Hi,
I’m thinking of starting up as an independent proof-reader in the Lausanne area. I’ve searched this forum for information about becoming self-employed, but most of the threads I’ve come across so far seem to be based in German speaking Switzerland. This means that all the relevant names of offices, documents and abbreviations are in German and this makes it hard to ‘translate’ the information to Vaud.
So is there anyone who can give me advice about setting up as a self-employed person in French speaking Switzerland?
I have been to my commune office and asked if I can be self-employed with my permit (I have a B permit and I’m an EU citizen), and they said yes. They also gave me a list of documents to bring back and a form to fill out but that was it.
I’m especially trying to find out about AVS (if I have to pay it and how much), what kind of insurance I need, how much tax I will have to pay etc., so that I can budget for this. I’m thinking I won’t bother with loss of earnings insurance as I have a pre-existing condition which I know from experience they will refuse to cover.
At the moment I am receiving RI (revenue d’insertion) support which pays my rent, and healthcare costs, pays a contribution towards my internet fees and gives me enough money to live on. I have a leaflet which says that they will ‘support’ me in becoming self-employed but it does not indicate what form this support will take. I’m worried that they will take away my financial support and leave me with not enough money to live on. Does anyone know anything about this?
Any help gratefully received,
Victoria

Victoria,

I hope your feeling better today then yesterday. Have you tried talking to these people...

http://www.vaud.ch/fr/prestations/entreprises/

Looking at their web site?

Mark

Thanks, that's a really useful link. Especially as a lot of the information is avaliable in English!

Hi, I too was looking into this some time ago. A lot of people use an "écrivain public" (a kind of ghostwriter) and there are a few set up here and there. The niche in the market is that it's non-existant for people requiring text in well written English.
You could check out the ones around Suisse Romande and see if they have a need for an English writer. It's better to share a potential customer in a non-competitive area (since not the same language) than not being able to offer full service.
Kind regards

yay Victoria, go for it

HI Victoria,

I'm a self-employed translator/editor/proofreader in St Sulpice, right next door to you! I registered with the cantonal registre de commerce and I pay my AVS and taxes and everything and all seems to be going swimmingly. As long as you're just writing the insurance is minimal since you don't have any employees or equipment (other than a computer). I don't know about your RI situation, can't help with that. But I might be able to send work your way too! Feel free to contact me.