Relocating to Switzerland promises breathtaking landscapes, a high quality of life, and a strong economy. If your partner has received a job offer in Switzerland, you may want to move with them while continuing to work remotely or maintaining your employment with a company in the country where you currently live.

However, making this transition involves legal, tax, and administrative complexities. From securing the right permits to understanding tax residency rules and social security obligations, careful planning is essential. This guide will help you understand your options and outline practical steps for relocating smoothly while keeping your job.

Visa and work permit options for professionals and their partners

Switzerland offers various work permits depending on your nationality and employment situation. For EU/EFTA citizens, the process is relatively straightforward. Freedom of movement rules allow you to live and work in Switzerland, but you must still register and obtain a residence permit.

Non-EU citizens face a more detailed application process. Permits like the L (short-term) or B (long-term) depend on your job contract, qualifications, and cantonal quotas.

If you are moving to Switzerland because your partner has secured a job, your residency status may depend on theirs. Non-EU partners often need family reunification permits, which may include the right to work depending on the type of permit issued. EU/EFTA partners usually encounter fewer obstacles, though they must still complete the necessary registrations. Ensuring that both you and your partner have the appropriate permits is critical for a smooth transition.

How do you maintain your job while living in Switzerland?

If you are relocating to Switzerland with your partner but want to keep working for a foreign employer, it’s important to understand how your employment and residency status will intersect. If you’re employed by a foreign company, your employer might not have a legal presence in Switzerland. This can complicate tax withholding, social security contributions, and employment contract requirements.

Special considerations apply to remote workers and digital nomads. You may need to align your work arrangements with local laws and confirm that your foreign employer can meet Swiss compliance standards. This is particularly important for social security contributions, as Switzerland has strict pensions, accident insurance, and healthcare regulations.

Financial and tax implications for expats

Tax residency in Switzerland is determined by factors like how many days you spend in the country, where you maintain your home, and the location of your employer. Typically, if you stay in Switzerland for more than 183 days per year, you’ll be considered a tax resident and be required to pay Swiss income tax on your worldwide earnings.

If your partner’s new job in Switzerland means you will be spending most of the year there, it’s crucial to determine whether you will be taxed as a resident. Double taxation agreements between Switzerland and other countries can help prevent paying taxes twice on the same income. Understanding these treaties and consulting with a tax advisor can help ensure you meet your tax obligations while minimizing your overall tax burden.

Social security contributions are another key aspect. Depending on your employment situation, you may need to contribute to Swiss social security (AHV/AVS) or remain covered under your home country’s system. The right approach varies case by case, but clarifying your status early is crucial to maintain access to healthcare, pensions, and other benefits.

How a Swiss Employer of Record can support relocating professionals?

A Swiss Employer of Record (EOR) helps professionals move to Switzerland without their foreign employer needing to establish a local entity. This service is particularly beneficial for those who want to keep their current jobs with international companies while ensuring full compliance with Swiss regulations.

Here’s how an EOR can assist:

• Local employment support: An EOR acts as your local legal employer in Switzerland, handling everything from payroll to tax filings, so you don’t have to worry about compliance issues.
• Payroll and tax compliance: Your EOR will manage salary payments, and withhold taxes, and ensure that both income tax and social security contributions are processed accurately and on time.
• Social security and benefits management: The EOR ensures you remain eligible for essential benefits, including healthcare coverage, pensions, and accident insurance, which are critical when moving to a new country.
• Permit and documentation guidance: If you need a work permit or residency documentation, an EOR can help streamline the application process, making it easier to settle in Switzerland legally and efficiently.

Imagine your partner has accepted a job offer in Switzerland, and you want to move with them while continuing your remote job with a foreign company. Your employer is based in Canada and doesn’t have a local Swiss branch. They might be unsure how to handle the Swiss employment, tax, and social security requirements.

By working with an EOR, your employer can transfer you onto a compliant Swiss employment contract while still maintaining their existing relationship. The EOR takes care of all payroll, taxes, and social security contributions, and can even assist in securing the necessary permits. This arrangement lets you focus on settling in and enjoying your new home in Switzerland, confident that both you and your partner are supported through a compliant employment setup.

Easily relocate with your partner

Relocating to Switzerland with your partner while maintaining your job requires careful planning. From securing the appropriate work permits to understanding tax residency rules and social security contributions, staying informed and compliant is vital.

A Swiss Employer of Record can help simplify this process, offering a compliant employment solution that keeps you connected to your current employer while meeting all Swiss regulations. By working with an EOR, you can focus on enjoying your new life in Switzerland, confident that your employment is legally and administratively secure.

If you’re planning a move to Switzerland, contact us to explore how a Swiss Employer of Record can simplify the transition and ensure full compliance.