Hello,

I have some, perhaps, difficult questions.
I plan on requesting info from the various authorities directly.
But right now, I just want to have a general idea of what to expect - and this forum seemed the best place to start.

I am a Danish citizen, working for a Swiss-based company.
The company wants me to do some work for them (mainly on-site consulting) in North America. Most of it in BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. But also some in the northern parts of the US.

The company has no preference as to where I take residence - or even if I take residence at all - UNLESS it influences taxes (ie. their income...).

I've always been fascinated by the breathtaking beauty of the Rockies - especially the Canadian Rockies.
So I thought to myself, why not base myself there?

The company would pay for transport. And I don't mind driving a lot. In fact, I'd love it, if it means driving through the amazing landscape of Canada (and USA).

Now for the questions:

- 1] Can I, as foreigner, come to Canada (on a tourist visa?) and do work there for my Swiss company? (I would not be employed by any Canadian company. I'd work for the Swiss company that does NOT have a branch in Canada.)

- 2] Can the Swiss company purchase property (plot + house) in Canada, without having a branch in Canada? Or would someone officially residing in Canada have to buy it and maybe rent it out to the Swiss company?

- 3] Same question as above, but this time pertaining to purchasing a vehicle (pickup truck/SUV).

- 4] The work I'd be doing would generate income for the company in Switzerland that I work for. Does this income somehow need to get taxed by Canadian authorities before it reaches Switzerland (and a Swiss bank account ). I know the Canadian tax 'services' probably wouldn't be thrilled about this. But nonetheless, this goes on in Europe across the borders all the time.

- 5] My salary and (most) living/transport expenses would be payed out of Switzerland. Would I be taxed by the Canadian tax services from my own salary? - Does my residency status impact this? If I'm on a tourist visa, do I have to pay Canadian taxes (in my particular situation)? Do I have to pay Canadian taxes if I have a permanent visa? Or do I pay Swiss taxes, since my salary is coming from the Swiss firm (even though some of their income is coming from Canada)?

- 6] How long does a tourist visa last? 6 Months? When it expires, how long would I have to leave the country in order to get it renewed?

- 7] Could I legally be living in property bought and owned by my Swiss employer when on a tourist visa?

- 8] Providing my Swiss employer company is allowed to own property in Canada without having a branch there, what happens if nobody is officially living there? Is this situtation even possible?

- 9] Depending on the situation, I'd very much like to have a permanent visa. (I have the feeling I'm going to love Canada). Does me working for a Swiss company count as 'real' work in Canada in the eyes of the visum authorities? I doubt I could get a worker visa as long as I'm working for a Swiss company, correct? So me working for a foreign company in Canada will earn me no points whatsoever when applying for permanent visa, right?


I have more questions, but I'll post them in another thread.
For now, I'd be super grateful if I could get some insight to the above questions.

Thanks in advance.