Swiss authorities are approaching chief executives of UK-based companies and other wealthy individuals with tax-saving deals to lure the world’s financial elite to the country.

The Times understands that officials governing cantons such as Geneva are personally contacting bosses of FTSE 100 companies to persuade them to relocate their companies and families to regions known for their favourable tax regimes, as well as for offering “financial privacy” to residents.

It is understood that one chief executive was offered a flat tax rate of 10 per cent on his personal income if he relocated the company to Geneva and lived there, as long as he provided a forecast of earnings for the next ten years.

Although Switzerland is known for its flexible approach to taxation for individuals who meet strict criteria, such unsolicited approaches have happened recently and are the latest effort by Swiss authorities to capitalise on the worldwide financial crisis and the increasingly punishing tax regime for high earners in Britain. Other countries, including Panama, are also taking steps to boost their appeal to wealthy individuals.

Mike Warburton, of Grant Thornton, the accountancy firm, said: “Switzerland has always had nonstatutory deals for some individuals, but the unsolicited offers is a new approach. In the UK, it is well known that a ‘not welcome here’ sign has gone up to wealthy foreigners. Consequently, places such as Switzerland are licking their lips.”

The Swiss forfait fiscal, or lump-sum, system means that, for some people, tax is charged at a flat rate based on a multiple of the rental value of the property bought, rather than on income, resulting in tax savings worth thousands of pounds.

The campaign to improve Switzerland’s image as a financial safe haven and to clarify the way its tax system works is also designed to counter fears that individuals with accounts in the country may be subject to international crackdowns on avoidance. The American tax authorities asked those with offshore accounts with UBS to come forward with their account details in August.

Swiss property developers selling luxury apartments are also targeting hedge fund managers by highlighting the tax advantages of home ownership for employees of companies based in Switzerland. Estate agents have been holding invitation-only conferences in the UK and other countries to highlight the benefits of living there. Although many emphasise Switzerland’s attractions as a place for outdoor activities and clean, safe living, there is a tacit acknowledgment that the primary appeal is financial.

It is thought that some hedge fund managers will no longer accept job offers unless the company moves somewhere with a more favourable tax regime.

A spokesman for Savills, which sells properties in Switzerland to international clients, said: “In Switzerland, tax arrangements are all done on private negotiation. Switzerland specialises in wealth management so, if you have wealth, it wants you, as long as you do not take a job that could otherwise have gone to a Swiss person. It is fine for companies to move there and bring jobs with them, but it is not OK to take a Swiss job.”

Agents have said that this renewed effort to highlight the tax benefits is a response to recent property price falls in Switzerland of about 5 per cent from the peak. Although small compared with declines in other countries, it has made it harder for developers to sell properties to cautious buyers.

Nick Barnes, a consultant on behalf of Knight Frank, which also sells property in Switzerland, said: “Buyers are more cautious and marketing periods are longer. Developers are having to work much harder. A transparent sales process has become more important.”

Switzerland’s efforts are paying off. Mr Warburton said: “Some of my clients, either retirees or people working in the finance industry, are emigrating to Switzerland. The [UK] Government is pretending it isn’t happening. It is happening and it is a great shame for the UK, which loses out.”

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