Switzerland - branch office or local GmbH

[DomOCT]

Hi all,

Assuming one is temporarily moving to Switzerland for work (for up to 3 years), but wants a company on the side for freelancing work, would it better to have something like a dormant UK LTD with a Swiss branch office instead of a full-blown GmbH?

I don't know about the cons, but the benefits (from what I've read) would be easier corporate tax residency change (in case of moving from Switzerland to some other country later on), lower overall costs and no minimum share capital compared to a GmbH.

Thoughts?

 

[aniglo22]

Switzerland doesn’t allow redomiciliation, so I would advise against a Swiss Gmbh.
I would simply register as a Selbstständiger, which would save on compliance work and costs.

 

[DomOCT]

Selbstständiger

Valid option, but I would like to avoid personal liability

 

[aniglo22]

Valid option, but I would like to avoid personal liability

Yeah then go for the branch route

 

[JustAnotherNomad]

Switzerland has exit tax on companies. I guess it could also apply to Swiss branches of foreign companies - or maybe not? Either way, it could influence your decision.
I don't have experience with this, but I could imagine it might be better to just set up a Swiss company and properly wind it down when you move.
You should speak to a Swiss tax advisor about this.