You must declare your worldwide estate. We help you structure your assets to optimise this burden while remaining compliant.

Question 10

Does Switzerland levy an inheritance tax?

Accepted Answer

There is no federal inheritance tax, but each canton sets its own rules. In Geneva, gifts and inheritances to direct heirs (children, spouse) are exempt, but transfers to unrelated persons can be heavily taxed. Early planning often makes it possible to optimise considerably.

Question 11

How much does it cost to set up a Sàrl in Switzerland?

Accepted Answer

The minimum share capital of a Sàrl is CHF 20,000, fully paid-in. On top of this, count the notary fees, commercial register fees and domiciliation. Excluding advisory fees, the total cost is usually between CHF 3,000 and 5,000 in addition to the share capital.

Question 12

How long does it take to set up a company?

Accepted Answer

Between 2 and 4 weeks for a Sàrl or SA, once the complete file is filed. The timeframe includes the verification by the commercial register and the opening of the bank account.

Question 13

Can a non-resident set up a company in Switzerland?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but at least one director must be a Swiss resident. We offer this legal representation service to non-resident clients. Opening the bank account can be more complex and often requires support.

Question 14

Sàrl or SA: which structure to choose?

Accepted Answer

The Sàrl suits smaller or family projects, with a minimum capital of CHF 20,000. The SA offers more flexibility and confidentiality (no shareholder names published) but requires a minimum capital of CHF 100,000 (of which 50,000 paid in). We analyse the best option based on your project.

Question 15

What is a holding and why set one up?

Accepted Answer

A holding is a company that holds shares in other companies. It allows to optimise the tax treatment of dividends and capital gains on shareholdings, simplify transmission and centralise group management. Switzerland offers a favourable regime for holdings under certain conditions.

Question 16

Can I open a Swiss bank account as a non-resident?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but banks have become more selective since the 2010s. You generally need to demonstrate a connection with Switzerland (activity, secondary residence, assets), a complete KYC file and accept higher account fees. Geneva Wealth Partners has a partner banking network that facilitates this opening, including for complex profiles.

Question 17

Which documents are required to open a Swiss bank account?

Accepted Answer

Typically: passport, proof of residence, source of funds evidence, recent tax return and, in some cases, a W-8BEN form or equivalent depending on your nationality. The KYC (Know Your Customer) process is rigorous.

Question 18

Do Swiss banks share data with foreign tax authorities?

Accepted Answer

Yes, since 2017 Switzerland has applied the Automatic Exchange of Information (AEOI) with most EU and OECD countries. Tax-related banking secrecy no longer exists for foreign residents. This does not prevent the lawful use of Swiss accounts: what matters is a correct declaration in the country of residence.

Question 19

When should I start planning my succession?

Accepted Answer

Ideally as soon as your estate becomes significant and structured. Early planning unlocks far more options (staggered gifts, dismemberment of ownership, inheritance contract, family holding). Waiting can drastically reduce the available levers.

Question 20

How do I transfer a family business in Switzerland?

Accepted Answer

Options include the progressive gifting of shares to the children, the creation of a family holding, a partial sale with share buy-back, or the implementation of an inheritance contract. Each option has different tax and legal implications. We support the full strategy, including the legal, tax and family dimensions.

Question 21

What is an inheritance contract?

Accepted Answer

An inheritance contract is a written agreement between a testator and their heirs, signed before a notary. It allows the succession to be anticipated with the agreement of the parties, unlike a will which can be amended unilaterally. Useful for complex situations: blended families, family businesses, international estates.

Question 22

How do you bill your services?

Accepted Answer

We mainly use fixed fees for defined engagements (company formation, succession planning, bank account opening) and hourly rates for ad-hoc advice. A detailed quote is always provided before any engagement.

Question 23

What is the average budget for an engagement?

Accepted Answer

Ad-hoc engagements typically start around CHF 1,500 to 3,000 (e.g. simple Sàrl formation, focused tax advice). Full engagements (relocation, estate restructuring, holding setup) sit higher depending on complexity. We always provide a range before starting.

Question 24

Can I have a free first consultation?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The first 45-minute consultation is free and without commitment. It is used to understand your situation and to define a possible engagement scope.

Question 25

Do you work with other firms?

Accepted Answer

Yes, regularly. We work with notaries, tax lawyers, accountants and asset managers in partnership to deliver a holistic approach. We can also integrate with your existing advisory ecosystem.

Frequently asked questions.

General

Tax

Company formation

Bank accounts

Succession

Pricing & engagement

Let's discuss your wealth project, in full confidentiality.