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Knowledgebase
Bookkeeping Services in Switzerland: Costs, Compliance & Benefits
Dari Podhur, Counsel
7 mars, 2025 - Mis à jour : mai 2025
Table of Contents
1. What Does Bookkeeping Cost in Switzerland?
2. What Is a Bookkeeping Service?
3. Bookkeeping vs. Financial Management
4. What Services Are Included in Swiss Bookkeeping?
5. Which Bookkeeping Software Is Used in Switzerland?
6. Why Accurate Bookkeeping Is Crucial in Switzerland
7. Who Provides Bookkeeping Services in Switzerland?
8. Work With Goldblum & Partners
9. Extended Swiss Accounting & Tax FAQ (2025)
2. What Is a Bookkeeping Service?
3. Bookkeeping vs. Financial Management
4. What Services Are Included in Swiss Bookkeeping?
5. Which Bookkeeping Software Is Used in Switzerland?
6. Why Accurate Bookkeeping Is Crucial in Switzerland
7. Who Provides Bookkeeping Services in Switzerland?
8. Work With Goldblum & Partners
9. Extended Swiss Accounting & Tax FAQ (2025)
What Does Bookkeeping Cost in Switzerland?
Pricing for professional bookkeeping services in Switzerland depends on the complexity of the company structure, the number of monthly transactions, payroll, and reporting needs.
Estimated Monthly Fees (2025):
Estimated Monthly Fees (2025):
Tip: Outsourcing your bookkeeping is often more cost-efficient than hiring in-house, especially for startups and growing businesses.
What Is a Bookkeeping Service?
Bookkeeping in Switzerland is the process of systematically recording, categorizing, and reconciling all financial transactions of a business. It forms the legal and fiscal backbone for:
In a Swiss context, bookkeeping must align with the Swiss Code of Obligations, Swiss GAAP FER, and obligations from FINMA or the Betreibungsamt, where applicable.
- regulatory reporting,
- tax declarations,
- banking compliance,
- and financial forecasting.
In a Swiss context, bookkeeping must align with the Swiss Code of Obligations, Swiss GAAP FER, and obligations from FINMA or the Betreibungsamt, where applicable.
Get in touch
Please contact us directly or via email if you require assistance. We are here to help you move forward.
Bookkeeping vs. Financial Management
Bookkeeping in Switzerland is the process of systematically recording, categorizing, and reconciling all financial transactions of a business. It forms the legal and fiscal backbone for:
In a Swiss context, bookkeeping must align with the Swiss Code of Obligations, Swiss GAAP FER, and obligations from FINMA or the Betreibungsamt, where applicable.
- regulatory reporting,
- tax declarations,
- banking compliance,
- and financial forecasting.
In a Swiss context, bookkeeping must align with the Swiss Code of Obligations, Swiss GAAP FER, and obligations from FINMA or the Betreibungsamt, where applicable.
What Services Are Included in Swiss Bookkeeping?
Professional Swiss bookkeepers or fiduciaries typically offer the following:
- Transaction RecordingSales, purchases, receipts, payments, in line with the double-entry system.
- Chart of Accounts StructuringCustom design of the Kontenplan tailored to your legal form and industry.
- Accounts Payable/Receivable ManagementAutomation of invoice matching, reminder workflows, and vendor reconciliation.
- Bank ReconciliationCross-checking internal records with multi-currency bank accounts.
- VAT Filings & Withholding TaxPreparation of MWST quarterly reports; cross-border B2B compliance.
- Payroll AccountingSalary processing, AHV/IV contributions, pension deductions, year-end salary certificate.
- Financial ReportingP&L, balance sheets, cash flow statements, annual closings.
- Betreibungsamt SupportSupport in managing overdue receivables, debt collection or enforcement cases.
Proper bookkeeping ensures audit-readiness and reduces legal and tax risks for Swiss-registered businesses.
Which Bookkeeping Software Is Used in Switzerland?
