If you are preparing to leave Switzerland and move to Australia, it is essential to review your financial arrangements to ensure a smooth transition. From tax planning to pensions and investment considerations, relocating presents a range of opportunities and challenges that are best addressed with careful guidance.
If you are preparing to leave Switzerland and move to Australia, it is essential to review your financial arrangements to ensure a smooth transition. From tax planning to pensions and investment considerations, relocating presents a range of opportunities and challenges that are best addressed with careful guidance.
If you are moving to Australia from Switzerland, preparing your finances well in advance is essential. Your tax residency will change, reporting requirements will differ, and your pension arrangements, investments, and property holdings may need to be reviewed or restructured. We recommend allowing at least six months (ideally twelve or more) to plan your relocation, so you can take advantage of key tax windows, avoid unnecessary penalties, and ensure a seamless financial transition.
With the right guidance, this transition can be an opportunity to simplify your affairs, enhance tax efficiency, and plan confidently for your relocation.
Patterson Mills works closely with Australian-based and Australian-qualified advisers who understand the local regulatory environment and investment landscape. This allows us to deliver joined-up planning that can continue even once you arrive in Australia. To find out how we can help you, scroll down this page.
Whether you need assistance with your superannuation, mortgage options, investment strategies in Australia, or adjustments to your insurance and long-term retirement savings arrangements, click below to get in touch today.
Our handbook is designed to give you clarity, control and confidence in your financial future. Inside, you will learn how to make the most of life overseas, how best to build tax-efficient wealth, what to do if you choose to remain in Switzerland, how to manage your Superannuation, inheritance, property, dividends, returning to Australia, and much more.
Many expats returning to Australia, whether Australian citizens or not, often underestimate the complexity of managing cross-border investments. Swiss capital gains tax exemptions do not follow you back to Australia. Once you become an Australian tax resident again, all your global investments, including those held in Swiss based accounts, become reportable and potentially taxable under Australian rules. Without a clear strategy, you may be exposing yourself to unnecessary tax, compliance issues, and future restructuring costs.
We help you identify which investments may cause you tax headaches in Australia, and whether any should be sold or restructured before your tax residency changes. If you are wondering whether there are tax-efficient accounts you could utilise prior to your departure, or if you should you redirect some of your investments into your Superannuation, get in touch.
Asset allocation is just as important as the accounts within which your funds are / will be sitting. Are CHF-denominated assets still suitable? Are you overweight in Swiss companies? There are many factors to consider as to how your needs may change when your expenses, income, and goals shift back to AUD. We help you transition to an investment strategy aligned with your long-term objectives in Australia, whether that includes buying a home, planning for school fees, or preparing for retirement.
We combine Swiss regulatory experience with access to Australian-based, ASIC-regulated Advisers to ensure continuity of advice once you are in Australia. In this way, we minimise tax risks, ensure regulatory compliance, and allow your investments to keep working for you.
If you are within 6 to 12 months of moving back to Australia, now is the time to start the conversation with Patterson Mills.
Are you eligible for a refund of your Swiss AHV/AVS (Pillar 1) contributions? Will your Pillar 2 be taxed when you return to Australia? Should you withdraw your Pillar 3a before changing residency? When moving to Australia, understanding how each part of the Swiss pension system interacts with Australian tax rules is key. Without a clear strategy, you could face unnecessary tax liabilities, missed planning opportunities, and lost value.
Pillar 1 (AHV/AVS)
If you have contributed to the Swiss state pension (AHV/AVS), you may be entitled to a refund of your (and your employer’s!) contributions when leaving Switzerland permanently. However, eligibility will depend on your nationality. Even if a refund is not possible, you should be able to apply for your Swiss Pillar 1 pension as a monthly income upon reaching Swiss retirement age.
Pillar 2 (BVG/LPP)
Your Pillar 2 pension is likely one of your largest retirement assets. It can be withdrawn as a lump sum (both mandatory and extra-mandatory (voluntary) contributions) or invested in a vested benefits account. Each option has different tax consequences in both Switzerland and Australia. Australia may tax the full lump sum if it is received after you become tax resident again.
