Frequently asked questions
Can you simulate my salary and tax for me?How much does it cost?Will I be in a pension scheme?How do I get paid?Does being an employee of SLC affect my unemployment benefit in France?Does being an employee of SLC affect my unemployment benefit in Switzerland?Will I receive holiday pay?I will shortly be arriving in Switzerland, what do I need to do as regards a work permit?Will I be insured?Can I work part-time or have irregular contracts?Is Swiss Labour Contractors an employment agency?Who do I report to?Can I claim expenses?Is there a Swiss equivalent of IR35 like in the UK?
If you require any additional information, please contact Swiss Labour Contractors by phone +41 (0) 22 908 02 40 or send your questions with the online support request form.
To request our free PDF Brochure that provides greater detail about the various aspects of self-employment in Switzerland, please click here.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can you simulate my salary and tax for me?
Yes we can. Our parent company ICS Corporate Services www.icsglobal.ch is a professional services company staffed by internationally qualified accountants. Tax is complicated and depends amongst other things on where you live, what permit you have, if you are married and whether you have dependent children. On top of that you may be subject to a wealth tax.
2. How much does it cost?
The cost to you could be as little as 5% of the gross billings for your time to the Contracting Company and depends on your level of billing. For this you have all the salary administration taken care of (deductions for social security, pensions, family allowances, income tax (if applicable) as well as accident insurance claims, should that be needed.
3. Will I be in a pension scheme?
Yes. As an employee you make deductions to the basic state pension (the AVS or first pillar in the Swiss system) and to a private earnings related fund which is defined contribution scheme (2nd pillar in the Swiss system). Swiss Labour Contractors can give you a choice of a minimum legal pension scheme or a generous scheme which you can use as savings.
4. How do I get paid?
Generally you receive a salary when we receive the funds from the Contracting Company. However, we can advance salary to you for an additional fee percentage. You may also choose to spread your income by taking a thirteenth month salary, or bonus, or if you know you will have void periods to cover.
5. Does being an employee of Swiss Labour Contractors affect my unemployment benefit in France?
In some circumstances you are able to claim unemployment benefit in France while working in Switzerland.
6. Does being an employee of Swiss Labour Contractors affect my unemployment benefit in Switzerland?
Yes, it influences your unemployment benefit in a positive manner because as an employee of Swiss Labour Contractors you will be building up unemployment credits. If you are currently on unemployment benefits and you find a long term contract you will naturally come off the unemployment register. If you have a short term contract, under certain circumstances, you are able to remain on the unemployment register while revalidating your unemployment credits.
7. Will I receive holiday pay?
Your salary includes an amount for the minimum legal paid holidays in Switzerland. As an employee you can decide whether to adjust the work/holiday equation above the legal minimum of 20 days per year and take a higher number of days at a lower salary.
8. I will shortly be arriving in Switzerland, what do I need to do as regards a work permit to allow me to work?
It depends on your nationality and where you live. Citizens of most EU countries can obtain a work permit which Swiss Labour Contractors can arrange for you. Note that if you live in Geneva, Swiss Labour Contractors as the employer, must request this on your behalf. However, if you live in the canton of Vaud you must request it yourself from the commune. In the event that you live in France you must ask for a cross-border permit (permit G). For citizens of non EU/EEA countries it is more complicated. An individual and motivated request is needed which Swiss Labour Contractors can aid you with.
9. Will I be insured?
As an employee you are provided with accident insurance as well as statutory sick pay. Swiss Labour Contractors also provides professional liability insurance for you.
10. Can I work part-time or have irregular contracts?
Yes you can, and Swiss Labour Contractors caters for this. In fact, in the months when you have no billing you are not charged a fee by us.
11. Is Swiss Labour Contractors an employment agency?
No. Swiss Labour Contractors is an authorized labour leasing company which enables highly specialized individuals to invoice a Contracting Company who wishes to use their services.
12. Who do I report to?
Swiss Labour Contractors is not involved in your day to day work at all. You report to, and receive instructions from, your line manager at the Contracting Company.
13. Can I claim expenses?
Any expenses that the Contracting Company has agreed to reimburse may be claimed. Typically these include travel, lodging, meals and communication.
14. Is there a Swiss equivalent of IR35 like in the UK?
No.