Professional Swiss bookkeepers or fiduciaries typically offer the following:
When selecting software, consider:
- Swiss GAAP FER compliance
- Data storage within Switzerland (GDPR + Swiss DPA)
- Integration with CRM / ERP systems
Why Accurate Bookkeeping Is Crucial in Switzerland
- Tax ReportingLate or incorrect VAT filings can lead to penalties or audits.
- Loan ApplicationsSwiss banks demand clean ledgers for issuing loans.
- Business DecisionsCash flow forecasting, burn rate analysis, and margin tracking are only reliable with good records.
- M&A Due DiligenceInvestors expect traceable and audit-proof ledgers.
Whether you’re forming a Swiss GmbH, establishing a foundation, or restructuring an international group, compliant bookkeeping is not optional — it’s strategic.
Who Provides Bookkeeping Services in Switzerland?
Qualified service providers include:
- Certified fiduciaries (Treuhänder)
- Chartered accountants (Expert-comptable / Wirtschaftsprüfer)
- Swiss tax advisors
- Law firms offering financial compliance (like Goldblum & Partners)
These professionals help with:
- Initial accounting setup when incorporating in Switzerland
- Ongoing bookkeeping outsourcing
- Annual financial statements, tax representation, and audit preparation
Work With Goldblum & Partners
Whether you’re a:
- Startup incorporating in Zug or Zurich,
- SME needing full-service accounting,
- Foundation navigating public-interest compliance,
We provide:
- Custom Swiss bookkeeping
- Regulatory advice
- Setup of compliant accounting systems
- Full financial outsourcing solutions
Schedule a consultation with our legal and accounting experts to make your numbers work — the Swiss way.
Extended Swiss Accounting & Tax FAQ (2025)
Invoices, bank statements, contracts, payroll records, VAT documents, and expense receipts are needed. These must cover all relevant business activity.
In Switzerland, high-quality scans or digital originals are generally accepted. However, some authorities (e.g. for audits) may still request physical copies.
Yes. Even without revenue, Swiss companies are legally required to maintain financial records and prepare annual financial statements.
Not necessarily. If your company has no taxable income, corporate tax may be zero. However, you still need to file tax returns and prove the inactivity.
Yes. Lack of a bank account doesn’t remove reporting obligations. The company still needs to submit financial statements and tax returns.
No. Swiss law requires that each fiscal year be closed and reported separately. Merging financial years is not allowed under the Swiss Code of Obligations.
As soon as your annual taxable turnover exceeds CHF 100,000. Voluntary registration is possible below this threshold.
As of 2025, the standard VAT rate is 8.1%, the reduced rate is 2.6%, and the special rate for accommodation is 3.8%.
The base federal corporate tax rate is 8.5% on profit after tax. Effective rates vary due to cantonal and communal surcharges.
Zug offers one of the lowest effective combined tax rates in Switzerland — around 11.8% for AG/GmbH in 2025.
Zurich has a moderate corporate tax rate. The effective combined rate (federal + cantonal + municipal) is approximately 19.65% in 2025.
Yes. Every legal entity must maintain proper accounting. Simplified bookkeeping is permitted for businesses with revenue under CHF 500,000.
Compulsory at CHF 100,000 in taxable turnover. Voluntary registration can be useful for startups or exporting companies.
Yes, especially for sole proprietors. Still, legal compliance must be ensured. Many use fiduciary support or accounting software like Bexio.
It includes accurate records of revenues, expenses, assets, liabilities, payroll, VAT transactions, and year-end financial statements.
At least 10 years, including physical or digital records of financial documents and supporting materials.
Not mandatory, but highly recommended — especially for VAT, tax returns, and year-end closings.
No. Only business-related expenses are deductible. Mixed-use costs (e.g., home office) must be properly documented and proportioned.
Single-entry logs income and expenses only; double-entry includes balance sheet, equity, and liability tracking — and is required for most entities.
Penalties, interest, and tax audits. Correct and timely VAT reporting is essential to avoid fines or revocation of your VAT number.
Sole proprietors over CHF 100,000 turnover must register. GmbHs and AGs are registered upon formation.
Yes. Dormant companies must still file tax returns and possibly submit zero declarations to the tax office and VAT authority.