Pillar 3
Pillar 3a funds are often overlooked in planning, but poor timing on withdrawal or account closure can result in unnecessary tax. These accounts are designed for Swiss residents, and holding them after departure may restrict access or trigger future reporting issues in Australia. You may be asked to close your account by your Provider, or not be able to manage your account. Hence, it is usually a good idea to consider where these funds will end up.
The ATO’s Six-Month Rule for Foreign Pension Withdrawals (see ATO website here).
If you withdraw a lump sum from a foreign pension scheme (in this instance, ‘foreign’ refers to outside of Australia), such as your Swiss Pillar 2 or Pillar 3a, within six months of becoming an Australian tax resident, that amount may be exempt from Australian tax, provided specific conditions are met.
According to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), the payment will be tax-free if it relates only to a period during which you were not an Australian resident, and does not exceed the vested amount in the fund at the time of withdrawal.
This rule offers a valuable planning window for expats, allowing them to extract funds from Swiss pension accounts without triggering assessable income in Australia. However, once the six-month period has passed, any earnings accumulated in the fund since your Australian tax residency began may be taxed.
Timing your pension withdrawal is therefore critical, and we provide tailored advice to help you structure this correctly in both jurisdictions.
As you can see, there is far more to pensions than meets the eye, so get in touch to ensure you are planning correctly and compliantly.
Most relocations come with their important tax consequences, and moving to Australia is no different. Tax has a large impact on your income, investments, and retirement savings. Without a proper strategy, you may be exposed to double taxation, unplanned assessments, or reporting complications in both countries.
Firstly, Switzerland and Australia DO have a Double Tax Agreement (DTA) designed to prevent the same income from being taxed twice. This treaty includes important provisions, such as Article 18 (pensions and annuities) and Article 21 (other income), which determine which country has taxing rights over different types of income once you become an Australian tax resident again.
It is also important to address other aspects of your tax position. These may include capital gains realisation strategies, unwinding or restructuring any Swiss holding entities or trusts, and managing currency exposure on reportable income. The Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 (Cth) in Australia requires returning residents to declare foreign income, including dividends, interest, and rental income, from the date they re-establish tax residency. Coordinating the timing of income and recognising assessable events under both tax systems can significantly improve your post-relocation position.
We also assist with strategies such as the use of tax-advantaged vehicles, capital gains realisation planning, and identifying whether trusts or holding structures need to be reviewed or unwound before your move.
Tax planning is not something to leave until after you arrive. By reviewing your position before departure, we can help you take advantage of treaty protections, prevent tax mismatches, and ensure a smooth transition. Our team works closely with Australian tax specialists to provide coordinated advice that is tailored to your residency status, investment structure, and long-term goals.
As you plan your relocation to Australia, your property decisions will shape both your lifestyle and your financial position. Whether you are thinking about selling property in Switzerland, moving back into your Australian home, or buying a new property, it is important to structure the transition carefully to avoid tax issues, legal delays, or financing barriers.
If you own property in Switzerland, selling before you return may be more tax-efficient depending on your Swiss and Australian residency status at the time of sale. Switzerland does not apply capital gains tax on primary residences in the same way Australia does, but cantonal property gains tax may still apply. Timing the sale while still non-resident in Australia can also help reduce the risk of triggering assessable foreign income under Australian tax law. We help you evaluate your holding, calculate potential liabilities, and decide when and how to exit Swiss property ownership efficiently.
For those who own a property in Australia that is currently rented out, you will need to follow state or territory tenancy laws to regain possession for personal use. Most states allow landlords to end a lease for the purpose of moving in, but there are strict rules around notice periods, fixed-term leases, and the evidence required to support re-occupation. Coordinating this with your return date is essential to ensure the property is available when needed.
If you are planning to purchase a home in Australia, mortgage eligibility can be a challenge. Many banks require evidence of stable Australian income, such as payslips or a signed employment contract, before approving a home loan. Some lenders may still accept overseas income under limited circumstances, but these options tend to be restrictive.
