Navigating VAT in Switzerland

This guide provides an overview of VAT in Switzerland, including applicable rates, registration requirements, compliance obligations, and filing deadlines. It is designed for businesses engaging in transactions within Switzerland.

Last Updated: January 2026
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8.1%

is Switzerland’s VAT rate, one of the lowest in Europe

Switzerland at a glance.

Standard rate

8.1% VAT

Digital services VAT

Yes, at 8.1%

Mandate e-invoicing

Yes

Currency

Swiss Franc (CHF)

Zero-rated items

N/A

VAT format

CHE followed by 9 digits

Fiscal representation

Yes, required for non-EU businesses conducting VAT-related activities in Switzerland

Reclaiming VAT in Switzerland.

Foreign businesses that incur VAT on eligible expenses in Switzerland may be able to reclaim it.

Who can reclaim?
Switzerland applies the rule of reciprocity. This means Switzerland allows VAT refunds for foreign businesses, but only if they are based in approved countries.
Eligible countries include:
Claimable expenses:
Entertainment
8.1%
Accommodation
3.8%
Food, drink & restaurant services
2.6% / 8.1%
Entertainment 1 2
Hiring means of transport
8.1%
Fuel
8.1%
Public Transport
8.1%
Taxis
8.1%
Entertainment 2 1
Admission to fairs & exhibitions
8.1%
Training courses & seminars
8.1%
Goods
8.1%
Inter-company charges
8.1%
Office expenses
8.1%
Marketing costs
8.1%
Professional fees & AP invoices
8.1%
Entertainment 4
VAT compliance in Switzerland.

Doing business in Switzerland? You’ll need to play by the rules of the Federal Law on Value-Added Tax (MWST).

Who needs to register?

Yes, it’s available for businesses below the threshold.

VAT registration in Switzerland
VAT filing deadlines in Switzerland

Quarterly

60 days after the end of the VAT settlement period

VAT payment deadlines in Switzerland

Quarterly

60 days after the end of the VAT settlement period

Digital services in scope
Things to note

Switzerland applies VAT on digital services based on the consumer’s location and mandates registration for non-resident businesses providing digital services to Swiss customers.

e-invoicing in Switzerland.
Summary of the mandate in this country

B2G mandate in place

Yes

B2B mandate in place

No

B2C mandate in place

No

Obligation status: B2B e-Invoicing

To be announced

B2B e-Invoicing model

N/A

Name of exchange infrastructure

Federal e-invoicing portal (via PEPPOL or third-party providers)

Format(s) used

eCH-0217 / EN16931 (CIUS) – e.g. Swiss Cross-Industry Invoice or Peppol BIS 3.0; hybrid ZUGFeRD also accepted.

FAQs

Original invoices and receipts are not required for a Switzerland VAT refund claim and scans or photocopies may be submitted.

Yes, only a single (annual) Switzerland VAT refund claim is allowed for VAT in Switzerland incurred in the previous calendar year.

A Switzerland VAT refund claim must exceed CHF 500.00.

Nearby countries.

Explore indirect tax information in these countries:

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