Hello

I currently looking into transforming a bus in to a rolling workshop. I'm a artist producing sculptures. I would like to have a rolling atelier that i can put up anywhere and get inspired. Geneva ain't much fun in the winter, would be nice to go to the south of Spain or Italy for 3-4month. And then return to Switzerland and sell the products here.

My question is, how is with the tax aspect. If i produce a "product" in a another country, but selling it here in Switzerland.
When I'm abroad i will have no income and won't be selling anything. Basically a tourist during a hobby.
Do i have to pay tax in the country abroad or only here in Switzerland where my company is registered ?

And how is it for passing the borders with a product that has no value until it sold?


A painter don't pay anything if he takes a holiday somewhere and paint picture. Then he roles it together, goes home and sell it for 20.000chf.
Of course he have to pay income takes where he lives.

Is my situation the same?

Hi,

Saw you had no replys, I am not an expert in this area but can share a similar experience with customs and import and tell you what I would do in your situation.

First of all, do you have a company structure? i.e. gmbh, sole trader? If not, then I wouldn't worry about it. To the authorities you are just a private individual going to France to paint pictures.

If you do have a legal structure I would suggest you talk to the country from which you are exporting and the country to which you are importing.

So say you go to holiday in France, go speak to the French Customs authority and tell them your situation and ask them for advice. Then do the same with the Swiss Authorities. They are surprisingly helpful and can probably address your concerns. If that doesnt work, go to a reputable art dealer, introduce yourself and ask them. They will probably be more sympathetic and knowledgeable.

My guess would be that they will not be interested in you, or if they are then the only way to value your creations are at the cost of the input product, and if the input product has been used (i.e. transformed into art) then you are technically not importing that either.

Good luck...hope this helps your thinking on the matter somewhat.

Cheers mate

Rich