Contracting in Switzerland

[bobhope]

Purchasing power

It's certainly never going to be the cheapest place in the world to live, but it's about the same as South-east England. Certainly things like petrol are much cheaper in Zurich.

On the other hand, you're not far from Germany, so you can stock up there (plus reclaim the 16% VAT)

Based on purchasing power (net salary to cost of living) it's cheaper than London

[bobhope]

Using Ltd Company

Oh, and of 2005, you can use your UK Ltd company for up to 3 months (under the new EU bilateral agreements) - check with your agent.

[expat]

...Based on purchasing power (net salary to cost of living) it's cheaper than London

I think that's right. Just don't base your expectations on Zurich income & UK cost.

[BlasterBates]

Compared to the cost of living in neighbouring countries eg Germany everything is extremely expensive, and the low tax doesn't really compensate. i.e. with a similar income you'd be a lot better off in Germany provided you're not paying social insurance, which you don't as a freelancer.

[expat]

Compared to the cost of living in neighbouring countries eg Germany everything is extremely expensive.

Even cheese!

[expat]

clockwork

But some things do work very well, and not just the trains. I have just faxed off my January timesheet, then started typing an email to the agency to say I had done that. My typing was interrupted by an email from them saying it had been received and was being processed. The money will be in my account today.

[bobhope]

10k ALV unemployment

Do you have a source for the new amount 10k?

[YORKSMARK]

Agencies

Can anyone receommend any Swiss agencies, I am being pushed to a Swiss Umbrella company.

Also anyone know how to open an account in Switz, heard UBS are good, and can money be easily transferred back to UK.

I would probably work out there, 4 days and use Easy Jet to come back, checked fares out and this is cheaper than flying internally in UK

Just wondered if Switz had equiavalet of Travel lodge out there.

Also I have heard that if you contract for 6 months in Switz then contract in UK the UK tax guys can sting you for this.

Seems to be loads of activity in Switz at moment, anyone know why?

[weboo]

I have returned from Zurich and met with my future employer. They are a great bunch or guys...all english too!(nothing against the swiss). I got the contract and I am waiting on the rate to be agreed.(if anyone knows what agents get 5/10/15/20% I'd like to know)

I have learnt the following:
- If you work for 6 months then come home, its true, you can be stung by Blair and co here
- You can use your Ltd company for a limited amount of time, but most contracts are LONG term, so is there any point in changing half way through?
- I was given payslip that would demonstrate my monthly earnings(I requested this on a rate I thought I'd be offered). So say I was on 400 a day here and there, I would still take home 25% more.
- You have to put into a pension and insurance when working in Switzerland, the insurance is a good idea as they do not have a NHS, the pension can be refunded when you leave...so a nice nest egg if you plan to only stay a year or two.

I am now left with the dilema or finding a place to live, & a school for my kids. If anyone can recommend something on the 13 tram, that would be great.

[Mordac]

>Just wondered if Switz had equiavalet of Travel lodge out there.

They have IBIS (cheap & cheerful) hotels. We stayed in the one in Bern when over there for the Arse v Thun game last year. Double rooms were about £45 per night.