So an idea popped into my head - why not take some time out and go travelling for a year?

Has anyone done this while being a Swiss resident? I guess I would lose my permit. I'm also not sure whether there would be tax/legal implications on rental income from my house.

Is there anyway I can work around the permit (e.g. by becoming self-employed)?

I'm interested in hearing from anyone who has done this before or has ideas/tips on how I can go about this. Thanks.

One year is not a problem at all. As long as you maintain an address (and therefore tax residence) in CH, they won't really care.

??

Whats the plan about saving the world in Basel?!

.. and do do the travelling thing before you have kids- else you have to wait a few years until they can come too, which gets more expensive.. and you have to think about missing school.. yada yada yada..

I think you are allowed to leave for up to six months without telling anyone. I believe longer is permitted, but it needs to be communicated prior to leaving. I would double-check with the authorities...they are the only ones who can really give a clear answer. Could be worthwhile to do it by email too so you have a non-paper "paper trail" if you need it.

Where are you thinking of going?

I am sure his employer or gf may have something to say about that... :-)

i never did any extensive travels after school or university, so i'm guessing soon it will be now or never. maybe i will try a short 1 month stint first to see how i like it.

I'm sure he is clever enough to know that he needs to clear such thoughts with any employer or gf before thinking them... aren't you Phil?

He's a self-employed call boy...so I guess he's got that covered. You can find him if you google "Asian Persuasion".

ah so you've already tried that ...

I think the maximum you can be away is a year but you have to communicate to the authorities. But just make sure you make it back in that time. Also get a written confirmation if possible.

I know a guy who lost his C permit becoz he was away for 1 year and 5 days. Earthquake happened in Chile and he could not fly back in time due to flights being cancelled.

I guess you can rent your apartment and just have to do your Taxes when you are back.

It is great to travel... Good Luck

I used to work for great Singaporean company in UK, there was this chap who had UK Residency, after he retured to Singapore he used to return to UK every year to keep it up to date. He used it as excuse to go on golfing holiday. Lucky for me, as he eventually returned to UK as my wonderful boss, delightful. (actually all Singaporeans I found respectful and nice people). Anyway perhaps it is similar - that was a good quote, so guess you should return after 11 months to be on the safe side

I graduated from Uni well over a decade ago, and decided last year to rip out a year of my calendar and do what ever I wanted to do. Quit my well paid job and moved away to Paris to do nothing but whatever came along. Traveled extensively in the Far east and again, did whatever I (rather we, as I went with the old ball and chain) felt like doing there and then!

The best year of my life by far so basically, you never get too old (or too late) to do something out of the ordinary. On the contrary, I believe you get much more out of it.

Go for it!!! Wasn't there someone clever who once said, "As you grow older, you'll find the only things you regret are the things you didn't do"?

I guess it should be fine for you to go for a year and come back, as long as you keep a fix address here.
I have been thinking about doing the same kind of travel.. I would be happy to get your impression about it when you are back!

Brilliant idea - go before you have other responsibilities, etc. Life's too short to stagnate. But do check all the ins and outs so you don't lose your right to work and live here- if you ever feel like coming back. Life's funny, and will take turns you sometimes don't expect (been there, done that, several t-shirts and no regrets). Enjoy

Off topic, but I totally recommend taking a solid amount of time off. A year is a bit too much for me, but I've taken 6 months off work five times since leaving Uni.

Not sure about the permit thing. I guess it depends what type of permit you have. I'm sure C permits are fine. Dunno about B. Depends if anyone's holding a job open for you I guess.

With a C permit you can be out of the country for up to 4 years without losing your permit. You must inform them before leaving that you will be away and intend to come back.

It depends on what permit you have. See above for C. If you have a B permit you can be away for 6 months. As an EU citizen I guess it doesn't matter as you can get another one when you come back.

As for the tax implications of your rental income. You need to declare it. If that is your only income & asset in Switzerland I would imagine you won't have to pay anything or not very much.

Were you pregnant?

Doesn't seem to matter how much sex I have, I never get pregnant.

Ahem, about that rain cheque ...

You know, that only makes sense if you were hoping I'd have your baby!

Edited to add ... actually, it makes no sense at all whatever you're hoping. Unless you simply have too much money. Or meant check.