Hi,

We have recently moved to Geneve from Australia as I have a job with an international firm (and a B permit). My husband is a Qualified Carpenter/Builder with 10 years experience but is having difficulty finding work because he cannot speak french.

So my question is - My husband has a B permit, is he able to be self employed and advertise??? I am confused as to what his options are

I think he can be but he needs to apply for a work permit. According to my understanding his B has been issued as he is your family member. Best thing to do is to ask your local migration authority.

lala is absolutely right! I was self-employed with my B-permit. Have now got a C and am currently waiting for my naturalization.

I had to ask official permission to work at the "Police des Etrangers" and they told me exactly what to do. After that you also need to contact the "Caisse de compensation" to see about declaring your lucrative activity and paying Swiss taxes.

To get permission to work, they wanted to know things like - How many hours did I intend to work? Did I intend to employ others? What did I predict my yearly earnings would be? etc...

I was granted permission once I presented my request to them in a formal letter supplying all the information they needed.

They explained to me that my primary reason for being here was as my husband's partner. At the same time, they also understand that every person needs to be productive and it is up to both partners in a couple to pay bills and manage a household.

Just go and talk with them and let them know everything they want to know. You'll get what you want! Good luck!

Thanks guys - does this mean my husband needs to go to the police des estrangers to register even if he wants to be employed by a swiss company or is his B permit enough to start applying for jobs?

We are getting told different stories from so many different people. Majority say you need to find a job first and then transfer your permit over...

Any ideas for "seasonal" type of work would be appreciated as well - My husband is getting very bored sitting at home!!