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Legal & FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions – For Companies

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What exactly does Care & Finance do for companies?

Care & Finance provides structured administrative support for international employees during the first 90 days after their arrival in Switzerland. For individuals, a separate FAQ section is available further below.

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In practical terms, this includes:

  • Guidance with selecting Swiss health insurance (model, deductible, deadlines)

  • Orientation regarding bank account opening (documents, banks, process)

  • Structuring and explaining official correspondence

  • Monitoring deadlines and providing administrative orientation within the Swiss system

  • Direct communication with employees in German, French or English

  • Short, structured status updates to HR

 

Care & Finance does not replace a relocation agency or an HR department — it specifically supports HR during the most administratively intensive phase.

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Which companies is the service suitable for?

The service is designed for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Switzerland that regularly or occasionally hire international professionals and whose HR teams cannot or prefer not to manage this administrative support themselves.

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Typical industries: IT / software, pharma / medtech, consulting, engineering
Typical locations: Zurich, Geneva, Basel, Zug
Typical company size: 20–250 employees

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What is the “administrative gap” that Care & Finance fills?

Relocation agencies manage the relocation process — housing, schools, permits.
HR handles contracts, onboarding and team integration.

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Between these two areas, an important responsibility often remains unclear:

  • Who explains letters from the municipality, AHV or health insurance providers?

  • Who keeps track of deadlines and forms?

  • Who answers administrative questions during the first weeks?

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This is precisely where Care & Finance steps in.

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Does Care & Finance compete with our HR department?

No. Care & Finance complements HR — it does not replace it.

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HR teams in SMEs are generalists responsible for recruiting, contracts, payroll and many other functions. Administrative guidance for international employees — including insurance selection, official correspondence and deadlines — is a specialised area that requires time.

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Care & Finance handles exactly these tasks: structured, multilingual and in the background.

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How much HR effort is typically required per international hire?

A conservative estimate is that each international hire generates approximately 2–3 hours of administrative HR work, primarily related to insurance questions, official correspondence and follow-up requests.

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With 10 international hires per year, this corresponds to roughly 20–30 hours — almost an entire working week spent on operational administrative tasks.

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Care & Finance reduces this effort to less than one hour per case for HR.

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What happens if the 90-day health insurance deadline is missed?

International employees are required to obtain Swiss health insurance within 90 days after registering their residence (Swiss Health Insurance Act, Art. 3).

If this deadline is missed:

  • The canton assigns the person to a health insurance provider — without choice

  • Premiums are calculated retroactively from the date of arrival

  • Additional administrative fees may apply

 

Care & Finance ensures that this deadline is respected and guides employees through the selection of an appropriate insurance model.

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What packages are available for companies?

Admin-Onboarding Starter

For companies with 1–3 international hires per year.

Includes:

  • 3 structured sessions per employee (before relocation, after arrival, follow-up)

  • Support with health insurance selection

  • Deadline monitoring and administrative correspondence

  • Short status update for HR

Admin-Onboarding Retainer

For companies with regular international hires (approx. 4–5+ per year).

Includes:

  • Monthly hour allocation

  • Defined response times (24–48 hours)

  • Monthly HR updates

An initial consultation is free of charge.

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How does the collaboration work?

  1. Initial consultation (free, approx. 30 minutes): We discuss your current situation, the number of international hires and how a collaboration could work.

  2. Proposal & agreement: You receive a tailored proposal. Once a simple service agreement is signed, the collaboration can begin.

  3. Employee support: I communicate directly with international employees — HR remains informed through structured updates.

 

In which languages is the support provided?

German · French · English

Employees receive support in the language that is easiest for them to understand — without HR needing to translate or mediate.

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Is Care & Finance independent?

Yes. Care & Finance operates independently from insurers, health insurance providers and other service providers — without commissions and without product sales.

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This means recommendations are based solely on the employee’s situation, not on partner incentives.

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Is there a pilot offer?

Yes. Companies that would like to test the collaboration can start with a pilot offer for 2–3 international hires.

Interested? → Schedule a non-binding introductory call: info@careandfinance.ch

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Care & Finance – Legal notice for companies

Care & Finance provides administrative guidance and orientation services. The services offered do not constitute legal, tax or insurance advice in the legal sense and do not replace services provided by lawyers, fiduciaries or licensed insurance advisors.

Frequently Asked Questions – For Individuals

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What does Care & Finance do?

Care & Finance supports private individuals in Switzerland with bureaucracy, bills and everyday financial organisation. I explain, structure and guide you – in a clear, discreet and respectful way.

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Is Care & Finance a financial or tax consultancy?

No. Care & Finance does not provide financial, tax, legal or investment advice in the legal sense. I help you understand your situation, create structure and make informed decisions.

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Who is Care & Finance suitable for – and who is it not?

Do you feel overwhelmed by bills, health insurance letters and administrative chaos, but you do have an income? Are you new to Switzerland, don’t speak perfect German and would like someone who explains things clearly and helps you create structure? Then you are in the right place.

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Care & Finance is for you if:

  • You want to organise your daily life and gain clarity about your budget

  • You need someone to go through letters and forms with you, without pressure or judgement

  • You are looking for flexible online appointments, also in the evening, in your language (German / French / English)

  • You want long-term structure rather than one-off crisis support

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I will refer you if:

  • You are heavily in debt with enforcement or wage garnishment – then a specialised debt counselling service is more suitable

  • You need legal or tax advice 

  • You are entitled to free counselling and would like to use it

 

In short: I am your everyday support – not your lawyer, tax advisor or crisis service.Together, we create structure and relief, at your pace and on equal terms.

