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New Arrivals in Geneva

You have just moved to Switzerland and need to understand the Swiss tax system? We guide you from the moment you arrive to file your first tax return, choose your taxation regime, and identify applicable deductions from the very first year. We also explain how withholding tax works and the registration procedures with the cantonal tax authority.

Updated February 2026

44.75%
Maximum marginal rate
Filing deadline
4
Main deductions

Moving to Switzerland means understanding a tax system that is unique in the world: three levels of taxation (federal, cantonal, and communal), mandatory self-assessment, and rules that vary considerably depending on your canton of residence.

Your first year in Switzerland is crucial from a tax perspective. Depending on your arrival date, you may be taxed on a pro rata temporis basis for the first period. If you hold a B permit, you will initially be taxed at source, with the option to switch to ordinary taxation via the TOU if your gross income exceeds CHF 120,000.

Key tax decisions upon arrival: canton of residence (tax rates can vary by a factor of two between cantons), pillar 3a (start contributing from the very first year), vested benefits account (transfer possible from the EU/EFTA), and lump-sum taxation (for wealthy foreign nationals who do not work in Switzerland).

What we do for you: a comprehensive audit of your tax situation, selection of the optimal taxation regime, first tax return with identification of all deductions, implementation of a pension strategy (pillar 3a, LPP buybacks), and assistance with your dealings with the cantonal tax authority.

Our experience with expatriates helps you avoid costly first-year mistakes and lays the foundation for long-term tax optimization.

Key deductions — Canton of Geneva

Pillar 3a: up to CHF 7,258 for employees affiliated with a 2nd pillar pension fund (2025), CHF 36,288 for self-employed without a 2nd pillar

Professional expenses: flat rate of 3% of net salary (min. CHF 610, max. CHF 2,400) or actual expenses with supporting documents

Health insurance premiums: maximum deduction of CHF 6,264 for a married couple with children (Geneva scale)

Mortgage interest and property maintenance costs: fully deductible or flat rate of 10% to 20% of the imputed rental value depending on the age of the property

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Frequently asked questions

When do I need to file my first tax return in Switzerland?
Your first tax return covers the period from your date of arrival to of the same year. It must be filed within the cantonal deadline (generally or of the following year). If you are subject to withholding tax, you can apply for the TOU if it is advantageous.
How does pillar 3a work for a new arrival?
You can open a pillar 3a account as soon as you arrive and contribute up to CHF 7,258 (in 2025) if you are an employee affiliated with a 2nd pillar pension fund. The full amount is deductible from taxable income. This is one of the first optimizations to set up when you settle in Switzerland.
How does the quasi-resident status work in Geneva?
The quasi-resident status is reserved for taxpayers subject to withholding tax in Geneva whose household earns at least 90% of its worldwide income in Switzerland. This status, obtained through a Subsequent Ordinary Taxation request (TOU), allows the deduction of actual expenses (pillar 3a, LPP buy-backs, childcare costs, alimony, etc.) instead of the flat-rate withholding tax scale. The request must be filed before of the following year. Note: since 2021, the TOU is irrevocable and applies until departure from the canton or obtaining a C permit.
What is the maximum tax rate in Geneva?
The maximum marginal tax rate in Geneva can reach approximately 44.75% when combining direct federal tax (max. 11.5%), cantonal tax, and municipal tax. This rate applies to the highest incomes and varies slightly depending on the municipality of residence. The City of Geneva applies a municipal surcharge of 45.5% of the base cantonal tax. The municipalities with the lowest tax rates in Geneva are Cologny, Collonge-Bellerive, and Vandoeuvres.

Other services in Geneva

Tax Declarations (Individuals)

We prepare and optimize your tax return, whether you are an employee, self-employed, or a retiree. Our expertise covers all deductions allowed by the cantonal and federal tax authorities, in order to legally reduce your tax burden. Each declaration is reviewed by a specialist before submission.

Withholding Tax & TOU

Withholding tax is deducted directly from the salary of B permit, L permit, or cross-border workers. We analyze your situation to file a Subsequent Ordinary Assessment (TOU) request when it is advantageous, which often allows you to recover several thousand francs. Since 2021, the withholding tax reform has expanded TOU eligibility for many taxpayers.

Cross-Border Taxation

Cross-border workers are subject to complex tax rules arising from the double taxation agreements between Switzerland and France. Depending on your canton of employment, you may be taxed at source in Switzerland or only in France. We guide you to optimize your situation and avoid double taxation, taking into account the Franco-Swiss agreement of April 11, 1983 and its amendments.