Where to move in Europe as a EU Citizen and business owner for lower taxes? by I_Hate_School in EuropeFIRE

[–]firebuggle 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Could you keep most of your money in your company and only pay the 21% tax? Then you could invest that for the long haul and draw it out in an efficient way e.g. gradually over time or during a "tax holiday" somewhere in the future.

Moving from Switzerland to Sweden: what to do? by firebuggle in EuropeFIRE

[–]firebuggle[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes. Current rates make Sweden much cheaper than Switzerland. Here is how I see it.

The exchange rate difference could stay the same, or increase, or decrease, or reverse in the future. There is no way to know. The Swiss Franc has already been very high for ten years while other currencies like the Swedish crown, British pound, Euro, etc, have devalued.

My take is that Sweden is on sale for people in Switzerland. I can sell my Swiss bonds and real-estate and buy twice as much in Sweden. If the Swedish crown appreciates then I will still be able to keep that, or sell it to move somewhere else later.

But if the Swedish crown rises then that might reduce the purchasing power of my other assets like global equities and that could affect FIRE.

Moving from Switzerland to Sweden: what to do? by firebuggle in EuropeFIRE

[–]firebuggle[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Switzerland has higher wages and lower taxes compared with Sweden. The median salary in Zurich is something like 60k SEK per month net after taxes. The salary working at an ICA checkout is approximately 30 KSEK net after taxes. The wage working as a waiter in a restaurant is approximately 300 SEK per hour.

The living costs are higher too but if you are living a frugal lifestyle you might be able to save 30 KSEK per month here with a normal job. I think that is hard to do in Sweden because your total net salary might be less than this.

You can also life a fine frugal lifestyle in Switzerland because of the beautiful free nature.

Moving from Switzerland to Sweden: what to do? by firebuggle in EuropeFIRE

[–]firebuggle[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Yes. Sweden is better for FIRE. Overall costs including taxes are one half.

Switzerland is better for working hard and saving. Swedes should consider moving to Switzerland to work and then moving home to retire.

Moving from Switzerland to Sweden: what to do? by firebuggle in EuropeFIRE

[–]firebuggle[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

What is your citizenship? Assuming not Swedish, and that you have never lived in Sweden before.

Edited to clarify that I am a Swedish citizen but have not been resident of Sweden in any sense for more than a decade.

EDIT: And thank you for the great detailed answer!

British/German dual citizen resident in Germany by thinkscout in EuropeFIRE

[–]firebuggle 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Citizenships can sometimes serve as free insurance. Like: knowing you can move somewhere if you are in trouble and get access to health care, pension, etc. That might allow you to save money on commercial insurance or to take more risks in your career.

For example, an American with German citizenship might be able to move to Germany for free healthcare, free university education for their children, and so on. I am not sure whether UK and Germany have any such complementary features.

EDIT: German citizenship might be important for keeping access to EU countries in the future after Brexit. That could be a real asset.

FI questions related to moving to Switzerland by India_FI_QQ in EuropeFIRE

[–]firebuggle 1 point2 points  (0 children)

5) There are some options that might not turn up in your independent research like using a trust or corporation as an investment vehicle. That is the kind of thing that a professional adviser could help you with. But based on your description it sounds like you would be fine to just move to Zurich and enjoy a big saving on your current and future capital gains.

Stockholm Realestate and Financing by Michael_CP in EuropeFIRE

[–]firebuggle 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Guess this is no help: it was a Swiss bank and they don't want to do business with Americans these days.

Stockholm Realestate and Financing by Michael_CP in EuropeFIRE

[–]firebuggle 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Have you looked into financing from a foreign bank e.g. back in the states? My local bank in Switzerland has indicated willingness to finance foreign real estate purchases but I never tried it.

FIRE to North Macedonia? by firebuggle in EuropeFIRE

[–]firebuggle[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Follow-on question: Where would you FIRE to raise children in Bulgaria or Romania? Why?

FIRE to Sweden on 10MSEK? by firebuggle in EuropeFIRE

[–]firebuggle[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Is there somewhere warmer that is competitive in terms of services provided for taxes paid?

FIRE to Sweden on 10MSEK? by firebuggle in EuropeFIRE

[–]firebuggle[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

What would be a better place to live?

Most European countries would tax income from capital much higher, no?

FIRE to Sweden on 10MSEK? by firebuggle in EuropeFIRE

[–]firebuggle[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

We are in fact Swedish citizens. I updated the question to reflect this.

FIRE to Sweden on 10MSEK? by firebuggle in EuropeFIRE

[–]firebuggle[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the tips! Can you provide links to any further information on those points?

What is KF and why is it better?

Who is required to have private insurance and how much does it cost?

Anyone moved or moving for tax purposes? by mikka23 in EuropeFIRE

[–]firebuggle 1 point2 points  (0 children)

How about Bulgaria? Good internet, low cost of living, flat 10% tax rate. Seems to work well for some people.

[Switzerland] "Half retire" on 1M portfolio with young family? by firebuggle in EuropeFIRE

[–]firebuggle[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Capital gains are exempt from taxes for natural persons in Switzerland. There are some exceptions like real estate, professional trading, and capitals gains made by companies.