Switzerland and Peru sign double taxation agreement

Bern, 24.09.2012 - On 21 September in Lima, Switzerland and Peru signed a double taxation agreement (DTA) in the area of taxes on income and capital. It contains provisions on the exchange of information in accordance with the international standard applicable at present and increases legal certainty for Swiss investors. The DTA will contribute to the further positive development of bilateral economic relations.

Aside from an OECD administrative assistance clause, Switzerland and Peru have agreed that both countries may levy withholding tax of no more than 15% on gross dividend amounts. If, however, a company holds a stake of at least 10% in the capital of the distributing company, this tax will be reduced to 10%. Withholding tax on interest may amount to 15% at most; on bank loans 10% at most. A residual tax of no more than 15% can be levied on royalty payments. A most favoured nation clause has been agreed for if Peru provides lower residual tax rates to another country.

After negotiations finished, a report on the DTA with Peru was submitted to the cantons and business associations concerned for their comments. They largely approved the signing of the agreement. The agreement still has to be approved by parliament in both countries before it can come into force.

Address for enquiries

Pierre Nikolic, State Secretariat for International Financial Matters SIF, tel. +41 (0)31 323 00 36, pierre.nikolic@sif.admin.ch