DOES YOUR SELF-EMPLOYED ACTIVITY ALSO EXTEND ABROAD?
Living abroad, carrying out part of your activity outside Switzerland, or combining your self-employed activity with employed work in another country: these situations are governed by specific rules coordinating social security systems. We help you determine where you should be insured.
THREE COMMON SITUATIONS
As soon as your self-employed activity is carried out partly outside Switzerland, or you combine it with employed work in another country, the question arises as to which social security system applies.
The rules vary depending on your country of residence, how your activity is divided between the countries concerned, and the number of employers or clients you work for. A situation that is assessed incorrectly may lead to double contributions or, conversely, a lack of social security coverage. This is why we analyse each situation individually, rather than applying a general rule that may not fit your case.
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Living abroad
Your country of residence affects your social security coverage. -
Employed and self-employed activity
Specific coordination rules apply. -
Temporary activity abroad
A short-term activity remains covered in Switzerland.
WHICH LEGISLATION APPLIES TO YOUR SITUATION?
As a general rule, a self-employed person is subject to the social security system of the country where they carry out their activity. Specific rules apply, however, when the activity is carried out in several countries or combined with employed work.
Situation | Applicable legislation |
|---|---|
Self-employed activity carried out exclusively in Switzerland, with residence abroad | Switzerland |
Simultaneous self-employed and employed activities in different countries | Depending on the country where the predominant part of the employed activity is carried out |
Self-employed activity carried out in several countries | Country of residence, if a substantial part of the activity is carried out there |
Our FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
I live in France and am self-employed in Switzerland: where should I be insured?
In principle, in Switzerland, as this is where you carry out your self-employed activity. However, your individual situation will need to be assessed if you also carry out employed or self-employed work in your country of residence.
I am self-employed in Switzerland and employed in France: what happens?
This is considered a case of working in two or more countries. The applicable social security legislation depends, in particular, on the proportion of your employed activity carried out in your country of residence. Use form 3.2 to clarify your situation.
Do I need to go through this process on my own?
No. We can assist you in assessing your situation and choosing the appropriate form.
Your forms
Find the forms most commonly used for cross-border activities. Need another form? Contact us and we will send it to you directly.
4 documents
Does your cross-border situation seem complex? Let's talk.
Contact person
Jérôme Gindrat
+41 21 613 35 11