Home > Licensing > Insurance

Switzerland Insurance License

Switzerland provides an attractive environment for insurance and reinsurance companies, hosting many global key players. The Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA) oversees financial institutions, including insurance and reinsurance companies, as well as insurance intermediaries, under the Insurance Supervision Act (ISA).

Insurance companies in Switzerland must be structured as either a limited company or a cooperative, with the predominant form being the limited company.

Features and Requirements of an Insurance License:

Legal form: Limited company or cooperative

Minimum capital requirement: CHF 3 to 20 million, depending on the sector

Equity capital: Sufficient free and unencumbered equity capital (solvency)

Establishment fund: Covers costs of foundation, organization, and significant expansion of business activities

Object of the company: Activities directly associated with insurance

Insurance companies offering direct life insurance may also offer accident and health insurance

Foreign companies must establish a branch in Switzerland and appoint a general agent

Requires a local office, insurance manager, and principal representative

No minimum number of shareholders required

A business plan is mandatory

Taxation:

Corporate income tax is assessed based on income per the statutory profit and loss statement, while corporate capital tax is assessed based on equity per the statutory balance sheet. However, income (such as dividends, interest) and capital gains from assets held under insurance licenses are generally tax-free.

Duration to Set Up: Approximately 6 months

Distinctive Benefits:

Income (dividends, interest, etc.) and capital gains on assets placed in insurance licenses are generally tax-free

Equity capital: sufficient free and unencumbered equity capital (solvency)

Life insurance can facilitate tax-efficient wealth transfer across generations without the need for estate executors, as legal ownership of assets transfers from the policyholder to the insurance company

For more details, please contact Neptune Fiduciaries at info@neptunecorporate.com or sales@neptunecorporate.com.

Speak to an Insurance Licence
Expert Today

Our fiduciary specialists have guided insurance businesses across multiple jurisdictions to successful licensing outcomes. Let us help you navigate the regulatory process with confidence.

Book a Consultation Chat on WhatsApp