Whether you are selling, reoccupying, or buying, property planning should be an integral part of your relocation strategy. Our approach ensures that tax, timing, and legal considerations are fully aligned, so you can return home with clarity and confidence.
Planning your return to Australia involves more than just booking flights and packing boxes. From tax timing and pension withdrawals to property decisions and insurance cover, each step has financial implications that can impact your future.
To help you know where to start, we have prepared a comprehensive checklist covering the key areas to review before you leave Switzerland (in no particular order).
Review your tax residency start date and understand its impact on global income reporting
Decide whether to, and perhaps when to, withdraw your Pillar 2 and 3a
Assess your eligibility and suitability for applying for a Pillar 1 refund
Close or restructure any non-resident bank accounts or platforms that will no longer be accessible
Speak to lenders about your mortgage eligibility in Australia if buying a home
Give tenants notice (in line with state laws) if you plan to reoccupy your Australian property
Plan the sale of any Swiss property, factoring in cantonal taxes and a currency exchange strategy
Ensure your Australian superannuation is aligned with your upcoming contributions and access timeline
Compare health, life, illness and other insurance options and ensure you have cover from the day you arrive
Review or take out income protection, life, and TPD insurance to reflect Australian providers and policy terms
Update your estate planning documents, including Wills and powers of attorney
Settle any outstanding Swiss tax or pension obligations before exit
Confirm your Swiss deregistration and collect departure documentation
Update your postal and billing addresses with all Swiss and Australian institutions
Consolidate documents: Swiss pension statements, tax certificates, investment account closures
Review your currency exposure and cashflow plan for arrival and first 6 to 12 months
Contact Patterson Mills to create a personalised plan and avoid costly mistakes
Many expats returning to Australia, whether Australian citizens or not, often underestimate the complexity of managing cross-border investments. Swiss capital gains tax exemptions do not follow you back to Australia. Once you become an Australian tax resident again, all your global investments, including those held in Swiss based accounts, become reportable and potentially taxable under Australian rules. Without a clear strategy, you may be exposing yourself to unnecessary tax, compliance issues, and future restructuring costs.
We help you identify which investments may cause you tax headaches in Australia, and whether any should be sold or restructured before your tax residency changes. If you are wondering whether there are tax-efficient accounts you could utilise prior to your departure, or if you should you redirect some of your investments into your Superannuation, get in touch.
Asset allocation is just as important as the accounts within which your funds are / will be sitting. Are CHF-denominated assets still suitable? Are you overweight in Swiss companies? There are many factors to consider as to how your needs may change when your expenses, income, and goals shift back to AUD. We help you transition to an investment strategy aligned with your long-term objectives in Australia, whether that includes buying a home, planning for school fees, or preparing for retirement.
We combine Swiss regulatory experience with access to Australian-based, ASIC-regulated Advisers to ensure continuity of advice once you are in Australia. In this way, we minimise tax risks, ensure regulatory compliance, and allow your investments to keep working for you.
If you are within 6 to 12 months of moving back to Australia, now is the time to start the conversation with Patterson Mills.
Are you eligible for a refund of your Swiss AHV/AVS (Pillar 1) contributions? Will your Pillar 2 be taxed when you return to Australia? Should you withdraw your Pillar 3a before changing residency? When moving to Australia, understanding how each part of the Swiss pension system interacts with Australian tax rules is key. Without a clear strategy, you could face unnecessary tax liabilities, missed planning opportunities, and lost value.
Pillar 1 (AHV/AVS)
If you have contributed to the Swiss state pension (AHV/AVS), you may be entitled to a refund of your (and your employer’s!) contributions when leaving Switzerland permanently. However, eligibility will depend on your nationality. Even if a refund is not possible, you should be able to apply for your Swiss Pillar 1 pension as a monthly income upon reaching Swiss retirement age.
