Basel-City at a glance
Tax and registration facts for Basel-City
Official sources and key registration links for operating a business in Basel-City.
Basel-City compliance gotchas
Four things that catch Basel-City-based SMEs and foreign founders off guard. Know these before you hire or incorporate.
Key compliance obligations in Basel-City
Federal rules apply everywhere, Basel-City adds its own layer on tax, employment, and registration.
Company Formation
Basel benefits from proximity to Germany and France for EU business with a Swiss entity. Mid-range timeline at HRA.
Employment
Highly skilled international workforce. Cantonal minimum wage (CHF 21/h) applies. Work permit quotas matter for non-EU hires.
Annual Obligations
Basel-Stadt corporate tax deadline: 30 September.
VAT / MWST
Federal rules. Cross-border B2B services to EU clients trigger specific place-of-supply rules.
AHV / IV
Cantonal Ausgleichskasse Basel-Stadt handles employer registration.
Data Protection
Pharma and biotech firms face overlapping FADP, GDPR, and sector regulation.
Explore by topic or business type
Basel-City compliance applies across all topics and business structures. Navigate to what is most relevant for your situation.
Basel-City compliance guides
All articles tagged Basel-City or Countrywide, applicable to any business in this canton.
VAT Registration Basel: Thresholds and Steps
VAT registration Basel: when you must register, the CHF 100,000 turnover threshold, how to file with the Swiss FTA, and compliance tips for Basel firms.
Basel Minimum Wage: Rates and Employer Duties
Basel minimum wage: current hourly and monthly rates, who is covered, employer obligations, and penalties for non-compliance in canton Basel-Stadt.
Company Formation Basel: Steps, Cost and Tax
Company formation Basel: choose a legal form, meet capital and notary rules, register in the commercial register, and understand Basel-Stadt tax duties.
GmbH Annual Obligations Switzerland: Year-End Guide
GmbH annual obligations in Switzerland: Jahresabschluss, audit thresholds, AGM, cantonal corporate tax return, and the year-end calendar.
Self Employed Switzerland: AHV Contributions Guide
Self-employed in Switzerland: AHV contribution rates, registration with your cantonal Ausgleichskasse, the 10.0% rate, and minimum payments.
How to Become Self Employed in Switzerland
How to become self employed in Switzerland: gain AHV recognition, register with a compensation office, and meet the contribution and admin duties.
VAT Registration Number Switzerland: Complete Guide
VAT registration number Switzerland: how to obtain it via ESTV, MWST registration thresholds, compliance steps, and rules for foreign businesses.
Hiring First Employee Switzerland: Compliance Checklist
Hiring your first employee in Switzerland: AHV employer registration, UVG insurance, BVG from CHF 22,680, source tax, year-end Lohnausweis.
FADP Compliance Checklist for Swiss Businesses
FADP compliance checklist: the records, privacy notice, security and data-transfer steps every Swiss SME needs under the revised data protection act.