Reply to: Finding out cost of living for Zurich contract

[NotAllThere]

Once you're over here, I recommend http://www.englishforum.ch/forum.php You might even find me hanging around...

[MPwannadecentincome]

You didn't believe him, did you?

No

Make sure your rate is quoted in CHF.

I did - thanks!

[NotAllThere]

...
"No I have to know this morning" comes the reply...

You didn't believe him, did you?

Anyway. regarding rates. You need to take into account living costs which are about 1/3 more than you'd pay for a gig away from home in the UK.

If you're shipping money back to the UK, then the exchange rate will be in your favour. Make sure your rate is quoted in CHF.

[ThomasSoerensen]

you will be an employee of the agency.

You will most likely pay employers part of social taxes (6%?) - unless you anticipate and negotiate your way out of this.

[Brussels Slumdog]

No you cannot use your Ltd company

I don't think it is possible to operate a UK Ltd in CH, I never found an agent who would agree. You pay CH tax instead of UK tax, I think there is a HMRC rule in place.

If your contract is longer than 3 months you will be a Swiss tax resident ie
if you need a resident L card. The 183 day rule means nothing to the swiss.
Switzerland is like the Netherlands. You need a local payroll company.
Most of the big UK agencies have set up offices in Switzerland with their own
payroll system ie K2,Elan to comply

[alreadypacked]

Thanks for the tip - I will be asking for a bit more than that as my UK rate is high, oh does this mean I have to pay CH tax instead of UK tax, and would I be able to operate under UK ltd co? Currently I'm under brolly - guess I have to do more research - I need more tea breaks!

I don't think it is possible to operate a UK Ltd in CH, I never found an agent who would agree. You pay CH tax instead of UK tax, I think there is a HMRC rule in place.

[MPwannadecentincome]

Most apartment have a rate like 950 + 150 The 150 covers water, cleaning of common area etc. Electric is seperate but less than UK. Service apartments you just pay a total for everything inc ele.

Most contracts are via agency where you will be an employee of agency they will deduct your tax etc. They will ask a few questions an tell you your nett amount.

When you move into an apartment, your local authorthy will send you a letter asking you to produce your health insurance (they have to pay if you are not insured) you also have to register costs 85CHF.

Eating out in Zurch is high, supermarket more like a UK petrol station for range. Ready meals have not realy arrived here yet.

At least they have some TV in English.

Advice appreciated many thanks!

[MPwannadecentincome]

Look at www.comparis.ch for tax rates, health-care rates, housing.

You should ask a minimum rate of 1000 chf per day. Do not go lower.
Try to get an appartment in Zug (low taxrates) . Appartment will be more expensive but you will get an extra discount on your taxbill and the end of the year.

Greetings from Bern

Thanks for the tip - I will be asking for a bit more than that as my UK rate is high, oh does this mean I have to pay CH tax instead of UK tax, and would I be able to operate under UK ltd co? Currently I'm under brolly - guess I have to do more research - I need more tea breaks!

[alreadypacked]

Hi BB is 1100 per month what extra do you pay for gas / electric / water etc?

Most apartment have a rate like 950 + 150 The 150 covers water, cleaning of common area etc. Electric is seperate but less than UK. Service apartments you just pay a total for everything inc ele.

Most contracts are via agency where you will be an employee of agency they will deduct your tax etc. They will ask a few questions an tell you your nett amount.

When you move into an apartment, your local authorthy will send you a letter asking you to produce your health insurance (they have to pay if you are not insured) you also have to register costs 85CHF.

Eating out in Zurch is high, supermarket more like a UK petrol station for range. Ready meals have not realy arrived here yet.

At least they have some TV in English.

[JustMe]

Very expensive

Look at www.comparis.ch for tax rates, health-care rates, housing.

You should ask a minimum rate of 1000 chf per day. Do not go lower.
Try to get an appartment in Zug (low taxrates) . Appartment will be more expensive but you will get an extra discount on your taxbill and the end of the year.

Greetings from Bern

[Lewis]

i know some in the city for 1750 with kitchen, basically a bedsit though but serviced.

Thanks for the response, sorry I should have added I need somewhere for two adults and two children (Feb-Mar).

[MPwannadecentincome]

That would be the easiest solution, you can find furnished flats or rooms for 800-1500, no service though. I pay 1100, for a one bedroom flat, with Kitchen and bathroom, not far from the airport.

Hi BB is 1100 per month what extra do you pay for gas / electric / water etc?

[dozer]

i know some in the city for 1750 with kitchen, basically a bedsit though but serviced.

[Lewis]

That would be the easiest solution, you can find furnished flats or rooms for 800-1500, no service though. I pay 1100, for a one bedroom flat, with Kitchen and bathroom, not far from the airport.

I'm looking to rent somewhere in Zurich but only for 2 months. I've heard this is quite difficult, do you have any suggestions? Trying to avoid a serviced apartment, was thinking maybe some kind of holiday let? 1100 is per week I assume?

[BlasterBates]

That would be the easiest solution, you can find furnished flats or rooms for 800-1500, no service though. I pay 1100, for a one bedroom flat, with Kitchen and bathroom, not far from the airport.