Hi,

My job is relocating me to Lausanne, Switzerland from USA. My wife has also got a residence permit along with me but her employer in the USA (Oracle) wants her to keep working remotely from Switzerland. Would she need a work permit in Switzerland? In Switzerland, would we have to pay taxes on both our incomes?

Thanks

I can't see why there would be a problem. It's working in Switzerland that's usually the issue - i.e. potentially taking a Swiss's job. But you need official advice.

Tax could be complicated. I don't know how it is in the US, but here it's the family that's taxed, not individuals.

Hi there,
My best advised would be to negotiate a tax consultant/ international accountant on your relocation for both of you, either with your company or with her employer, either during the time of the assignment or for 2 years.
US hours from Europe can be bit tiring, particularly if you share activities or hobbies during the week at the moment. A conf call at 9pm our time is something normal if your local time is 3pm or earlier.
Does her company have an office where she will be working at? It is important to keep connected to the corporate environment.
This suggestions are based on own experience, working in an office in US and relocated to Switzerland. My ‘at that time’ boyfriend was not included in the package for ‘tax advice’ and he works only for US with US hours.

I am in the same boat: married to a Swiss and relocate to Zurich, my US employer offered to let me work from home in Zurich. What's the legal and tax complication? Do I need to get some kind of permit and report to a local authority or I can just do it? Thanks!

Swiss residents are taxable on global assets and global income. Married spouses file a joint Swiss tax return. Your US income must be included on your husband's tax declaration. Moreover, you are liable to pay Swiss social-security contributions on your US salary. Most probably the US employer will deduct taxes at source which may be eligible for some relief under the CH/US tax treaty.

You should consult a tax specialist with CH and US tax expertise.

Thanks very much, Gold Top!