Security · 2026 update

Swiss VAT bank guarantee: required in 2026?

As a general rule, no. For foreign companies, the FTA currently waives the requirement to provide security — contrary to what many sources still claim. Here is the up-to-date position.

FTA position 2026Security generally waived

For companies with their seat, domicile or permanent establishment abroad, the FTA as a general rule waives the requirement to provide security. It reserves the right to request it at a later stage if procedural obligations are not met on time. The bank guarantee is therefore no longer a systematic condition of registration. Legal basis: art. 94 para. 2 LTVA (RS 641.20).

✗ Old rule (obsolete)“ 3 % of Swiss taxable turnover, min. 2,000 / max. 250,000 CHF, systematic guarantee. ”
✓ Current positionThe FTA waives it as a general rule for foreign companies.

Many fiduciaries still cite the 2017 calculation. It is this confusion that this page corrects.

Conditional coordination

If, in your particular case, the FTA requests security, we coordinate its set-up with your bank. It is a one-off service, triggered by the FTA — not a prerequisite of your registration.

Frequently asked questions

Is a bank guarantee required to register for Swiss VAT? +

As a general rule, no. For foreign companies, the FTA currently waives the requirement to provide security at the time of registration (art. 94 para. 2 LTVA).

In which cases can the FTA request security? +

If the company does not meet its procedural obligations on time, the FTA reserves the right to request security at a later stage.

Does the old 3 % rule still apply? +

It is no longer the default position. The current reference is the general waiver of security for foreign companies.

Why do so many sources still mention a mandatory guarantee?

The 3 % rule dated from the 2017 revision. Many articles have not been updated.

When can the FTA require security after the fact?

Mainly in the event of a breach of procedural obligations: returns not filed, repeated late payments.

If security is requested, in what form?

Generally a joint and several guarantee issued by a bank in Switzerland, or a cash deposit.