Something like SJD in Switzerland?

[Magpie252]

Well, i haven't considered this payroll thing. They offered me 800 CHF/day, but it doesn't sound as good if i have to tax half of it. Not speaking about living expenses....

If your working through a Swiss agent, I'd expect them to provide payroll services as part of their margin cut

So assuming 800CHF is net, your costs would look something like this:

Employers tax contributions -9%
Employers pension -450CHF

Gives Gross Salary

Old age insurance -5.15%
Job insurance -1.1% on first 10500CHF, 0.5% after
Accident insurance -1.105% on first 10500CHF, 0.3485% after
Tax at source (depends on canton & is progressive i.e. you pay more tax in a 21 day month v 20 day month) somewhere between 18 & 23%
Employee pension -450CHF

You agent should have done an example payroll for you, ask them

- be aware of your UK tax liabilities if your not out of the country for the full year
800CHF is just about workable if your carfull i.e. rent an apparment, eat in most nights, fly easyjet etc

[BlasterBates]

It's very unusual not to work through payroll

Coming from outside Switzerland it is effectively your only option.

Take home taking into account everything including payroll charges is typically 65-70%. On top of that add health insurance which cost me 130 CHF a month.

Even if you are Swiss resident some large companies wouldn't accept you unless you are payrolled. It is possible to set up a Swiss company but it isn't easy.

If you are commuting there is CHF 1500 tax free allowance provided you can demonstrate you are paying a mortgage or rent. This brings you closer to 70% take home.