Payroll in Switzerland

The first hire in Switzerland brings a set of registrations and deductions: the social insurance schemes, accident insurance, payslips and the source tax that applies to some foreign employees. The checklist for forming a company already lists registration with the OASI compensation office and accident insurance, so a payroll partner is often chosen at the same time as the company itself.

Because rules differ between cantons, ask a provider which cantons it covers, how it treats staff living abroad or in another canton and how it handles year-end certificates. Check the languages it uses with employees, since payslips and insurer letters arrive in the local language.

272 firms list payroll in Switzerland: 227 accounting firms and 45 corporate services providers. Language coverage runs from English at 184 firms to German at 164, French at 136 and Italian at 57. The group includes 212 small practices, 43 medium and 17 large networks. Real estate is named by 37 firms and family offices by 19. Use the Switzerland guide for the company steps, or ask Geneva or Lugano firms through the city pages.

Firms offering payroll in Switzerland

Kaurum

Accounting firm · Medium-sized firm

Geneva

  • Company formation
  • Accounting and bookkeeping
  • Tax compliance
  • +6 more

Languages: English · French

View profile of Kaurum

KENDRIS

Corporate services provider · Medium-sized firm

Zug

  • Company formation
  • Accounting and bookkeeping
  • Tax compliance
  • +5 more

Languages: English · German

View profile of KENDRIS

Altiqa

Corporate services provider · Boutique firm

Lugano

  • Company formation
  • Accounting and bookkeeping
  • Tax compliance
  • +6 more

Languages: English · Italian · French

View profile of Altiqa

248 more firms offering payroll in Switzerland

Frequently asked questions

Do I need payroll software for two employees?

Not necessarily. Many small Swiss companies pay a fiduciary a fee per payslip and send changes by email. Ask what the fee covers and how errors are corrected.

What is source tax and does it apply to my staff?

It is income tax withheld at source on some foreign employees. Whether it applies depends on their permit and residence, so ask the payroll provider to check each case.

Other services in Switzerland

Accountants by city in Switzerland

Setting up a company in Switzerland: the guide and every firm

General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules, rates and fees change: check them with the official sources linked on this page or with a qualified adviser before you act.