Pillar 2 (BVG/LPP)
Your Pillar 2 pension is likely one of your largest retirement assets. It can be withdrawn as a lump sum (both mandatory and extra-mandatory (voluntary) contributions) or invested in a vested benefits account. Each option has different tax consequences in both Switzerland and Australia. Australia may tax the full lump sum if it is received after you become tax resident again.
Pillar 3
Pillar 3a funds are often overlooked in planning, but poor timing on withdrawal or account closure can result in unnecessary tax. These accounts are designed for Swiss residents, and holding them after departure may restrict access or trigger future reporting issues in Australia. You may be asked to close your account by your Provider, or not be able to manage your account. Hence, it is usually a good idea to consider where these funds will end up.
The ATO’s Six-Month Rule for Foreign Pension Withdrawals (see ATO website here).
If you withdraw a lump sum from a foreign pension scheme (in this instance, ‘foreign’ refers to outside of Australia), such as your Swiss Pillar 2 or Pillar 3a, within six months of becoming an Australian tax resident, that amount may be exempt from Australian tax, provided specific conditions are met.
According to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), the payment will be tax-free if it relates only to a period during which you were not an Australian resident, and does not exceed the vested amount in the fund at the time of withdrawal.
This rule offers a valuable planning window for expats, allowing them to extract funds from Swiss pension accounts without triggering assessable income in Australia. However, once the six-month period has passed, any earnings accumulated in the fund since your Australian tax residency began may be taxed.
Timing your pension withdrawal is therefore critical, and we provide tailored advice to help you structure this correctly in both jurisdictions.
As you can see, there is far more to pensions than meets the eye, so get in touch to ensure you are planning correctly and compliantly.
Most relocations come with their important tax consequences, and moving to Australia is no different. Tax has a large impact on your income, investments, and retirement savings. Without a proper strategy, you may be exposed to double taxation, unplanned assessments, or reporting complications in both countries.
Firstly, Switzerland and Australia DO have a Double Tax Agreement (DTA) designed to prevent the same income from being taxed twice. This treaty includes important provisions, such as Article 18 (pensions and annuities) and Article 21 (other income), which determine which country has taxing rights over different types of income once you become an Australian tax resident again.
It is also important to address other aspects of your tax position. These may include capital gains realisation strategies, unwinding or restructuring any Swiss holding entities or trusts, and managing currency exposure on reportable income. The Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 (Cth) in Australia requires returning residents to declare foreign income, including dividends, interest, and rental income, from the date they re-establish tax residency. Coordinating the timing of income and recognising assessable events under both tax systems can significantly improve your post-relocation position.
We also assist with strategies such as the use of tax-advantaged vehicles, capital gains realisation planning, and identifying whether trusts or holding structures need to be reviewed or unwound before your move.
Tax planning is not something to leave until after you arrive. By reviewing your position before departure, we can help you take advantage of treaty protections, prevent tax mismatches, and ensure a smooth transition. Our team works closely with Australian tax specialists to provide coordinated advice that is tailored to your residency status, investment structure, and long-term goals.
As you plan your relocation to Australia, your property decisions will shape both your lifestyle and your financial position. Whether you are thinking about selling property in Switzerland, moving back into your Australian home, or buying a new property, it is important to structure the transition carefully to avoid tax issues, legal delays, or financing barriers.
If you own property in Switzerland, selling before you return may be more tax-efficient depending on your Swiss and Australian residency status at the time of sale. Switzerland does not apply capital gains tax on primary residences in the same way Australia does, but cantonal property gains tax may still apply. Timing the sale while still non-resident in Australia can also help reduce the risk of triggering assessable foreign income under Australian tax law. We help you evaluate your holding, calculate potential liabilities, and decide when and how to exit Swiss property ownership efficiently.
For those who own a property in Australia that is currently rented out, you will need to follow state or territory tenancy laws to regain possession for personal use. Most states allow landlords to end a lease for the purpose of moving in, but there are strict rules around notice periods, fixed-term leases, and the evidence required to support re-occupation. Coordinating this with your return date is essential to ensure the property is available when needed.
