Becoming a Freelancer in Switzerland as an EU National with a B Permit

Legal Requirements and Eligibility

Proof of activity and viability

One key legal requirement is demonstrating that your planned self-employment is genuine and viable. At the time of registering as self-employed (or when applying to convert/renew your permit), Swiss authorities will ask for evidence of your freelance business. You may need to show a business plan, contracts or client agreements, invoices for work done, or other proof that you have an active business that can financially sustain you (From EU/EFTA).

Examples of accepted proof include a valid VAT number, an entry in a professional register (if applicable), registration with social insurance as self-employed, accounting records of your business, or an entry in the commercial register (From EU/EFTA). The core idea is to convince authorities that you will not become a burden on social welfare – in other words, that your freelance income (or resources) will be enough to support yourself (and any dependents). For instance, when first applying for a self-employment permit, you must submit “documents proving that you are or will be self-employed and can support yourself and your family (e.g. your accounting records)” (Working in Switzerland as a foreign national).

Permit issuance and duration

If you are coming to Switzerland specifically to be self-employed (or switching your purpose of stay to self-employment), you should inform the cantonal migration office and apply for self-employment authorization.

For EU/EFTA citizens, once approved, the authorities will issue a B residence permit valid for five years (renewable) for the purpose of self-employment (Self-Employment). In practice, if you already hold a B permit (for example, obtained through a salaried job or family reunification), you are allowed to become self-employed without needing a completely new permit – but you should notify the cantonal authorities of your change in activity.

The good news is that an EU B permit includes full professional mobility: you can change employers or switch from salaried work to self-employment (and vice versa) without losing your residence rights (From EU/EFTA). Just ensure that at your next permit renewal you can provide evidence of ongoing gainful activity or sufficient income. (Cantonal migration offices can provide guidance in individual cases (From EU/EFTA).)

Exceptions and special cases

Note that there can be restrictions for certain professions or scenarios. Some regulated professions (e.g. doctor, notary, financial auditor) require specific authorization or qualifications before you can practice independently (Self-Employment).

These regulations can be federal or cantonal, so if your freelance work falls into a regulated field, check the requirements (licenses, diplomas, etc.) in that industry. Additionally, as of 2023, Croatian nationals (who recently gained full EU free movement rights) are subject to temporary quotas in Switzerland – meaning a Croat seeking self-employment might need a quota-limited B permit (From EU/EFTA). This is a special safeguard measure and may be lifted in the future, but it’s worth confirming the current status if it applies to you.

Other EU/EFTA nationals do not face quota limits for permits. Finally, non-EU nationals generally cannot freelance in Switzerland on a B permit unless they have a C permit or are a spouse of a Swiss/C-permit holder (Self-Employment) – but this does not concern EU citizens, who benefit from the free movement agreement.

Registration Process with Swiss Authorities (SVA/AVS, Tax Office, etc.)

When starting work as a freelancer in Switzerland, you must take care of several registrations and notifications with the authorities:

Communal registration (residence permit): If you are new to self-employment and just arrived in Switzerland, you must register your arrival and apply for a residence permit (B) at your commune (local municipality) within 14 days (Working in Switzerland as a foreign national). Since you already have a B permit, this step is essentially done, but if you change cantons or addresses, update your registration. Importantly, when switching to self-employment, inform the cantonal immigration office of your new work status (they might ask for the proof of self-employed activity described above).
For an EU national with an existing B permit, this notification is usually a formality, but it ensures your official records reflect that you are now self-employed. If you were initially on a short-term permit or job-seeker status, you would apply for a 5-year B permit once you can show your freelance business is established (Self-Employment).
Registering with social insurance (SVA/AVS): Social security registration is a critical step. All self-employed persons in Switzerland must register with a cantonal compensation office (German: Ausgleichskasse, French: Caisse de compensation) – this is the office that administers AHV/AVS (the state pension/old-age insurance system) and other first-pillar social insurances. You will need to contact the compensation office for your canton (often part of the cantonal social security authority, sometimes called SVA) to announce the start of your self-employment and apply for recognition of your self-employed status (Self-Employment) (Self-Employment).Important: this is to be done once you started your activity, not before! You do not need to ask for permission to start your business.
This involves filling out an affiliation form (available from the compensation office) and submitting supporting documents about your business (evidence of clients, invoices, etc.). The compensation office will evaluate whether you meet the criteria for self-employment – i.e. working on your own account and at your own risk, with multiple clients, your own infrastructure, etc., as defined by Swiss social insurance law (Self-Employment) (Self-Employment).
Once they recognize your status, they will enroll you for AHV/AVS contributions as a self-employed person. It’s advisable to initiate this within a few months of starting your freelance activity (Self-Employment) so that you are properly insured and contributing from the outset. Registration with the compensation office is crucial not only for insurance but also serves as proof of self-employment for other authorities (From EU/EFTA).
Tax registration and VAT: Unlike employees, freelancers don’t have an employer withholding taxes from their pay, so you will be responsible for your own taxes. In Switzerland, if you hold a B permit and were previously taxed at source through an employer, becoming self-employed means you’ll typically switch to the standard tax return system. You should inform your cantonal tax office that you have become self-employed. In practice, after year-end you will need to file an income tax return declaring your earnings (more on taxes below). There isn’t a special “freelancer tax permit”, but be prepared for the administrative duty of filing taxes annually.

