I wanted to tell you all about my experience registering as a self employed in Lausanne just recently, to act as a guide for others in a similar situation. Of course this is no replacement for professional advice :-)

For context, I am an Australian who recently moved to Lausanne with my husband. I guess I am the 'trailing spouse' ha ha. I have my own consulting business (sole trader) which was originally set up in Australia but when I moved I wanted to take it with me. I do a lot of work online and on the phone so moving it to Lausanne was relatively easy but actually getting a permit and registering here as self employed initially looked extremely complicated!!! But it turned out to be relatively straight forward.

I checked my B permit and it says "...avec activitie" which apparently allows me to work. I took my B permit and my passport to the Registre du commerce in Moudon (Rue Grenade 38). I had a swiss friend with me who translated and no one in the office speaks english (we kept the office entertained)! They took a copy of my passport (didn't really look at my permit which I thought they would scrutinize - very odd), got my contact details, a brief description of the work I do and the name of my business. Then I had to pay $242. I will receive a document in the post to certify I am self employed shortly.

I also have to register for AVS and I went to the AVS office (with my invaluable Swiss friend to translate) to get some information about this. Once I get my certificate from Registre du commerce I take it, some invoices, a completed questionnaire (which AVS will post to me) back to the AVS office in Lausanne.

Also need to register for VAT. My situation is a bit unusual so not sure whether I have to pay VAT but nevertheless I should still register apparently. I need to see an accountant to confirm if I actually need to pay it.

So there you go. Not too complicated at all!!! Just make sure you take a someone who can translate for you if you can't speak very much french!