As the title says, if one is retiring and planning to take the capital payout from the 2nd pillar and will have peanuts income from AHV, then where would be ideal place to live in CH or a neighboring land where one's assets will be the least taxed? Find lots of info and calculators on income tax but weirdly hardly anything on asset tax of a few million? Anyone got some advice?

If you are in the lucky circumstances of having these millions I would get a tax and/or financial advisor. That advice is not that expensive and also will give you a good idea on what is taxed in Switzerland to start with when you get out your pillar 2.

would you really be completely location free? if so, why Switzerland or nearby? Or would you consider something on the other side of the world?

if some local tie, then you could just look at the few surrounding cantons and use their tax calculators. however, it is hard to get a true picture as there are some many cantonal variations beyond tax rate e.g. tax treatment of real estate.

It’s not about money!

It’s about where your friends and family are and where you are at home. You can’t buy happiness and you can’t take your money with you…

of you could plan in advance and move to that country where you want to retire. then your family will be there.

I agree with what you are saying, but if we make it about the money, you need to balance the cost of living with taxation.

To give a concrete example, we plan to retire to Spain, where the taxes on unearned income seem brutal enough compared to Switzerland that I am already looking at mitigation measures, but this is more than offset by the lower cost of living, particularly housing. The weather is better too.

I would look at Sweden if it is for retirement.

No wealth tax, no property tax on new builds for first 15 years* & no inheretance tax.
After 0.75% but capped.
High cost dentist protection, no health insurance payments.
Attractive property market.

Fantastice nature & fresh seafood

Buy a yacht with home port BVI or something, have your official residency onboard and the world is your oyster, caviar and champagne.

Some of us would rather have distance and peace

Thanks! Can you recommend a good service?

Will send you a pm.

asking for a "friend"?

Thanks all! At the moment for the next few years at least am planning to stay in CH or possibly a bordering country. Question is which Canton is best?

Arthritis, old age and cold weather really?

Did that kind of thing in my youth, even got my coxs cert. And while I still enjoy a day sailing nothing would get me to retire on a boat.

i'd consider moving back to the UK.

I thought UR, NW, OW and SZ had the lowest wealth taxes.

The problem is that you have to pay capital gains tax.

Wealth tax in Switzerland on 1m capital would be a pitance. And would reduce as you spend it.

It's not a pittance in all cantons and it does vary so it's worth a consideration. Although any investment income would be subject to income tax, which is probably a bigger issue.