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Crypto & Foreign Assets in Valais

In Switzerland, cryptocurrencies are considered wealth assets and must be declared at their value as of December 31, based on the rates published by the Federal Tax Administration. Capital gains realized by private investors are in principle exempt from tax, but trading activity deemed professional may be taxed as income. We also declare your foreign accounts and assets in compliance with legal obligations.

Updated February 2026

36%
Maximum marginal rate
Filing deadline
4
Main deductions

The declaration of cryptocurrencies and foreign assets has become a major issue for Swiss taxpayers. The Federal Tax Administration (FTA) now has powerful tools to detect undeclared assets, thanks to the Automatic Exchange of Information (AEOI) with over 100 countries.

Cryptocurrencies -- Declaration rules: all cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, Ethereum, stablecoins, tokens) must be declared as wealth assets at their value on December 31, using the rate published by the FTA. If the FTA does not publish a rate for a specific token, the value on the reference exchange platform applies.

Tax regime for crypto gains: for private investors, capital gains are tax-exempt (as with stocks). For professional traders, gains are taxed as self-employment income with AHV/AVS contributions. The criteria for professional qualification include high volume, transaction frequency, use of leverage, and debt financing.

Taxable crypto income (even for private investors): staking rewards are taxable as wealth income, mining constitutes self-employment income, lending (DeFi) generates taxable wealth income, airdrops are taxable as income at the value upon receipt, and payments in crypto constitute taxable employment income.

Foreign assets: all bank accounts, securities portfolios, life insurance policies, and pension assets held abroad must be declared as wealth and income. The AEOI allows Swiss tax authorities to verify the compliance of declarations against information transmitted by foreign financial institutions.

Our experts precisely calculate the value of your crypto portfolio, identify taxable income, and ensure your declaration is complete and compliant with FTA requirements.

Key deductions — Canton of Valais

Pillar 3a: up to CHF 7,258 for employees affiliated with a 2nd pillar pension fund (2025)

2nd pillar (LPP) buy-backs: fully deductible from taxable income, subject to a 3-year lock-in period before any capital withdrawal

Training and professional development costs: deductible up to CHF 12,900 at the federal level if related to professional activity

Medical expenses: deductible to the extent they exceed 5% of the taxpayer's net income (Valais cantonal law)

Frequently asked questions

How do I declare my cryptocurrencies for tax purposes in Switzerland?
You must declare all your cryptocurrencies in the 'Securities and capital investments' section at their value as of . The FTA publishes official rates for the main cryptocurrencies. For unlisted tokens, use the exchange platform rate. Capital gains for private investors are tax-exempt, but staking/mining income is taxable.
Is there a risk of reassessment for undeclared crypto?
Yes. With the Automatic Exchange of Information (AEOI) and growing cooperation between exchange platforms and tax authorities, the risk of detection increases every year. A tax reassessment can go back 10 years with late-payment interest and fines of up to 3 times the evaded tax. A voluntary disclosure (once in a lifetime) allows you to avoid fines.
Why is Valais a tax-attractive canton?
Valais benefits from one of the lowest cantonal tax scales in French-speaking Switzerland, with a maximum marginal rate of approximately 36% across all levels combined. Mountain municipalities such as Lens, Bagnes, and Nendaz apply particularly advantageous municipal coefficients. This attractiveness, combined with a lower cost of living compared to Geneva or Lausanne, makes it a popular destination for families and self-employed individuals seeking to optimize their tax burden.
How do I declare a property in Valais?
Property owners in Valais must declare the tax value of their property as well as the imputed rental value set by the administration. The imputed rental value corresponds to approximately 70% of the market rental value. Maintenance costs can be deducted either as actual expenses or as a flat rate (10% for buildings less than 10 years old, 20% thereafter). Mortgage interest is fully deductible, up to the limit of gross asset returns plus CHF 50,000.