VDFrench-speaking

Vaud, Compliance Guide for Switzerland

French-speaking Switzerland's largest canton. Lausanne, Montreux, and the EPFL technology cluster anchor a diverse economy ranging from hospitality and tourism to MedTech and IT. Tax rates competitive for Romandy.

20.0%

Effective tax rate
(combined)

900K+

Population

MID

Tax burden

Verified against official sources in Switzerland. Cantonal tax authority, AHV office, and commercial register.

Status: current

CantonGeneva Zurich Zug Bern Basel Vaud

TopicVAT Company Formation AHV Employment Data Protection Annual Obligations

Business typeFreelancer GmbH AG Employer

Key Numbers

Vaud at a glance

20.0%

Effective combined tax rate

Mid-range. Competitive for French-speaking Switzerland, below Geneva.

CHF 100K

VAT registration threshold

Federal rule.

EPFL

Tech and MedTech hub

Lausanne EPFL and the Health Valley cluster anchor an active deep-tech ecosystem.

10.6%

AHV/IV total contribution rate

Federal rate. CVCI and Caisse AVS VD coordinate cantonal registration.

Canton Profile

Tax and registration facts for Vaud

Official sources and key registration links for operating a business in Vaud.

Tax and registration

Effective combined tax rate20.0%

Cantonal income taxProgressive, mid-range

Federal corporate tax8.5% (profit)

Withholding taxRequired for non-resident workers

VAT thresholdCHF 100,000 (federal)

Tax authorityAFC Vaud
vd.ch/aci

Commercial registerRegistre du commerce VD
rc.vd.ch

Key context for Vaud businesses

Administrative languageFrench

Population~900,000

EPFL clusterSignificant for tech and MedTech founders

Minimum wage (cantonal)CHF 22.74/hour (2024)

Sarl formation timeline10 to 15 business days

Sole proprietor registrationRequired from CHF 100K revenue

AHV officeCaisse AVS Vaud
caisseavsvaud.ch

Watch Out

Vaud compliance gotchas

Four things that catch Vaud-based SMEs and foreign founders off guard. Know these before you hire or incorporate.

EPFL ecosystem advantage

Lausanne's EPFL is a top-tier technical university feeding the Vaud tech and MedTech ecosystem. For deep-tech founders the talent pool and partner network are a real differentiator vs incorporating in Zurich or Zug.

Cantonal minimum wage applies

Vaud's cantonal minimum wage (CHF 22.74/hour in 2024) is enforced for all workers in the canton. Sectoral CCTs in construction, hospitality, and security may set higher floors. Verify before publishing any job offer.

French-language filings only

Sarl statutes, board minutes, and Registre du commerce correspondence must be in French. A Lausanne or Vaud-based notary speeds the process; remote founders pair with a translator early to avoid delays.

Active labour inspectorate

Vaud's inspectorate is notably active in hospitality and construction. Documented timekeeping, accurate rest-day rosters, and clear contracts are essential. Spot checks on tourist-zone restaurants happen each summer.

Compliance Areas