News Taxes

SFTA circular letters regarding safe haven interest rates for 2026 – Minimum and max-imum interest rates in CHF reduced again in some cases

The Swiss Federal Tax Administration published the new circular letters regarding safe haven interest rates on advances and loans in Swiss francs and in foreign currencies for 2026.

For advances/loans to related parties in Swiss francs financed by equity, the minimum interest rate is reduced to 0.75% (2025: 1%). The surcharge on cost price for debt financed loans remains at 0.25% to 0.5% (above CHF 10 million and up to and including CHF 10 million), whereby the interest rate must now also be at least 0.75%.

For advances/loans from related parties in Swiss francs, the maximum interest rate is reduced only for operating loans of more than CHF 1 million. The maximum interest rate for operating loans of more than CHF 1 million from trading and manufacturing companies is reduced to 1.5% (2025: 1.75%) and for holding and asset management companies to 1.25% (2025: 1.5%). The maximum interest rate for real estate loans and operating loans up to CHF 1 million remains unchanged from the previous year.

The tax-recognized interest rates for foreign currencies were also reduced in line with market conditions for the key currencies. For USD, the interest rate was reduced to 4% (2025: 4.25%) and for GBP to 4% (2025: 4.5%). For EUR, the interest rate remains at 2.5%.

Check now for 2026 whether your intragroup financing complies with the arm's length principle. For individual advice or further information, please contact Remo Merz, certified tax expert, at remo.merz@fineac.ch.

Source: https://www.estv.admin.ch/de/zinssaetze-verrechnungssteuer

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Remo Merz, March 2026