If you are planning to purchase a home in Australia, mortgage eligibility can be a challenge. Many banks require evidence of stable Australian income, such as payslips or a signed employment contract, before approving a home loan. Some lenders may still accept overseas income under limited circumstances, but these options tend to be restrictive.
Whether you are selling, reoccupying, or buying, property planning should be an integral part of your relocation strategy. Our approach ensures that tax, timing, and legal considerations are fully aligned, so you can return home with clarity and confidence.
Planning your return to Australia involves more than just booking flights and packing boxes. From tax timing and pension withdrawals to property decisions and insurance cover, each step has financial implications that can impact your future.
To help you know where to start, we have prepared a comprehensive checklist covering the key areas to review before you leave Switzerland (in no particular order).
Review your tax residency start date and understand its impact on global income reporting
Decide whether to, and perhaps when to, withdraw your Pillar 2 and 3a
Assess your eligibility and suitability for applying for a Pillar 1 refund
Close or restructure any non-resident bank accounts or platforms that will no longer be accessible
Speak to lenders about your mortgage eligibility in Australia if buying a home
Give tenants notice (in line with state laws) if you plan to reoccupy your Australian property
Plan the sale of any Swiss property, factoring in cantonal taxes and a currency exchange strategy
Ensure your Australian superannuation is aligned with your upcoming contributions and access timeline
Compare health, life, illness and other insurance options and ensure you have cover from the day you arrive
Review or take out income protection, life, and TPD insurance to reflect Australian providers and policy terms
Update your estate planning documents, including Wills and powers of attorney
Settle any outstanding Swiss tax or pension obligations before exit
Confirm your Swiss deregistration and collect departure documentation
Update your postal and billing addresses with all Swiss and Australian institutions
Consolidate documents: Swiss pension statements, tax certificates, investment account closures
Review your currency exposure and cashflow plan for arrival and first 6 to 12 months
Contact Patterson Mills to create a personalised plan and avoid costly mistakes
Les complexités du monde financier peuvent sembler intimidantes. Avec la myriade de règles fiscales différentes, les réglementations en matière d'investissement, etc., il peut être extrêmement difficile de savoir si votre argent travaille aussi efficacement que possible pour vous.
C'est là que nous intervenons.
Grâce à notre service de conseil spécialisé adapté aux expatriés australiens, à notre responsable interne des opérations australiennes et à nos partenaires à Sydney, nous connaissons bien les différents types de solutions adaptées à votre situation.
Il n'existe pas de solution unique pour tous. Cependant, étant totalement indépendants, nous avons veillé à ce que notre accès à l'ensemble du marché nous permette de servir les clients d'une manière aussi unique qu'eux.
Pour savoir ce qui vous manque peut-être, contactez-nous. Vous n'avez rien à perdre et potentiellement beaucoup à gagner.
You can contribute to your Australian superannuation as an expat; however, your contributions may not be tax-deductible if you are not generating taxable Australian income (such as the income you receive from a rental property in Australia).
If you have a Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF), there are residency requirements, and the fund must meet the “Australian Superannuation Fund” test to remain compliant. This includes keeping the central management and control of the fund in Australia.
You can access your superannuation once you meet a condition of release, such as reaching your preservation age (currently between 55 and 60, depending on your date of birth) and officially retiring. Alternatively, access may be granted when you reach age 65, even if you are still working.
Being an Australian expat does not allow for early access to your superannuation, as the same standard rules apply regardless of your residency. Exceptions, such as severe financial hardship or terminal illness, may allow you early access to your Super under specific circumstances, but these are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Your Australian superannuation is liable for tax in Switzerland if you are a Swiss tax resident. Superannuation withdrawals, whether as lump sums or regular payments, are generally either taxed at your marginal income tax rate or at a preferential pension rate, depending on how you withdraw the funds and your cantonal tax authorities.
This is in line with Article 18 of the Double Taxation Agreement (DTA) between Australia and Switzerland, which states that pensions are taxed in the country where you are a resident.
When you move back to Australia, you can withdraw your Swiss Pillar 2 and 3 pensions. However, transferring these directly into your Australian superannuation is typically not possible, as most super funds do not accept such transfers.
