Hello and a happy new year to you all!

I am a day trader of US shares, using my own money only. My online broker is based in the US, if that is relevant. In a previous life I worked in Zürich as an IT contractor for 4.5 years and am now looking for some guidance in returning. My plan is the following:

1. Rent an overpriced business apartment in ZH or ZG, as I know how difficult it is to get a reasonably priced one having lived my entire time there on L permits. I will also be working from this apartment. Should I just register as a tourist or is there any advantage in applying for a 3 month jobseekers L permit?

2. Speak with an accountant/tax advisor before deciding to go the Einzelfirma or GmbH route. Obtain a credit check, criminal record check, etc. in preparation for the stage below.

3. As a UK citizen am I right in saying that all I have to do to get a 6 month self-employed B permit is go to the local Kreisbüro and apply for it? I know I will also have to register with the tax office, social security, etc.

4. Prove that my income from trading over the next 6 months is sufficient in order to obtain a 5 year B permit.

I have searched this forum and found some very useful threads which when pieced together seem to indicate the above is possible. Will this ship float or are there already gaping holes below the waterline? Is there anyone here who has done something similar? Cheers.

Good luck with the move. You might also want to check out Hong Kong as an alternative location.

Thanks, this was also on my shortlist, but quickly eliminated due to the 13 hour difference in time zone between the US and HK. This would have meant work hours of 22:30-06:00!

I would much prefer going back to CH as I really enjoyed my time there and my work hours would only be +1 hour from what they are now.

You can't 'register as a tourist'. You can stay as a tourist for 3 months before you register as a job seeker. As you know you'll have trouble renting and getting set up contracts and renting, etc.

To register as a solo trader i believe youneed to presentyou project and business plan.

Why not look for a flat share, it will keep your costs down

You are correct, of course.

Yes, the business plan will be drawn-up after consultation with an accountant/tax advisor.

Thanks, this is an option I had not considered, but it makes sense. My anti-social work hours (15:30-22:00) might be a problem here though.

Does this mean you are currently trading without a business plan?
If asked, can you provide a detailed track record and not some funky equity curve?
Does your track record go beyond the past six months?

A business plan as I understand it is a document that I will have to supply to the authorities to support my permit application.

I have been trading successfully for just over 6 months and can provide statements from my broker (Interactive Brokers) which detail every trade I have made.