If you already have the right to live in Switzerland and are looking to go freelance, registering as self-employed is usually a straightforward process.
Swiss residents and most EU/EFTA nationals can register as self-employed by applying through their cantonal compensation office.
You aren’t required to register immediately, as you will be asked for proof of self-employment such as invoices and marketing materials, but it is recommended to do so within a few months to become officially recognised.
Once your compensation office has verified your self-employed status, you can then contact your local migration office to register your self-employed status.
The process differs depending on where you live, however you’re likely to be asked to provide the following during the process:
- Identity card or passport
- Invoices and contracts for services
- Bank statements
- Proof of health insurance
- Advertising/marketing materials
- Confirmation of registration with the compensation office
If your permit is dependent on a partner, for instance, they may be asked to sign a letter confirming your address. If your application is approved, you will be issued a renewable five-year B permit.
If your annual turnover is more than 100,000 francs, you must also register for VAT and enter your company on the commercial register.
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Those from a non-EU/EFTA country may be required to hold a C permit or be the spouse of a C permit holder or Swiss citizens to apply to be self-employed. Otherwise, you may need to apply with the canton and provide more information about your business to prove you meet stricter Swiss labour market requirements.
Being a citizen of a ‘third-country’ (non-EU/EFTA) doesn’t exclude you from setting up a business in Switzerland, but conditions for doing so are stricter as you must demonstrate that your self-employment will have a positive impact on the Swiss labour market and is in overall economic interest.
As a result, you may be asked to provide a business plan and an analysis of the market, as well as planned investments and forecasts for turnover and profit.
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There are also rules and processes you should be aware of when filing your first tax return as a self-employed person in Switzerland, such as social security contributions, setting off depreciation and amortisation costs, and deductible interest.
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