Are capital gains on stocks tax-free in Switzerland?

For private individuals holding securities as personal assets (Privatvermögen), yes — gains from selling shares, bonds, ETFs, and similar securities are exempt from capital gains tax at both federal and cantonal level. This is one of Switzerland's most favourable tax features for retail investors.

What makes someone a professional securities trader?

The Swiss Federal Tax Administration (SFTA) uses five primary criteria: (1) securities held for less than six months on average, (2) transaction volume exceeds five times the portfolio value in a year, (3) capital gains make up more than 50% of net income, (4) third-party financing (margin, loans) is used, and (5) derivative instruments are employed for speculation. Meeting two or more criteria — especially involving leverage or derivatives — significantly raises the risk of reclassification.

What taxes apply if I am a professional trader?

Net gains become self-employment income subject to federal income tax (progressive, 0–11.5%), cantonal and municipal income tax (varies widely by canton; total effective rates range from roughly 12% in Zug to 36%+ in Geneva for high incomes), and AHV/IV/EO social contributions of approximately 10.025% on net earnings.

Does Switzerland have a financial transaction tax (stamp duty)?

Yes. A securities transfer stamp duty (Umsatzabgabe) applies to trades executed through Swiss securities dealers: 0.075% per side for Swiss securities and 0.15% per side for foreign securities. This applies to both private investors and professional traders and is separate from income tax.

Are cryptocurrency gains taxed in Switzerland?

The same private/professional distinction applies. Most buy-and-hold crypto investors are treated as private investors and pay no capital gains tax, but frequent traders using leverage may be reclassified. Crypto is also subject to annual wealth tax based on year-end fair market value.

What is the wealth tax on securities in Switzerland?

Switzerland levies cantonal wealth tax on the total value of assets, including securities, at year-end. Rates vary by canton (typically 0.1–0.8% of net wealth). This is separate from capital gains tax and applies regardless of investor classification.

Switzerland Capital Gains Tax Calculator

Name: Switzerland Capital Gains Tax Calculator
Availability: InStock
Author: Nham Vu

Check whether your Swiss securities gains are tax-free (private investor) or taxable (professional trader) using the official five-criteria checklist, then estimate your income tax if applicable.

SFTA Professional Trader Criteria

Answer based on your last full tax year. Meeting 2+ criteria raises reclassification risk.

Short holding period

Average holding period across all securities trades was under 6 months.

High transaction volume

Total securities sold exceeded 5× the opening portfolio value for the year.

Gains exceed 50% of net income

Capital gains from securities were more than half your total net income (salary + other income).

Third-party financing / leverage

Used borrowed funds, margin accounts, or loans to finance securities purchases.

Speculative derivatives

Traded options, futures, CFDs, or warrants for speculative gain (not hedging).

Answer the criteria on the left, then click Classify My Status.

Criteria Met

Swiss Capital Gains Tax at a Glance

Investor Type	Federal CGT	Income Tax?	AHV/IV?
Private investor (Privatvermögen)	0%	No	No
Professional trader (Geschäftsvermögen)	0–11.5%	Yes	~10%
Stamp duty (all investors, per side)	0.075–0.15%	—	—

Estimates only — Swiss federal scale 2024, cantonal multipliers are representative averages. Does not include wealth tax, church tax, or deductions. AHV/IV rate shown is the full self-employed contribution (10.025%). Consult a Swiss fiduciary or cantonal tax office for personal advice.

Summary