Additionally, you must consider VAT (MWST/TVA) obligations. If your annual gross revenue from freelancing will exceed CHF 100,000, you are required to register for Value Added Tax (VAT) with the Federal Tax Administration (Self-employment in Switzerland ). Once registered, you’ll need to charge VAT on your services (except if your services are in exempt categories) and periodically remit it. If your income will be below CHF 100,000, you are exempt from mandatory VAT registration, but you may choose to register voluntarily. Many small freelancers initially stay below the threshold and do not register for VAT, sparing themselves the quarterly paperwork; just keep an eye on your earnings in case you approach the limit. VAT registration can be done online (e.g. via the EasyGov portal) and the Federal Tax Administration’s website can help determine if your business must register (Self-employment in Switzerland ).
Commercial register and business formality: Most solo freelancers operate as a sole proprietorship (no legal entity separate from the owner) because it’s simple and has no minimum capital. There is no need to immediately register a sole proprietorship in the commercial register unless your annual turnover reaches CHF 100,000 (Self-Employment). Below that, registration is optional (though you can do it voluntarily for credibility). Once you cross CHF 100k in revenue, registration becomes mandatory for sole proprietors (Self-Employment). Registering in the commercial register will protect your business name and also comes with obligations like proper bookkeeping and being subject to debt collection/bankruptcy rules (Self-Employment). If you decide to incorporate a company (e.g. an Sàrl/LLC), then registration is required from the start. But for a typical freelancer, the registration process initially is mainly with the social insurance (SVA) and tax authorities, not the commercial registry.

In summary, the process to go freelance on a B permit involves notifying the immigration authorities, registering with the compensation office for social security after you started your activity, and handling any necessary tax/VAT registrations. It’s also wise to set up a professional bank account and maintain records from day one, as you’ll use these for both proving your status and for tax filings. Each canton may have its own nuances (for example, some cantons might want you to fill an additional form to update your permit details), so when in doubt, ask your cantonal population office or consult the SME Portal guidelines.

Required Documents

and Proof of Financial Viability

To successfully register as a self-employed (freelancer) and satisfy the authorities, you should prepare a bundle of documents that demonstrate your business is real and financially viable. Key documents and evidence include:

Business Plan and Description: A solid business plan can help show the migration office how you intend to earn a living. This should outline your services, target market, pricing, and financial projections. While not always formally required, a business plan is highly recommended, especially if you are applying for a self-employment permit or trying to convince authorities of your viability (From EU/EFTA). It shows you have thought through your venture and expect to generate income.
Proof of Professional Activity: Swiss authorities typically want to see that you have either started your freelance activity or are ready to start. For example, the cantonal compensation office (for AHV) asks for documentary evidence of your self-employment when you apply for affiliation. This can include copies of invoices issued to clients, contracts or service agreements you have signed, offers or proposals you’ve made to potential clients, and even things like your business stationery (letterhead or business cards) with your name/business name (Self-Employment). If you rent an office or workspace, a copy of the lease can be useful. Proof of having obtained professional liability insurance (Responsabilité Civile, if relevant in your field) is another item sometimes included (Self-Employment). Essentially, you need to convince the compensation office and immigration authorities that you have already begun working independently and are not just planning to do so in theory. In fact, to get your self-employed status recognized for social insurance, you must show you’ve started activity – it’s often said that you need to already have a few invoices or contracts in hand (Self-Employment). Don’t worry if you’re at the very beginning: even small jobs or letters of intent from clients can serve as evidence.
Financial Proof of Viability: Along with evidence of activity, you should demonstrate that this activity can financially sustain you. This can be done by showing initial income or capital. For instance, if you’ve already billed some clients, prepare an income statement or simple accounting records showing revenue and expenses to date. The authorities might want to see that you have either sufficient savings or anticipated earnings to cover your living costs. As noted on the official Swiss portal, you must provide documents proving you can “support yourself and your family” as a self-employed person (Working in Switzerland as a foreign national). If you have personal savings or an outside income, you might include bank statements or proof of funds to bolster your case (especially if your freelance business is not yet profitable). Conversely, showing that you’ve registered for VAT or entered the commercial register can serve as indicators that your business is serious and expected to generate significant income (From EU/EFTA). While those are only mandatory at higher income levels, having them early is a strong sign of viability.
Identification and Permits: Don’t forget basic documents like your passport or ID card (for any official application) (Working in Switzerland as a foreign national). If you already have a Swiss permit, that document is needed for any updates. If you’re applying anew, you’ll include the application form for the permit along with the evidence above.

