Frequently Asked Questions

Fees vary depending on project complexity. Typically, the initial consultation is free and packages start from CHF 150/hour. Contact us for a personalised quote through our consulting page.

You must register your activity with the AHV compensation office of your canton and, if turnover exceeds CHF 100,000, enter it in the Commercial Register. Our team can guide you through the entire process — see our management consulting.

A sole proprietorship requires no minimum capital but the owner is personally liable. A GmbH requires CHF 20,000 in share capital and limits liability to the company assets. We help you choose the right legal form through our management consulting.

It is not mandatory for sole proprietorships with turnover below CHF 100,000, but registration is recommended for credibility and name protection. Get advice through our management consulting.

EU/EFTA citizens with a B or C permit can take up self-employment. Third-country nationals need a specific permit and must demonstrate economic benefit for Switzerland. Use our administrative services for support.

VAT registration is mandatory once annual turnover reaches CHF 100,000. Voluntary registration below this threshold is possible to reclaim input VAT. Our accounting team handles the entire process.

We analyse your business processes, identify automation opportunities and implement suitable digital tools — from electronic invoicing to CRM and digital marketing. Explore our management consulting.

If your gross annual income is below CHF 120,000, withholding tax is considered final. However, you may submit a voluntary tax return (Nachträgliche Ordentliche Veranlagung) to claim additional deductions. Learn more from our accounting services.

Yes, by submitting a voluntary tax return you can receive a refund if deductions (Pillar 3a, commuting costs, professional expenses) reduce your tax below the amount withheld. Our tax team calculates whether it is worthwhile.

In the canton of Zurich, the standard deadline is 31 March of the following year. An extension until 30 September can be requested. Our accounting team ensures all deadlines are met.

Expats can deduct Pillar 3a contributions, health insurance premiums, commuting costs, training expenses and, in certain cases, relocation costs. Maximise your deductions with our tax services.

Pillar 3a contributions are fully tax-deductible. In 2025, the maximum is CHF 7,258 for employees with a 2nd pillar and CHF 36,288 for self-employed without a 2nd pillar. Consult our accounting team for advice.

Yes, with gross income above CHF 120,000, ordinary taxation is mandatory even with a B permit. The withholding tax already paid is credited. Our tax team handles everything.

Self-employed individuals with turnover above CHF 500,000 must maintain full double-entry bookkeeping. Below that threshold, simplified bookkeeping (income and expenses) is sufficient. Trust our accounting team for compliance.

Yes. Public transport or car costs (with limits), home office allowances and childcare costs up to CHF 25,000 per child are deductible in Zurich. Our tax team maximises your deductions.

Yes, once you opt for voluntary ordinary taxation (NOV), the decision is irrevocable as long as you remain in the same canton with a B permit. Evaluate carefully with support from our tax advisors.

The B permit is temporary (renewable annually or every 5 years for EU citizens) and tied to employment. The C permit is permanent, with no employment restrictions, and obtained after 5 or 10 years of residence. Learn more from our administrative services.

Renewal must be requested from the migration office (Migrationsamt) before expiry. Typically, you need to prove active employment, health insurance and no outstanding tax debts. Our administrative services team handles the documentation.

EU/EFTA citizens with a B or C permit can bring their spouse and children under 21. Adequate housing and sufficient financial means must be demonstrated. Use our administrative services for full support.

Generally required: apostilled marriage/birth certificates, valid passports, proof of housing, employment contract and health insurance. Our administrative services team prepares the full checklist.

You must declare the birth at the Zivilstandsamt (civil registry) within 3 days and then register the child at the consular representation of your home country. Our administrative services team guides you through the process.

EU/EFTA citizens obtain the C permit after 5 years of continuous residence. Third-country nationals typically need 10 years (with possible reductions for good integration). Consult our administrative services.

With a B permit, you generally have 6 months to find new employment before renewal is at risk. With a C permit, unemployment does not directly affect your status. See more at our administrative services.

You must have lived in Switzerland for 10 years (including 3 of the last 5 in the same canton), demonstrate integration, language skills (B1 oral, A2 written) and have no social assistance. We support the process through our administrative services.

Absences exceeding 6 months may lead to revocation of a B permit. For a C permit, the limit is also 6 months (extensions possible with prior notification to the migration office). Check with our administrative services.

