Hi everyone,

Sorry for starting a new thread on this subject, which seems to have been covered in a lot of detail already, but the other postings got so involved in the details that I was totally confused! If anyone can point me in the right direction to past posts, please feel free.

My question is this: I am currently working as a translator for a company in the UK. My partner is moving to Switzerland soon and I'm coming along with him! I've spoken to my boss, and he is happy for me either to continue working on a fixed contract or become a "freelance" translater working exclusively for him.

• Can someone tell me if both options are possible and if either is more advantageous for me or my employer?
• Will I be able to get a work permit in Switzerland?
• Does anyone know about how tax is regulated in these cases - do I have to pay tax in both countries, and claim back in one??

Thanks for any help you can give me (be it new advice, or instructions to look at past posts!!).

What do you mean by partner? This makes a difference to your situation but assuming you'd have said husband if married then registering as self employed is your easiest option. You will pay tax in Switzerland if resident here.

Hi,

Yes you're right - we're not married. Do you know anything more about becoming self-employed? Do I have to apply for a permit before arriving in Switzerland, or can I do it when I get there? I've heard a few horror stories about Swiss officials rejecting applications!

Thanks again for any help.

The constellation EU nation working for an EU employer based in Switzerland, means that you can work in Switzerland for three month max, afterwhich either you go down the self employed route or your UK company set up an office here. In any case there will be expense. Since you are unmarried, there has to be a reason for you being here, unfortunately having a unmarried partner isn't a just reason.

There is very little expense in being self employed. Actually none. Unless you want to register with the business register in which case (in Zurich at least) it can be done for around 20 CHF. Unless you count AHV (social security) where you will have to pay employers as well as employees contributions.

It is also possible to work for an EU company for an indefinite period if that company has a contractual arrangement with a Swiss company - even if this arrangement is only for billing purposes.