Hello.

I'm planning to work as a freelance journalist and communications specialist in Zurich and am wondering whether to register my company in Switzerland or the UK.

Does anyone know if I can work in Switzerland, but have my company registered in UK and, if so, what the tax system is? I will be living full time in Switzerland with my fiance.

Emma

Hi Emma,

Have you read through the following threads?

Swiss Sarl Vs UK Ltd. company
How to freelance in Switzerland?
Help for Businesses/Freelancers in CH

Charday

You will find it easier if you register in Switzerland but you then need to accept the requirements for setting up a company here. Working as a freelancer ie sole trader is also possible as long as you have varied clients or international ones.

Thank you Richard! I've just been reading your other threads too, which are really helpful.

If I'm freelancing for UK based publications and expect to earn something quite modest (total anual income more along the lines of 35000CHF) do you know what the tax rate will be and whether I can claim some of the household expenses against my tax?

I'm also wondering how quickly I will need to register? Could I work for a few months before I register so that I have some idea of the kind of income I'm looking at?

I would guess as a freelance journalist you can slip easily under the radar, maybe also for a long time As far as the tax rate these questions are impossible to answer as it is highly dependent on circumstances ie where you live, relationship, marital status, children etc. And posting all the info needed is rather personal. But suffice to say it will be rather low.

If you register as a freelancer then you can deduct certain expenses but I am not so sure what they might be. Maybe a GA so you can travel would be top of the list as would anything you would need to perform your business ie computer, telephone etc.

Brilliant - thank you Richard. That's all really helpful. I spose the big question is whether the UK would also want a cut of my earnings if I'm being paid by UK pulications.
So many things to think about...