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Costa Rica vs Switzerland
Tax Rate Comparison

Enter your income below for a personal tax estimate, then scroll down for full rate breakdowns.

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ท Costa Rica
vs
๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ญ Switzerland
Tax Year:

๐Ÿ’ฐ Personal Income Tax Calculator

Enter your income to see your estimated annual tax liability in each country โ€” side by side.

Enter your annual income above to see your personal tax comparison โ†’
Individual Income Tax (Top Marginal Rate)
Top Income Tax Rate
0โ€“25%
25% top; fiscal consolidation achieved
No change
0โ€“11.5%
Stable; cantonal competition ongoing
No change
VAT / GST / Sales Tax
VAT / GST / Sales Tax
13%
13% IVA maintained
No change
2.6โ€“8.1%
No further increases planned
No change
Corporate Tax Rate
Corporate Tax Rate
30%
30%; Pillar Two for MNCs; tech sector growing
No change
~14โ€“26%
Pillar Two supplementary tax active; cantons adjusting
No change
Capital Gains Tax
Capital Gains Tax
15%
15% maintained
No change
0%
No capital gains tax for private individuals
No change
Social Security & Payroll
Social Security / Payroll
~41.17%
High contributions; reform proposals for sustainability
No change
~10.9%
BVG/LPP reform (expanded occupational pension) active
No change
State, Regional & Local Taxes

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ท Costa Rica โ€” Municipal Taxes

Costa Rica's 84 cantons (municipalities) levy the impuesto sobre bienes inmuebles (property tax at 0.25% of assessed value), business licences (patente municipal), and construction permits. The Municipalidad de San Josรฉ and other urban cantons have highest rates. National taxes are administered by the Ministry of Finance (Hacienda). Costa Rica underwent significant fiscal reform in 2018โ€“19 to address a fiscal deficit, converting the sales tax to a comprehensive VAT and modifying income tax.

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ญ Switzerland โ€” Cantonal & Communal Taxes

Switzerland's 26 cantons and ~2,200 communes independently set income and corporate tax rates. Zug (~12% combined top) and Nidwalden are among the lowest globally; Geneva and Vaud reach ~45% combined. Wealth tax is levied by cantons. Pillar Two supplementary tax is active for large MNCs. Inheritance and gift taxes are cantonal.

โš ๏ธ Disclaimer: Rates shown are standard top/headline rates for informational purposes. Actual tax liability depends on income level, residency, deductions, and tax treaties. 2025โ€“2026 data reflects announced or enacted rates and may be subject to change. Not financial or legal advice.

Costa Rica vs Switzerland: Key Tax Differences (2026)

๐Ÿ’ฐ Income Tax: ๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ท Costa Rica has a higher top income tax rate (0โ€“25% vs 0โ€“11.5%). ๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ญ Switzerland is more favourable for high earners.

๐Ÿ›’ VAT/Sales Tax: Costa Rica has a higher consumption tax (13% vs 2.6โ€“8.1%).

๐Ÿข Corporate Tax: ๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ญ Switzerland offers a lower corporate rate (26% vs 30%), which can influence business location decisions.

๐Ÿ“ˆ Capital Gains: ๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ญ Switzerland taxes investment gains at a lower rate (0% vs 15%), benefiting investors.

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