UK citizens and companies continue to focus on potential moves to Switzerland following the toughest UK budget in a generation

The Budget goes some way to improving UK's competitive business edge but Switzerland is still a viable option for individuals and companies seeking a less harsh tax environment. So Canton of Lucerne has teamed-up with Relocate to Switzerland (UK) & accountants BDO to promote the tax attractions of Lucerne with a London seminar, targeting medium to high net-worth individuals, hedge funds and companies.

Individuals are seeking to recoup lost value of their savings, investments, dividends and pensions and avoid higher taxes in the UK; UK companies are likely to see increased pressure on shareholder dividends by remaining in the UK, therefore the Swiss tax environment maybe prove more conducive to maintaining or increasing shareholder returns.

To date in excess of 70 companies and individuals have accepted a personal invitation to attend a seminar in London at BDO offices on 30 June; many had waited for the Budget results and are now confirming reservations, if we had advertised I’m sure we could have doubled attendance such is the level of interest.

London Presentation Coverage

With a month to go before the presentation we have in excess of 50 acceptances, comprising individuals, hedge funds and wealth management companies.

Press coverage has included articles in the Independent and Guardian newspapers, in addition to Sky TV & Swiss national radio; the Financial Times and Times newspapers will also be represented at the presentation. A further press release will be issued following the UK Budget statement on 22 June.

A number of Swiss organisations will have trade stands.

Hopefully we might attract 75-80 attendees; the are no World Cup soccer matches that evening!

Tivoli, Lucerne Apartments Sold

Karl Steiner AG, Zurich has sold all of its 62 apartments at the Tivoli Apartments, Lake Lucerne; this luxury development included basement parking, swimming pool, fitness centre, marina, tennis courts and concierge service. Karl Steiner AG has further apartment projects in the region and will shortly be starting a further project in Lucerne.

Relocate to Switzerland has placed 13 UK residents into the Tivoli project.

Gaines-Cooper Case

Robert Gaines-Cooper has lost his appeal, the lesson to all is that HMRC will not tolerate any bending of the residency rules. Relocate to Switzerland advises clients, both individuals and corporates, on moving to Switzerland for tax reasons, we always advise that UK financial matters should always be placed in order before addressing the matter of identifying a new country; we have moved in excess of 20 UK citizens and corporates to Switzerland and more recently have undertaken the first pension transfer under the QROPS system

www.relocatetoswitzerland.co.uk

Tax Attractions of Lucerne, Switzerland

Relocate to Switzerland is organising a London presentation that will outline the attractions of moving to Lucerne, together with updates on private and corporate taxes, in comparison to other Swiss cantons, in addition to securing Swiss residency, purchase property and getting the best from your savings, investments and pensions; the following are some of the topics to be covered:

• Tax Implications of relocating from the UK
• Purchasing property in Switzerland
• Securing Swiss residency
• Everything you needed to know about Swiss tax
• Establishing a company in Switzerland
• Arranging a Swiss mortgage
• Moving a pension from the UK to Switzerland
• Living & Working in Lucerne
• Agreeing Swiss tax settlements
• The Gaines-Cooper case

Experts on tax, residency, banking, pensions and property will be available to answer all questions.

The date & venue will be announced in the next few days but will be after the general election and before the World Cup

www.relocatetoswitzerland.co.uk