To summarize, the authorities will look for signs of an active, sustainable business: actual or pending client engagements, a credible plan for income, and assurance that you won’t run out of money. It’s a good idea to compile a dossier with all these pieces when you approach the cantonal offices. Providing comprehensive documentation upfront can speed up approval of your self-employed status. If anything is missing, the offices might ask for additional proof (for example, more contracts or a revised financial plan). Once they are satisfied, your status as a freelancer will be officially recognized.

Working as a freelancer in Switzerland means taking on new responsibilities for taxes and social insurance that an employer would normally handle. Here’s what to expect:

Income Tax: Freelancers are taxed on their business profits as personal income. Since a sole proprietorship is not a separate legal entity, all the earnings from your freelance work are considered part of your income and will be subject to income tax at the federal, cantonal, and communal levels. In practical terms, you will need to file an annual tax return declaring your total income, including what you earned from self-employment (Tax return: Completing it, declaring your income). You’ll list your business revenue minus business expenses (allowable deductions) to arrive at net profit, which is then added to any other income you have. Switzerland’s tax system is progressive, so higher earnings could push you into higher tax brackets. Keep in mind that if you were previously taxed at source (Quellensteuer/impôt à la source) via an employer, transitioning to self-employment usually means you’ll now pay taxes by declaration – the cantonal tax office will calculate your tax based on the return you file and send you a bill (often split into installments). It’s wise to set aside a portion of your income for taxes throughout the year, to avoid surprises when the tax bill arrives. Also note, self-employed individuals can typically deduct legitimate business expenses (equipment, office rent, travel costs, etc.) on their tax return, which reduces taxable income (Tax return: Completing it, declaring your income). You should maintain proper accounts to substantiate these when filing.
Social Insurance (AHV/AVS – 1st Pillar): As a freelancer, you are required to contribute to the Swiss social security system just like any working person. The key difference is that, without an employer, you must pay the full contribution yourself. Specifically, you’ll pay into AHV/AVS (Old Age and Survivors’ Insurance), DI/AI (Disability Insurance), and EO/APG (Loss of Earnings/Maternity military service insurance) – collectively known as the 1st pillar. The contribution rate for self-employed people is a percentage of your net income, on a sliding scale. For moderate to higher incomes, expect roughly a 10% rate (for example, around 10.1% of net profit, though lower incomes have reduced rates) plus administrative fees (Self-Employment) (Contribution rates). Unlike an employee who pays only half while the employer pays the other half, a self-employed person covers the entire contribution alone (Self-Employment). After you register with the compensation office, they will assess your contributions – often you’ll pay provisional quarterly contributions based on an estimated income, then a final adjustment once your actual income is known from your tax declaration. It’s important to budget for these AHV payments. The minimum annual AHV contribution for self-employed is on the order of a few hundred francs if your income is very low, but failing to register and pay can lead to surcharges or issues, so stay on top of this.
