Self-employed? Three steps to social insurance
On this website you will find all the relevant information on social insurance for the self-employed and will be guided step by step through the application process.
What does self-employment mean in Switzerland?
Old-age and survivors’ insurance [AHV], disability insurance [IV] and the Loss of Earnings Compensation Ordinance [EO] distinguish between employees and self-employed persons. The AHV compensation offices decide who is classified as self-employed.
Any person who has not been employed to perform his/her activities and who bears the economic risk alone is classified as self-employed.
What you should know
Explanatory video
Who is self-employed?
An example
Daniel (34) would like to work as a self-employed consultant. He works from home and has invested in a laptop and in office equipment and furnishings. However, so far he has only landed one major order, which is keeping him busy one hundred percent of the time. Is Daniel self-employed? A decision will be made by the compensation office, which will establish a comprehensive picture of Daniel's activity.
Social security: pension
An example
Selma (64) has been self-employed for fifteen years and has paid social insurance contributions each year. This means that she does not have any contribution gaps. This will be a benefit for Selma next year when calculating her retirement pension.
Application process
In order to be recognised as self-employed, an application must be submitted to an AHV compensation office. You will be guided step by step through the application process.
Check characteristics
The following characteristics, among others, indicate self-employment:
The person has made significant investments, for instance in order to purchase equipment or for renovation/new construction.
He/she acts in his/her own name and on his/her own account.
A self-employed person bears costs as well as the risk of loss.
Obtain documentation
As an attachment to the application, you may have to enclose various documentation. This will enable the compensation office to establish a picture of your activities.
The following documentation is particularly useful:
offers and invoices made out to customers
proof of equity capital invested
signed contracts with customers
advertising documentation or website
Complete registration form
You can submit your application for self-employment using the following form.
What happens after registering?
You have submitted your application to the compensation office.
Each activity has its own specific characteristics. This means that every case has to be assessed individually taking account of the circumstances. Your compensation office will examine everything very carefully; this may take some time.
Wait for review
Receive a written notification