International tax compliance
International cooperation plays a key role in the tax system. Switzerland is also involved in devising multilateral solutions and implements international standards in the area of taxation.
The OECD defines tax havens as jurisdictions that do not comply with international tax standards and whose tax practices are deemed harmful internationally.
- Switzerland is an attractive business location that is compliant with all international tax standards.
- With the corporate tax reform of 2019, Switzerland abolished all tax regimes classified as harmful by the OECD and replaced them with internationally compatible rules. The OECD gave Switzerland written confirmation of this in 2020.
- Since 2019, international bodies have repeatedly confirmed Switzerland's correct implementation of international tax standards:
- country-by-country reports
- automatic exchange of information
- spontaneous exchange of information
- exchange of information upon request (administrative assistance)
- implementation of BEPS minimum standards.
Press releases on the topic
Federal Councillor Karin Keller-Sutter to attend meeting of EU's Economic and Financial Affairs Council
On 19 September 2026, Federal Councillor Karin Keller-Sutter will attend the informal meeting of the EU's Economic and Financial Affairs Council (ECOFIN) in Ireland. The purpose of the meeting is to promote exchanges on international financial and tax issues.
Federal Councillor Karin Keller-Sutter attends meeting of the finance ministers of the German-speaking countries
Federal Councillor Karin Keller-Sutter will attend this year's meeting of the finance ministers of German-speaking countries in Liechtenstein on 24 August 2026. The main focus will be on long-term financial policy challenges, financial sector resilience and the strengthening of European competitiveness.
Federal Council rejects financial centre initiative
The Federal Council will recommend that Parliament reject the popular initiative “For a sustainable and future-oriented Swiss financial centre (financial centre initiative)” without a direct or indirect counter-proposal. This was decided during its meeting on 12 August 2026. The Federal Council is already committed to ensuring that the Swiss financial centre operates in a sustainable manner. However, it views the additional bans called for by the initiative as questionable from an international perspective.
State Secretariat for International Finance SIF
Bundesgasse 3
Switzerland - 3003 Bern