Occupational Pension (BVG/LPP – 2nd Pillar): Enrollment in a pension fund is not mandatory for the self-employed. When you leave salaried employment, you typically leave your employer’s pension fund; you may transfer your accrued pension capital into a vested benefits account. As a freelancer, you can choose to contribute to a voluntary pension plan (either by joining a pension foundation for self-employed or through Pillar 3a private retirement savings). The Swiss authorities recommend continuing with some form of pension saving for long-term security (Self-Employment), but it’s up to you. You cannot (and need not) pay into the unemployment insurance scheme as self-employed – by law, independent workers may not contribute to unemployment insurance (Self-Employment). This means you will not be eligible for unemployment benefits if your business income stops; this is an important consideration addressed below.
Health and Accident Insurance: Swiss health insurance is mandatory for all residents, whether employed or self-employed, so you must keep your health coverage active. There’s no change here except you’ll pay the full premium yourself (if an employer previously paid part of it, e.g. some employers subsidize health insurance, that ends when you’re on your own). One thing to check is accident insurance: employers typically provide accident insurance for their employees (covering both workplace and non-work accidents). As a freelancer, you are no longer automatically covered by an employer’s accident policy. You should ensure your health insurance policy includes accident coverage (usually an add-on if you have no employer coverage) or buy a separate accident insurance policy (Self-Employment). This will cover medical costs from accidents and can include daily allowances for lost income in case you’re injured. It’s also prudent to consider earning-loss insurance (Taggeld/indemnité journalière) – a private insurance that pays you a portion of income if you can’t work due to illness. While not mandated, such coverage is recommended for self-employed individuals (Self-Employment), since you don’t have an employer providing sick leave salary continuation.
Other insurance and funds: If you hire any staff in the future, you’ll be responsible for their obligatory contributions (AHV, accident insurance, pension if applicable, etc.) (Self-Employment). For your own business needs, certain insurances might be required or advisable. For example, professional liability insurance (RC pro) is mandatory in some fields and generally wise if your freelance work could cause client damages. Some cantons require specific insurance depending on the activity (e.g., if you open a physical office, fire insurance might be mandatory). These fall under business considerations – the main point is to cover personal social insurances (health, AHV) and understand what’s optional.
VAT and other taxes: We touched on VAT registration above. To reiterate, if your freelance annual turnover exceeds CHF 100,000, you must register for VAT (Self-employment in Switzerland ) and charge 8.1% VAT (the standard rate, or lower rates for special services) on your invoices. You will file periodic VAT returns (usually quarterly) and can reclaim VAT on your business purchases. If under CHF 100k, you don’t charge VAT, which keeps things simpler (though you also can’t reclaim VAT on expenses). Besides income tax and VAT, there aren’t other major taxes specific to self-employment – however, you will pay wealth tax on your net assets as part of the normal cantonal taxes (this includes any business assets since they are essentially your property in a sole proprietorship). If you eventually incorporate (forming an SA or Sàrl), the tax situation changes (the company pays profit tax and you pay income tax only on salary/dividends), but as long as you operate as a sole trader, just remember: declare your self-employed income in your tax return along with any other earnings (Tax return: Completing it, declaring your income), and budget for AHV contributions which you pay in full (Self-Employment).

