Hi all - just wondering about a few things. Have been reading other posts / searches / sites, but just need to get my head clear if thats ok? I would be working as a freelance web designer, either working from home or based for a time at customer offices

1) Set up as Sole Trader - from what I can see I would need to be a B permit holder. I am EU resident (Ireland). Is this enough, or do I need to formally get a B permit first?

2) Costs - setup says 500 - 2500, with annual insurance of 1000-2000. Does that sound about right?

3) Tax - I'm not 100% sure on the benefits of this. For example I earned 100,000 chf during the year, typically what would the tax implication of this be? I know it depends on lots of factors, but just looking for a rough example to the nearest say 5k on what you think the total tax bill would be, if you're in a sort of similar situation

4) Any other costs - are there others I'm forgetting?

Thanks!
G

Hi there,

You have to get a permit first.

In my case I had to register my permit application at the Geminde of my area, they then contacted me telling me to set up a company where I had to go to Zurich and visit the Handelsregistrer, set up a bank account AFTER being given a permit in progress form ( you can't open the account without the form ), apply for private health care and declare projected earnings to the SVA ( like the UK National Insurance ) THEN.... they think about it.. in my case they wanted to see both my UK and USA bank accounts with a certain amount of money in and the history there of.

They can decide after a few months to issue either an L or B permit.. I was told my B could an annual renewal and even have a 6 month review on the state of business play after the granted date. The Issue date is also the date you actually applied for it not when you get it!!

It's a waiting game as you don't know what they will grant and for what period...

Do you have family or friends here? It can go a long way... that is unless you are coming here with stacks of money and immediately investing in the economy i.e having a Swiss division of an existing European company or buying property.

p.s You can legally work from the day of application whilst they are doing their stuff...

I would be VERY careful using a sole proprietorship.

You are completely liable for damages (as is your wife/husband). So, if one of your clients decides that you are to blame for their online business not doing so well, you could find yourself with a world of pain and expense in the Swiss legal system.

I would suggest working as a freelancer though a management/payroll company (e.g. Accurity.ch) or using a gmbh (more expensive to set up, but you will sleep better).