Upon withdrawal, your Swiss pensions are subject to withholding tax, which is levied either in your last canton of residence or in the canton of residence of your pension provider. The tax rate varies by canton, with some being significantly more favourable than others.
Additionally, if you are solely a citizen of Australia (i.e. you have no other passports), you may be eligible for a refund of your Swiss Pillar 1 contributions.
You can still be eligible for the Australian Age Pension while living overseas, but this will depend on meeting the eligibility requirements which differ slightly for non-residents, compared to those living in Australia.
The amount you would be eligible to receive is based on a number of factors including; how long you have lived and worked in Australia, the assets and income tests, your marital status, and whether your partner (if applicable) is also eligible for the Australian Age Pension.
Your Australian property and any income it generates is not directly taxed in Switzerland, but it will contribute to your wealth tax assessment, and its imputed rental value (or actual rental income) will be taken into consideration when calculating your marginal income tax rate in Switzerland.
If you sell property in Australia while living in Switzerland, you will be subject to Australian Capital Gains Tax (CGT), even if it is considered your main residence.
The capital gain from selling an Australian property will not taxed again in Switzerland but the gain may be used to calculate your marginal tax rate on your Swiss income.
Buying property in Australia while living in Switzerland can seem like a solid investment, and is a very popular choice for Australian expats.
However, the implications for non-tax-residents can be significant and vary depending on your situation.
If you already own property before moving overseas, the main residence exemption can still apply if you return within six years (if it was rented out) or indefinitely if it was not used to produce income. However, if you sell your main residence while still a Swiss tax-resident, you lose this exemption and pay the full CGT amount.
If you purchase an Australian property while living in Switzerland, you generally cannot claim it as your main residence until you physically move in. This means that when selling the property after returning to Australia, the years spent overseas would not be tax-exempt.
Other factors for consideration include no tax-free threshold on rental income, stricter lending criteria for non-residents, currency risks when repaying an AUD mortgage whilst earning in CHF, and additional land taxes in some states.
While Australian property can be a valuable long-term asset, it is crucial to weigh the costs, tax implications, and alternative investment options before committing.
Yes, as a Swiss tax-resident, income from your Australian investments, such as dividends or interest, is liable for tax in Switzerland. However, any taxes paid in Australia may be able to be credited under the Double Taxation Agreement (DTA) between the two countries.
A deemed disposal occurs when you treat your assets, such as an investment portfolio, as if they have been sold without actually selling them. This process requires you to declare any capital gain or loss up to the point at which you make a deemed disposal, and pay tax on the gain.
This is a popular option for expats prior to leaving Australia, as Switzerland can offer a more tax-efficient environment for your assets.
If you do not sell your assets or make a deemed disposal, the ATO may continue to classify them as Taxable Australian Property (TAP) even when you are no longer an Australian tax-resident. This means that future growth, up to the point of sale, may be liable for Capital Gains Tax (CGT) in Australia.
If you were to sell the assets while a tax-resident of Switzerland, you may not be eligible to receive the full 50% CGT discount on assets held for over 12-months as a non-Australian tax resident.
A deemed disposal is not available on Australian immovable property (e.g. real estate), which always remains TAP.
While Australian bank accounts can offer higher interest rates, it is important to consider currency exchange risks, tax implications in Switzerland, and the concept of interest rate parity.
Interest rate parity is an economic principle that suggests higher interest rates in one country often reflect currency risk, accounting for the potential fluctuations and possible depreciation of AUD relative to CHF which in turn could offset the benefit of a higher interest rate.
If you intend to live, work and spend in Switzerland for the foreseeable future, holding your savings in AUD exposes you to these currency fluctuations. Even if an Australian account offers a higher nominal return, a weakening AUD could erode the value of your savings when converted back to CHF.
Additionally, you should factor in exchange fees and international transfer costs, which can further impact the effective return on your savings when moving funds between currencies.
Read our article on holding foreign currencies to get a higher interest rate here for more information