In summary, freelancing on a B permit means taking over the duties of an employer in terms of social contributions and taxes. You must proactively handle your AHV registration and payments, file tax returns (with self-employment accounts attached), and comply with VAT law if applicable. The system expects self-employed individuals to be diligent, but the process is well-defined and assistance is available (cantonal tax offices and compensation offices can answer questions or adjust your payment schedules if needed).

Restrictions or Limitations for B Permit Holders

For the most part, an EU national with a B permit has broad rights to work as a freelancer, but there are a few limitations and considerations specific to your permit status:

Maintaining Residence Rights: The B permit under EU/EFTA free movement is contingent on being economically active (employed or self-employed) or otherwise financially self-sufficient. This means your permit remains valid as long as you are working or have means to live without Swiss welfare assistance. If your freelance venture fails to provide sufficient income, you could face difficulties at renewal time. Swiss authorities may not monitor your income continuously, but when you renew your B permit (typically every 5 years for EU citizens), you may need to show that you have been gainfully employed or that you have enough resources to continue residing in Switzerland. Falling into poverty or relying on social help can jeopardize your residency. Thus, the viability of your self-employment is crucial for your permit – it’s both a legal and practical requirement to earn enough to support yourself (Working in Switzerland as a foreign national). Plan accordingly so that you meet the renewal criteria. (If things go poorly, EU citizens do have some grace period to seek employment or get back on track, but it’s best to avoid that scenario by keeping your freelance activity profitable or finding other work if needed.)
Geographic and Professional Mobility: One advantage of the EU B permit is flexibility – it grants full geographic and professional mobility within Switzerland (From EU/EFTA). This means you are not tied to one canton or one employer. You can move to a new canton or change the nature of your work (switch between freelance and employment, or change industry) without needing special permission, as long as you continue to meet the general permit conditions. So, there is no legal restriction saying you must stay in the field or job you initially came for. An EU B permit holder can, for example, go from being an IT employee in Zurich to a freelance consultant in Vaud, or vice versa. Just remember to update your address with the commune and, if you change status (employment <-> self-employment), inform the immigration office. The freedom to be self-employed is explicitly protected for EU nationals by the Switzerland-EU agreements (From EU/EFTA).
No Work Quotas (except one case): Generally, EU/EFTA B permit holders are not subject to labor market quotas or foreign worker limits. The only exception currently is for Croatian citizens due to a temporary measure – Croatians need a work permit from a limited quota until those restrictions are lifted (From EU/EFTA). If you are a Croatian B permit holder, ensure you follow the latest guidelines, as you might need additional approval to change jobs or start a business during the quota period. For all other EU/EFTA nationals, there is no quota or prior labor market test required for self-employment – this is a huge difference from non-EU citizens, who face strict permit quotas and conditions.
Scope of Work: Having a B permit allows you to engage in gainful activity throughout Switzerland, but it doesn’t override other legal requirements related to your work. If your freelance work is in a regulated profession, you must still obtain the necessary Swiss qualifications or authorizations (for example, you cannot practice as an independent physician or architect without Swiss recognition of your credentials, even if your permit is valid). Some activities (like taxi services, financial advising, legal services, etc.) may require cantonal licenses or adherence to specific rules (Self-Employment). These are not limitations of the B permit per se, but general legal restrictions on certain occupations. Be sure to check if your freelance field has any special requirements in Switzerland.
Working for Clients Abroad: Your Swiss residence permit allows you to live and work in Switzerland, but it doesn’t restrict who your clients are. As a freelancer, you can absolutely take on clients from outside Switzerland (many freelancers work remotely for foreign companies). Just be mindful of tax implications if you have overseas income, and ensure you remain based in Switzerland (if you start residing mostly outside Switzerland, you might need a different status). The B permit requires that Switzerland is your primary residence.
Side Business vs. Main Activity: If you plan to do freelance work on the side of a regular job (i.e., you keep your primary employment and freelance in your free time), your B permit already covers your right to work, but you should check a couple of points. First, verify that your employment contract doesn’t forbid secondary employment – many Swiss employment contracts allow it only with employer approval or prohibit side jobs that compete or interfere with the main job. Legally, the state has no issue with you doing both, as long as you can manage it. Just ensure the side gig remains subordinate to your main job in terms of time and that it does not negatively impact your primary employment (Becoming a freelancer or self-employed in Switzerland | Expatica). Also remember that all income (primary job + freelance) will be aggregated for taxes (Becoming a freelancer or self-employed in Switzerland | Expatica), possibly pushing you into a higher bracket. Keep your employer informed if required by your contract. If your freelance work grows, you might eventually choose to make it your main activity and leave the job – at that point the considerations revert to those of a full-time freelancer as discussed.

In summary, the B permit itself imposes no special barriers on freelancing for EU nationals – it grants a lot of freedom. The limitations to watch are ensuring you remain self-sufficient financially, complying with any industry-specific rules, and managing multiple commitments responsibly. As long as you adhere to these, an EU B permit is a very flexible status that indeed allows you to work as a freelancer in Switzerland without problem.

Practical Steps to Get Started as a Freelancer

If you’ve decided to move forward, here is a step-by-step overview of how an EU B permit holder can start freelancing in Switzerland:

Read the guide

Potential Challenges and Considerations

While freelancing in Switzerland as a B-permit holder is entirely feasible, be mindful of a few challenges and important considerations:

