Salary

Your host at EPFL will arrange with the EPFL human resources department any salary or housing allowance you will receive during your stay at EPFL. It is important to be sure this is arranged well in advance because the papers documenting any employment or financial remuneration in Switzerland will be part of your visa and residence permit applications.

Social Security

Anyone drawing a salary in Switzerland, for any length of time, must contribute to AVS, "old age and invalidity insurance." Even if you leave after just a few months, the amount you have contributed will remain in your name and once you retire you will be elegible to draw upon this amount.

Taxes

If you are receiving any money (salary or stipend, housing allowance) from EPFL, it will be taxed at the source, i.e. before you receive it. You are not taxed in Switzerland for any salary you are drawing from your home institution while you are in Switzerland. (You are probably not exempt from tax in your home country on at least some of that salary, unless you declare nonresidence, and possibly on your Swiss salary as well. Best check with an accountant).

EPFL HR

If you have questions relating to salary, taxes, and social charges, EPFL's human resources officer  (pdf) for the School where you will be affiliated can help you.

EPFL HR