US → Switzerland relocation

Moving to Switzerland from the United States, without the tax surprises.

FATCA, source tax, lump-sum taxation, residence permits: Veltica guides Americans relocating to Switzerland, from the first simulation to the first tax return.

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Why Switzerland

A stable framework, built for a fresh start.

A manageable tax system

Cantonal tax rates vary, and qualifying new residents may access lump-sum taxation instead of worldwide income tax.

Stability and safety

A strong currency, a predictable legal framework — one of the safest countries in the world.

World-class healthcare

Universal coverage (LAMal) and hospitals ranked among the best-equipped in the world.

International schools

Geneva and Lausanne have one of the highest densities of international schools and world-ranked universities (EPFL, IMD).

A global business hub

International organizations, multinationals, and wealth managers minutes from the airport.

Quality of life

Lakes, mountains, punctual public transport — a direct flight from New York to Geneva or Zürich.

FATCA, source tax, lump-sum taxation: what actually changes when you leave the US

The US principle of citizenship-based taxation doesn't disappear when you move to Switzerland: FATCA still applies, and an annual IRS return remains due regardless of where you live.

What actually changes once you're in Switzerland:

Source tax (Quellensteuer) — unless you hold a C permit or are married to a Swiss national, cantonal and federal tax is withheld directly from your salary.
Lump-sum taxation (forfait fiscal) — for new residents who don't take up gainful employment in Switzerland, several cantons (Vaud, Valais, Geneva under conditions) allow taxation based on living expenses rather than worldwide income.
The Switzerland–US tax treaty — avoids most double taxation, but never waives the obligation to file a US return (FBAR, Form 8938, sometimes Form 3520 for Swiss retirement structures).

We coordinate your file with your US CPA so your Swiss and IRS returns stay consistent year after year.

IRS filing deadline

June 15 (expats)

Lump-sum tax cantons

VD · VS · GE · TI…

Common FATCA forms

FBAR · 8938

Switzerland–US treaty

Since 1951

Your relocation, step by step

Tax simulation & canton selection

Comparing source tax vs. lump-sum taxation for your target canton and family situation.

Residence permit (B or L)

Building your file with the cantonal migration office — employment contract, proof of means, or an approved lump-sum tax ruling.

Bank account & AVS/OASI

Opening a Swiss bank account, AVS/AI registration, and choosing a compensation fund.

Mandatory health insurance (LAMal)

Subscription required within 3 months of arrival, with retroactive effect to your entry date.

Housing & the Lex Koller rules

Checking your status under the foreign real-estate acquisition law before any purchase.

Your first Swiss tax return

Filing your first Swiss return, coordinated with your US CPA for the matching IRS filing.

“We thought leaving the US would make everything more complicated. Veltica handled the lump-sum ruling, the B permit, and the coordination with our accountant in New York — all we had to do was sign.”