Switzerland vs Singapore

Switzerland

• Combined corporate tax rates as low as 11.9% in cantons like Zug and Nidwalden — competitive with Ireland (12.5%) and lower than most of Western Europe
• Cantonal tax competition: 26 cantons set their own corporate tax rates, and companies can choose where to register — cantons actively compete for business with rate reductions and incentive packages
• No withholding tax on royalties — unique among major economies and ideal for IP-holding structures
• No WHT on ordinary loan interest — only bank deposits and bonds are subject to the 35% WHT; intercompany loans to foreign affiliates are WHT-free
• Participation exemption (Beteiligungsabzug): qualifying dividends and capital gains from subsidiaries are effectively exempt from CIT — one of Europe's strongest holding company regimes

Singapore

• Incorporate in 1–3 business days via BizFile+ — same-day approval for straightforward applications. Government fees total just S$315 (name reservation + registration).
• 100% foreign ownership permitted for private limited companies. No local partner or equity sponsor required — only a locally resident director is needed.
• Headline corporate tax rate of 17%, but new startups pay as little as 4.3% effective on the first S$100,000 under the startup tax exemption scheme for the first three years.
• Zero capital gains tax and zero dividend tax under Singapore's one-tier system. Profits are taxed once at the corporate level and flow to shareholders tax-free.
• Over 100 double taxation agreements reduce withholding taxes and prevent double taxation for businesses with cross-border operations.

Government fees

• Commercial Register EntryCHF 600–800
• NotarisationCHF 500–2,000
• Stamp Duty (1% of capital)Exempt up to CHF 1M

Government fees

• ACRA Name ApplicationSGD 15
• ACRA RegistrationSGD 315
• Company Secretary (mandatory)SGD 300–800/yr