Art. 67 LTVA · obligation

A fiscal representative is mandatory for foreign companies

Any company with no seat or permanent establishment in Switzerland must appoint a fiscal representative domiciled in Switzerland to register for VAT. It is a non-negotiable FTA condition.

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Basis art. 67 LTVADomiciled in SwitzerlandNo rep, no registration

Art. 67 LTVA requires any liable foreign company to appoint a representative established in Switzerland. Registrations without a fiscal representative are not possible: the FTA blocks registration as long as no representative domiciled in Switzerland is appointed.

FTA contact

Official administrative contact; receives and forwards correspondence.

VAT returns

Submits the VAT returns via the FTA ePortal, on time.

Compliance

Ensures procedural compliance vis-à-vis the FTA.

Key point — The foreign company remains solely liable for the VAT owed to the FTA. The fiscal representative's role is strictly administrative: it provides the interface with the FTA and procedural compliance, but never substitutes for you in paying the tax and undertakes no financial guarantee of its own. You retain control — and responsibility — for your VAT debt.

✗ Without a representativeRegistration blocked, impossible to obtain a VAT number.
✓ With vatflowImmediate appointment, dossier unblocked, FTA follow-up assured.

Frequently asked questions

Is the fiscal representative really mandatory? +

Yes, for any foreign company without a permanent establishment. Without one, Swiss VAT registration is impossible.

Is the representative liable for my VAT debt? +

No. The liable company remains solely responsible. The representative's role is administrative.

Who can be a fiscal representative? +

Any natural or legal person domiciled in Switzerland. No particular qualification is required by law: it does not need to be a lawyer or a fiduciary.

Can I change my representative? +

Yes, by appointing a new representative domiciled in Switzerland, with a handover dossier delivered.

Fiscal representative or agent: are they the same thing?

Under Swiss law, the official term is fiscal representative (art. 67 LTVA). “Tax agent” is the common equivalent in the EU.

Can the representative be required to pay my VAT?

No. The liable company remains solely responsible. The representative ensures procedural compliance, not payment.

How do I change or terminate my representative?

You appoint a new representative domiciled in Switzerland, with a handover dossier delivered.

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A condition set by art. 67 LTVA — we handle it.

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