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What is the difference between Care & Finance and free advisory services (e.g. Caritas, debt or budget counselling)?

In Switzerland, there are many valuable free advisory services, such as debt and social counselling provided by Caritas, cantonal offices or budget counselling centres. These services mainly support people in acute financial distress, for example with debt enforcement, wage garnishment or severe over-indebtedness, and often work closely with public authorities.

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Care & Finance does not replace these services.

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My offer is aimed at people who generally have an income but feel overwhelmed in everyday life by paperwork, bills, health insurance and budgeting – and who are looking for calm, personal guidance.

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The main difference lies in how we work together:

  • I take time and go through your documents step by step with you.

  • I explain processes and letters in clear, simple language (German / French / English) and on equal terms.

  • Appointments take place online and flexibly, also in the evening if needed.

  • We work at your pace, with a focus on structure, everyday life and implementation – not just a one-time consultation.

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If I notice that your situation would be better supported by a free specialist service (e.g. debt counselling or social services), I will say so openly and gladly help you find the right contact.

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In short: If you can and want to use a free service, you absolutely should.
If you prefer personal, flexible, multilingual support in your everyday life, Care & Finance can be a meaningful complement.

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In which languages is the consultation available?

Consultations are available in:

  • German

  • French

  • English

 

How does the consultation take place?

Most sessions take place online via video call (e.g. Zoom or Google Meet). In-person meetings in Bern are possible by arrangement (for example in a café).

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Do I need to prepare all documents in advance?

No. Simply bring what you have (letters, bills, emails).

We will review together what is relevant and what is not.

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Can Care & Finance help with debt?

Care & Finance supports clients in gaining administrative clarity and structuring their budgets. In cases involving debt, debt collection proceedings, or wage garnishments, I refer clients directly to specialized free advisory services such as Caritas or official debt counselling services.

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How does the initial consultation work?

The initial consultation is non-binding.

We clarify:

  • your current situation

  • where you need support

  • whether and how I can help

After that, you decide whether you would like to book a service.

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How much does the support cost?

Care & Finance works with transparent packages and fair pricing.

Current prices are listed on the services page. Reduced rates may be possible in justified cases – feel free to contact me.

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Are social rates available at Care & Finance?

Yes. In certain situations, reduced rates (social rates) are possible.
Please feel free to mention this openly during the initial consultation – we will look together at what is realistic and fair.

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Who is eligible for social rates?

Income situation

  • You receive social assistance, supplementary benefits, or unemployment benefits

  • or your net income is below CHF 3'000 per month (single person)

Moderate level of debt

  • More than 5 open reminders or bills over CHF 100

  • No current wage garnishment or debt enforcement
    (in such cases, I refer directly to Caritas or a debt counselling service)

Life situation

  • Single parent with underage children

  • Refugee / asylum status, or living in Switzerland for less than 2 years

 

In cases of severe over-indebtedness

In cases of wage garnishment, debt enforcement, or personal bankruptcy, I am unfortunately not able to provide support. However, I am happy to help you find the appropriate free support service (e.g. Caritas, debt counselling, social services).

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Pricing – Care & Finance

Standard rates
The prices reflect the individual effort and personal support provided.
You receive concrete results, clear structure, and my full attention.

Social rates
If your financial situation is difficult, we can discuss reduced prices.

Overview of social rates

  • Paperwork Relief: CHF 99

  • Life Admin Check: CHF 179

  • Ongoing Support: CHF 129/month

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A reduced social rate is available for up to three sessions; after that, the regular offering applies.

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Is my data treated confidentially?

Yes. All information is treated confidentially. Discretion is a top priority.

Disclaimer – Care & Finance

Care & Finance provides support, explanations and guidance on administrative and insurance-related onboarding matters in Switzerland. The services offered do not constitute financial, investment, tax or legal advice in the legal sense and do not replace services provided by fiduciaries, tax advisors, banks or lawyers.

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Care & Finance supports clients in better understanding and structuring their personal situation and in making informed decisions. However, Care & Finance assumes no liability or responsibility for clients’ financial or legal decisions. The use of the services is at the client’s own responsibility.

General Terms and Conditions – Care & Finance

1. Scope

These terms and conditions apply to all services provided by Care & Finance, owned by Kiné Souare, a sole proprietorship based in Bern, Switzerland.

2. Services

Care & Finance provides personal guidance and support for everyday administrative and financial matters. The type and scope of services are agreed upon individually.

3. No professional advice

Care & Finance does not provide financial, investment, tax or legal advice in the legal sense and does not replace fiduciary, banking or legal services.

4. Appointments and cancellations

Appointments are binding. Cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance will be charged 50% of the agreed price. In case of no-show without prior cancellation, the full amount will be charged.

5. Fees

Prices are based on the rates or packages agreed upon at the time of booking. Payment is made according to individual agreement (e.g. invoice or advance payment). Prices are stated in CHF and exclude VAT. Care & Finance is exempt from VAT (annual turnover below CHF 100,000).

6. Liability

Care & Finance is liable only for damages caused by intentional misconduct or gross negligence. Liability for indirect or consequential damages is excluded to the extent permitted by law.

7. Confidentiality

All information obtained during the course of the collaboration is treated confidentially.

8. Governing law and jurisdiction

Swiss law applies exclusively. The place of jurisdiction is the registered office of the sole proprietorship in Bern, Switzerland.

9. Data Protection

Personal data is processed in accordance with the Care & Finance privacy policy and in compliance with the Swiss Federal Act on Data Protection (FADP).

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