CONVINUS Global Mobility Insights - Sommer / Summer 2024 The provision of consulting services in Switzerland Autor: Friederike V. Ruch, CEO, CONVINUS The demand from Swiss companies for consulting services from abroad is high and has continued to increase in recent times. Among other things, this can be attributed to the numerous new technologies, regulations and requirements and the reorientation of Swiss companies in global markets. Swiss companies are also commissioning highly specialised consulting firms from abroad for these complex topics in particular, as these sought-after skills are not available internally or in Switzerland, or not to a sufficient extent. This current topic and the numerous aspects involved that need to be taken into account are dealt with using the following practical example: Facts of the case Peter Müller has been employed by Strategic Consulting AG in Munich (Germany) for 5 years. Mr Müller is 35 years old, a German national and lives in Germany with his partner. He is a Senior Consultant (lowest management level) and receives an annual gross base salary of EUR 85’000. He also receives a quarterly bonus, the amount of which depends on the turnover generated and is not fixed. He has a master’s degree in finance and works as a consultant. According to his German employment contract, he works 40 hours a week. Strategic Consulting AG has been awarded a contract by an insurance company in Zurich. Mr Müller is to work on this project for a total of 80 days in 2024. The 80 days are spread over the entire year 2024 and are distributed over various months. It should also be mentioned that Strategic Consulting AG has a branch in Basel (Switzerland), Strategic Consulting (Schweiz) AG. 30
CONVINUS Global Mobility Insights - Sommer / Summer 2024 Assessment Even if the facts seem simple and clear on the surface, there are still some important points to consider, which are listed and described below: 1) Remuneration When working in Switzerland, the salary must be comparable to that which a person employed in Switzerland in the same function and with the same training would receive. Compliance with the relevant salary regulations in Switzerland applies to all persons (including seconded employees). However, misunderstandings often arise for persons employed abroad, as these categories of persons remain employed abroad and generally also receive their salary from abroad. In practice, we often see that foreign companies assume that this is sufficient. To make matters worse, salary levels are regulated differently in each of the 26 Swiss cantons. The salary regulations are usually checked when a work permit is submitted or as part of labour market inspections. To compare the relevant Swiss salary, there are several so-called cantonal salary books and a tool (salary calculator) that generally covers all cantons. This is the internet link: https://entsendung.admin.ch/Lohnrechner/home 31
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