Financial Stability and Permit Renewal: Your continued residency depends on not becoming a public charge. Insufficient income is a risk factor – if your freelance income is too low to live on and you seek social aid, the authorities might question your permit renewal. Plan for an initial period where income might be low; having savings to cover your living expenses for a few months (or a side job) can provide a safety net. By the 5-year renewal point of your B permit, you want to show a track record of earnings or at least a viable business pipeline. If you cannot support yourself via freelancing, be prepared to either find supplementary income or, in the worst case, you might lose your right to reside. However, short-term fluctuations are understood – what matters is the overall self-sufficiency.
No Unemployment Safety Net: As mentioned, self-employed people cannot pay into unemployment insurance and therefore are not eligible for unemployment benefits if the business fails (Self-Employment). This is a significant difference from being an employee. It means you have to create your own “safety net.” Consider building an emergency fund that could cover several months of expenses should your freelance work dry up or you decide to pivot. Also note, if you eventually decide to close your business and look for a job, you won’t have unemployment compensation to tide you over (unless you previously had a long enough salaried position and became unemployed before going freelance, in which case some rights might carry over, but once you’re purely self-employed, you’re outside the unemployment insurance system). This lack of UI coverage makes it extra important to ensure you have a cushion or insurance for loss of earnings due to illness/accident, etc.
Administrative Burden: When you go freelance, you take on all the admin tasks that an employer would normally handle – and Switzerland is known for its meticulous paperwork. You’ll need to manage bookkeeping, invoicing, tax declarations, and social security payments. Different authorities (tax office, AHV office, perhaps VAT office) will expect forms or payments at different times. This can be challenging if you are not organized or if you’re not comfortable working in the local language. You might face documents in German, French or Italian depending on your canton. It’s important to stay on top of deadlines (for example, paying AHV quarterly, filing taxes by March/April, etc.). Many freelancers hire an accountant or fiduciary for an hour or two, especially at year-end, to ensure everything is in order. The cost can be worth it to avoid mistakes. On the plus side, Switzerland offers online services (some cantons let you do taxes and AHV online) and clear guidelines; just be prepared for a learning curve in the first year.
Fluctuating Income and Taxes: Unlike a stable salary, freelance income can vary month to month. This unpredictability requires budgeting. Remember that your taxes will be calculated on your full-year earnings; a big project in late in the year could bump up your tax bracket unexpectedly. To avoid cashflow issues, set aside money for taxes from each payment you receive (some adopt the rule of thumb of saving ~30% of each invoice for taxes/AHV). Also consider making voluntary pension contributions (Pillar 3a) if you have a good year, as that can reduce your taxable income while bolstering your retirement savings. Being disciplined with finance is key to a sustainable freelance life.
Business Development: As a newcomer to freelancing, finding clients and growing your business is an obvious challenge. This isn’t a legal hurdle, but it’s a practical one – make sure you dedicate time to marketing your services, networking, and possibly learning some local language if that will help you attract clients. Joining professional associations or attending local business events can be valuable. Switzerland can be high-cost, so building a solid client base (maybe including international clients who pay in stronger currencies) can ease financial pressure. Also, keep in mind cultural and legal norms: for example, having contracts in place for your work, understanding Swiss payment habits (30-day payment terms are common), and knowing any regulations in your field (as mentioned, some professions have licensing requirements).
Concurrent Employment Considerations: If you maintain a regular job while freelancing on the side, ensure you balance both. Do not let the side gig affect your performance at your main job (Becoming a freelancer or self-employed in Switzerland | Expatica). Typically, doing some freelance work on evenings/weekends is fine, but overtiredness or conflicts of interest must be managed. Also, confirm that your employer has been informed if required – some employers in Switzerland are quite open to employees having side projects, as long as there’s no competition or conflict in schedule. It’s often just a courtesy to let them know. By law, your B permit already covers both employment and self-employment, so it’s purely an issue between you and your employer. If your freelance work grows, you might eventually switch to full-time self-employment, at which point the steps and responsibilities we discussed fully apply.
Regulatory and Legal Compliance: Always keep an eye on any changes in law or regulations that might affect freelancers or foreign residents. Switzerland occasionally updates rules (for example, social insurance rates can change, or new requirements for foreign service providers could appear). As an EU national, also watch for any updates to the Free Movement agreement that could affect permit conditions (though none are expected to restrict rights in the near term). If you plan to offer cross-border services (like physically going to EU countries for gigs), ensure you comply with those countries’ rules too (separate from your Swiss status). In Switzerland, make sure you renew your permit on time, update your address when you move, and pay taxes/fees punctually – Swiss bureaucracy is efficient but not forgiving of lapses.

Despite these challenges, many EU citizens successfully run freelance businesses in Switzerland. The country’s stable economy, strong legal system, and respect for entrepreneurship provide a good environment for freelancing. Just go in with eyes open about your obligations. If needed, seek professional advice early (from a tax advisor or lawyer) to avoid any pitfalls. With careful planning and diligence, you can enjoy the flexibility of freelancing while staying fully compliant with Swiss laws – yes, as an EU B permit holder you absolutely can be a freelancer in Switzerland, and now you know how to proceed.

Freelancer in Switzerland with a B Permit