You have 3 months from your arrival date to take out basic insurance, with retroactive coverage from day one. We recommend acting within the first few weeks. Use our insurance services.

You can switch providers on 1 January each year by sending your cancellation letter by 30 November. In case of premium increases, the deadline may be extended. We assist with the switch through our insurance services.

Basic insurance covers essential medical treatments and is regulated by law (same benefits across all providers). Supplementary insurance covers private rooms, alternative medicine and dental treatments. Learn more at our insurance services.

You can choose a higher deductible (up to CHF 2,500), opt for alternative models (family doctor, HMO, Telmed) or compare providers annually. Our insurance team finds the most cost-effective solution.

It depends on your income and canton. In Zurich, families with low to medium taxable income can apply for the subsidy through the SVA. Our insurance team checks your eligibility.

It is not legally required but strongly recommended. It covers damage you cause to third parties (e.g., flooding a neighbour's flat) for just CHF 5–10/month. We advise on the best options through our insurance services.

It covers lawyer fees and court costs in employment, contract, traffic and tenancy disputes. Especially useful for expats. Compare plans through our insurance services.

Besides mandatory health insurance, you should consider accident insurance (mandatory if you have employees), professional liability, disability and legal protection. Our insurance team creates a tailored package.

We compare premiums, deductibles, doctor models and provider networks to find the ideal plan for your profile. There is no universal plan — it depends on your age, health and budget. Contact our insurance consultants.

You need a B permit valid for at least 12 more months, permanent employment, a minimum income (generally CHF 3,500 net) and no ZEK record. Our credit team assesses your eligibility.

Typically, you need at least 20% of the property value as a deposit, of which 10% must be genuine savings (not from the 2nd pillar). The bank finances up to 80%. Use our credit services for calculations.

EU/EFTA citizens residing in Switzerland can buy primary residence property without restrictions. Holiday or investment properties are subject to Lex Koller restrictions. Learn more from our credit services.

Total housing costs (imputed interest at 5%, amortisation and maintenance) must not exceed 33% of gross household income. If they do, the bank will decline the loan. Our credit team calculates your affordability.

Yes, Portuguese banks grant mortgages to non-residents, financing up to 70–80% of the property value. The debt-to-income ratio should not exceed 35%. Our credit team manages the entire process.

For non-residents, the minimum down payment is typically 20–30% of the property value or the bank valuation (whichever is lower). Some banks offer more favourable terms. Use our credit services.

Rates vary by bank and client profile, typically ranging from 3% to 5% (variable rate indexed to Euribor + spread). Our credit team compares the best market offers.

Yes, you can withdraw funds from Pillar 2 and Pillar 3a to finance your primary residence. For Pillar 2, there is a minimum withdrawal of CHF 20,000. Our credit team guides the withdrawal process.

Benefits amount to 70–80% of the last insured salary (maximum CHF 148,200/year). Duration ranges from 200 to 520 daily allowances depending on age and contribution period. See details in our unemployment article.

Yes, provided you have contributed to unemployment insurance for at least 12 months in the last 2 years. A B permit does not prevent access to benefits. Learn more in our RAV blog.

With a B permit, prolonged unemployment (over 6–12 months) can jeopardise renewal. With a C permit, the impact is less significant. Register with the RAV and actively seek employment. Use our administrative services.

Everyone working in Switzerland contributes to AHV/AVS (1st pillar) on a mandatory basis. Contributions create a proportional pension entitlement, even without a complete contribution career. Learn more through our consulting services.

The AHV/AVS pension (1st pillar) is paid worldwide. The 2nd pillar can be withdrawn when leaving Switzerland permanently for a non-EU/EFTA country; within the EU it remains in a vested benefits account until retirement. Use our consulting services.

The 1st pillar (AHV/AVS) is state-run and mandatory. The 2nd pillar (LPP/BVG) is occupational and mandatory above CHF 22,050/year. The 3rd pillar (3a/3b) is private and voluntary with tax advantages. Learn more through our consulting services.

If you leave for a non-EU/EFTA country, you can withdraw the 2nd pillar in full. If moving to an EU/EFTA country, only the supplementary part can be withdrawn; the mandatory part stays in a vested benefits account. Use our consulting services.